Obituary: Harvey Shafer (Oct. 14, 1922 - July 26, 2009)

Harvey Shafer passed away July 26, 2009, of age related causes. He was born October 14, 1922, in Rio Del, Calif., to Harry and Doris Shafer. He attended grade school in Rio Del and later Del Norte High School. The family moved to Requa in the early 1930’s. While living in this area he worked for his father hauling logs in their family business. He was drafted into the Army in 1943. After infantry training in Mississippi he became a member of the 87th Golden Acorn Infantry Division at Fort Jackson, S.C. During the winter of 1943 this division was attached to General Patton’s Third Army and participated in the "Battle of the Bulge." In August of 1945, the 87th Division was on redeployment to the Pacific and the troops were enjoying a 30-day leave when the news of the Japanese surrender was announced.

Harvey married his wife, Etta, of 65 years in South Carolina—who survives. He is also survived by his daughters, Cindy Gondola, Janice Miyano, Rita Shafer, and Margy Reynolds; his sister, Grace Whitehead of Lometa, Tex.; grand-children, Anthony and Scott Gondola, Daran and Jeff Reynolds and Sam Miyano; one great-granddaughter, Katie Gondola and one great-grandson, Reese Reynolds.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Harold and Don Shafer; sister, Ruth Bodeker and grandson, Phillip Miyano of San Jose.

Celebration of Life services will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2009, at 11:30 a.m. at the VFW Memorial Hall, 810 H Street, Crescent City.

Contributions in Harvey’s memory to our local Del Norte Veterans Cemetery Maintenance Fund would be greatly appreciated. Donations may be sent to Wier's Mortuary, 408 G Street, Crescent City, CA 95531.

Arrangements are under the direction of Wier's Mortuary Chapel of Crescent City.