Thomas G. Schafer

Tomas; At Last In Heaven

12/21/2025/ 8:05 AM

Thomas G. Schafer peacefully, yet hesitantly, caught the train for his newest and most important adventure yet; HEAVEN.

He left us on Sunday morning , December 21st at 8:05 from View Ridge Care center, Everett Washington under short lived Hospice care; Tom was taken away shockingly quickly and by complete surprise due to unforeseen and elusive new cancer.

In addition to “FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS”, Tomas will also always remain:

A Philosopher, Author of Poetry, Community Leader, Mentor to many, Loyal Friend, World Class Hugger, Unquenchable Reader of books, Conscientious Objector of War, Catch and Release Fly Fisherman, Natural born Intellectual, Top Notch Reviewer of Films, Prolific Volunteer Assisting Fellow Veterans in need, Often Traveler and Tent Leader Jaunt to San Diego Homeless Veteran’s Village Annual Stand Down with beloved VA Colleagues, Social Workers, Best Friends and “adopted daughters” ❤️ White Night and Savior of Future Wife Patricia and dearly loved Step Sons Dylan and Jono who brought wonderful wives and beautiful grandchildren to the mix, At top of Tom’s favorite humans list are Karen, Catie Nikki and Halona adored Daughters in law.

Next Brittany, Sierra, Elijah, Juniper, Liam, Lucille, Millie, Cierra, Briley, Calin, Ava and sweet Kyle, all his adored and idolized grandchildren, Hesitant Vietnam conscientious Objector Combat Medic turned war hero (Purple Heart, Bronze Star) and savior of his Best Friend Oliver on a distant shrapnel littered battle field, Persistent, polite and grateful Medical patient; too many surgeries, scans, Docs and tests to count while surviving AT LEAST 9 Lives, Passer-Upper of Infamous Woodstock adventure and also potential escape to Vietnam Era Canada due to less than enthusiastic 1st wife (probably a wise choice) Hard working Paper boy and excited Boy Scout assisted by his father, Altar boy, Choir boy, 12 year Parochial School Graduate assisted by his Mother, Haight Ashbury Hippie during 1967 summer of love where local bands and neighbors consisted of Janis, Grace and Jimi, (Fun fact LSD was legal until 1966) “Part time job” as Pan Handler on streets of San Francisco in search of spare change for newspaper wrapped English fish and chips lol, Resident of Big Sur Tree House constructed in part of American Flag walls at Lime Kiln Creek, Graduate of Ohio State University earning Bachelor and Masters degrees simultaniously, Obstinate albeit Artistic Sedona City Planning Czar responsible for the (only in the world) McDonalds displaying turquoise (not golden) arches, White water rafting guide and participant, Grand Canyon Colorado River rafting tripper and passerby to Hopi Sipapu (Emergence Portal to spiritual Hopi underworld) Disco dancing (Hot) Instructor, Camping and Hiking enthusiast and summer activity guide to his 4 kiddlets. Lover of Southwest Native American culture and jewelry, Owner and Walker of Kylie Dog and Chaco the Wolf dog. Enthusiastic patient and promoter of psychotherapy, devoted friend of Bill W for over 36 years; Dear friend and weekly Coffee drinker with Everett best friends. Thank you guys ❤️ Successful and exuberant fisherman along side absolute best fishing buddies in all of the American Southwest. Sigh.

Student of The Tao ; best books Tibetan Book Of The Dead, and Tao Te Ching.

“Made it to the Top” climber of Half Dome in Yosemite.

Lover of cars and car magazines, Proud Owner of beloved 1970’s vintage Lancia Scorpion.

Vacationer, Researcher and ernest “Horseback student explorer” along side Beloved Salt Lake County Compadres at site of famed Battle of the Little Bighorn.

and finally at the pinnacle of his accomplishments… Proud Father to 2 beautiful children Alyssa and Jeremy, who produced 4 amazing grand children and 1 beautiful great grand daughter. His children are and will always be his most prized and beloved gifts to the world.

Tom adored his Mom and Dad, his 2 brothers and sister as well as many dearly loved cousins, nephews, nieces, Aunts, Uncles, grand parents and highly respected and constantly involved in-laws.

It was my greatest honor and Privilege to have been the best friend, travel companion, Lover and wife to this amazing human for 43 years.

Married at 10 O’clock Sunday morning August 19th 1984 in Fern filled Aspen grove at the base of The SanFrancisco Peaks, Flagstaff, Arizona (one of the 4 corners of The Navajo Nation) The clouds opened up with crashing lightening, laughter and monsoon rains as we said our Hippie-like (and happily high) I-dos along favorite dancing friends, family, dogs, and collective 4 children.

Oh What a trip we had ahead my love

Thank You for it all…the gallantry, braveness, PTSD pain, the above beyond and FOREVER loyalty, the recovery, the Joy of our Dance.

We set out to “mend all the cracks in our hearts”

Mission Accomplished.

Sigh.

Love you to the moon and back Sweet Tomas.

Your dearest,

Patricia (Patti Ann) Jensen Schafer

Nikki Roe Rodgers, Jono Rodgers, Dylan Rodgers, Jeremy Schafer, Karen Louise Schafer, Alyssa Schafer, Catie Rodgers, Brittany Schafer, Sierra Sharp