Chris Shafer

Dear Shafer Family - Deanna, Ben, Port, Zach, and Adele,
You all hold such a special place in my heart.  Most of my memories are of the kids when they were young so it was such a joy for me to see you in pictures as adults, smiling and enjoying each other as much as ever.   My heart breaks at the thought of your incredible loss.  Christian was an amazing big brother to watch with his younger siblings - he knew exactly when to joke around and get you guys laughing or when to be serious and knock some sense into you.  Your love and respect for him was always tangible, even when you were very young, and said as much about him as his own words and actions.  My thoughts are with you all as you find your way through your sadness and grief to a place where you can remember your dear brother and son with laughter and happiness.  
I love you and miss you all.
Lisa 

My condolences go out to the Shafer family.  I first met Christian when I was 8 - that's the name he used when I knew him - moving into the neighborhood and living up the street from the Shafer's.  It was a steep street.  I lived near the top, he lived near the bottom, making it fun to ride my bike down, and leave skid marks in front of his house.  Once the skid marks were down, I would stay down there the rest of the day.

We had a lot of great times growing up together.  Swim parties, sleepovers with late-night horror shows on TV, exchanging Christmas presents (I received a Hawaii'n Christmas record one year), hide-and-seek, taking our bikes into the hills, building ramps and jumping, etc...  

The break dancing craze hit and we all starting wearing those parachute pants, and trying to spin around on a piece of cardboard in the driveway.  One year, my family spent a week on Oahu.  I was down in the lobby of the hotel looking at the gift shop, and Christian came walking up - it took me completely by surprise, but we spent a couple of hours that day hanging out before our families' plans took us on different paths. 

Christian introduced me to new music all the time in the early 80's.  From the old school rap when we were in Middle School, to Asia and Def Leppard.  I moved away in 1988 and pretty much lost contact.  In my Freshman year in college in 1989-90, Christian and I went on a road trip during Spring Break to visit a friend in the Bay Area.  I don't remember how that trip came about, but he drove us in his convertible, going up the coast past Santa Barbara.  We hung out in Berkeley, went to Haight/Ashbury, etc...  I think that was the last time I saw him.

Christian was a great guy who was always in a good mood, always making people laugh, and just living life as if he enjoyed every minute. He had a lot of layers - even with all the different things we did together as kids, through middle school and into college, I don't think I ever really got to know him that well.  

Christian, may you rest in peace! For all of the good times we had together, I just want to say "Mahalo!"

My deepest condolences to Chris's family and everyone who knew him, you all will be in my thoughts and prayers through this difficult time.

I haven't spoken to Chris in many years but his passing has left me truly saddened knowing that this world has lost one of the best. Chris was one of the very few men I have ever met who was a genuine loving and caring person to everyone he met. He befriended me instantly and we shared some crazy fun and wonderful times together. From his concerts and us throwing our 'underwear' at him; we bought some undies and boxer shorts for one of his shows because he said girls never threw underwear at him on stage- so we did. Embarrased and flattered at the same time, the showman continued his set even through the blushing and laughter. It is one of my fondest memories of him and the times we shared together. We met while working at Devereux and his love and care for those with disabilities and his co-workers alike was unique and he had positive impact on everyone he encountered. Always modest, he was an extremely talented vocalist and I will be listening to some 'Billy Sunshine' in his memory.

You will be missed brother. RIP.

It is an incredibly special thing to meet a friend at work one day and have a beautiful bond for 20 years. I feel incredibly fortunate to have met Chris and have so many fond memories. I feel numb now as this does not seem real. Although we did not see other much over the past few years, when we did it was always the same, like no time had ever passed. We met in the early 90's and had the best time working together at Devereux. We were gonna take on the whole organization and run it our way. I have hilarious memories of our adventures with the clients, traveling, music, happy hours and many a late night. My heart goes out to Chris'  family and to Amy. In the words of one of our overly affectionate and possessive Devereux clients, he was, "My Chris" and he will be forever. 

To Chris' family and loved one's, I am so very sorry for your loss. I wish you prayers of strength and light during this time. I knew Chris going back to elementary school at Lupin Hill. He was on of my closest childhood friends and always had a glowing smile, a giving heart and a wonderful laugh. He was truly one of the sweetest people I have ever known. 

Although at least 10 years have passed since I last saw Chris, the news of his untimely passing really saddens my heart. I met him via friends around 1996, and enjoyed his fantastic voice when he was the lead singer for Billy Sunshine. As all of you know, Chris had a huge heart and was a joy to be around. What a great soul! To his close friends and family, celebrate him in your hearts. 

I just heard the news about Chris and I wanted to send my condolances to the Shafer family and to Amy. Its with a heavy heart that I write this. Chris was such a wonderful soul -- a friend to me from the first time we met as I know he was to many. 

His warmth, his smile, his humor, his kindness, his passion for music. He was such an easy person to love....  

Carrie Goldstein  

I am so sorry for your loss... The news reached me in Northeast PA on Thursday.  There are no words. I have so many memories. Chris was the last person we saw before we left Santa Barbara and we always made sure to have dinner when we were in town.  I was just listening to him sing Alien Juice and remembering the Battle of the Bands in Santa Barbara What a voice. He willl always be a rock star. Rock star, tennis buddy, comedian, kind and compassionate staff....I have rarely met anyone with Chris's insight, and creative ways to work with adults with disabilities. (oh and modest, he would hate all this praise!!)  Truly one of the best people I have known and I am thankful I had the opportunity to have him in my life. The world is a little dimmer tonight.

My heart goes out to the Shafer family and I send love and warm thoughts during this unexpected journey.  Chris was indeed a "gentle giant" and one of the kindest souls I've ever known.  Even though we lost touch over the years, the thought of him and times spent together never failed to bring a smile to my face.  Our loss is truly Heaven's gain.