Chris Shafer

I just wanted to leave my condolences and a comforting scripture. John 5:28 reads- 'Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out." This speaks of a resurrection of our dead loved ones. I know you don't know me but you and the family will be in my prayers.

All the suffering and death we see today is not God's purpose for mankind. When you get a chance visit http://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/questions/our-suffering/. This website brought me comfort during my hard time.

I only got to know Chris for a few years but they are years I am so grateful for. We had a lot in common and hit it off immediately. We both share a great love of family and I would like to send my heartfelt sympathy out to his family. I'm sorry we never met but you didn't have to be around Chris for long to know how important you were to him. I hope time is making his loss a little less sad and you are able to remember the fun of having him around.
His great compassion was obvious so I was not suprised to find that we have both worked with people with developmental disabilities. That was clearly rewarding for him.
We both sang in front of bands at one time and though I am from an earlier era and our musical styles clashed, I truely  enjoyed his voice and would have loved to see him perform. Once a rock star, always a rock star!
From the first our conversation flowed and I found him so easy to talk to. He was encouraging, intelligent, kind....but I'm not trying to paint a picture of a saint. He was also mischievious with a wicked sense of humor and was not above sarcasm which I have a guilty weakness for. But I never saw an unkind jesture from Chris.
It is very hard to imagine not being able to see him again and laugh with him. I suspect we both shared a little too much fondness for our alone time and he was always such a good reason to give up some of that introspection. I only got to know Chris for a few years and I am overwhelmed by the fact that our time together was much too short....but then all who knew him must be feeling the same.

We only met him twice but you could tell he was an exceedingly thoughtful and kind man! We went to the Getty Villa off PCH and spent the afternoon there and went for dinner at the Fish Co in Santa Monica which he graciously paid for. Our nieces met him and thought he was really nice!  Our Sincere condolences to the family the World does not need to lose such kind thoughtful people.   

Even though our road as bandmates was bumpy at times, when I think back, I can really only remember the ROCK and
the power of Chris' voice seering over the music and his smile that lit up the room.   I was fortunate to share an incredible
musical connection with him for a short time and we(Billy Sunshine) gave birth to a CD that I know many of my old
friends still bang their heads to! 
We used to roust Chris with the nickname "Shafer Light" or "Shafe Luz" because of his love of beer.  Now the name seems
to take on a whole deeper meaning.  I send my warm condolences to Chris' family and friends and I pray that a
Greater Power will carry you all.

Much Love,

Craig Rigsby

Every once in awhile, we are lucky to find a true friend who touches our heart like no other.  Months and years can go by, yet no time has passed between you, and your connection is forever strong. I feel blessed to have found that friend in Christian.  I will cherish the time that I was able to spend with such an incredible, encouraging, compassionate, and inspiring friend.  

Chris was such a wonderful man. Whether it had been one day or a year since I had seen him, it was as if we had only been apart for moments. The last time I saw Chris we were at Tratoria Victoria, and it was if only a day had passed. He was such a warm and caring person, full of humour and joy. I will always remeber the many moments we had together, whether at work at Devereux, or out and about in Santa Barbara, taliking about music or the meaning of life, or just enjoying eachothers company. He will be missed.

Hey Bubba - 

Whenever I'm down and frustrated, I think of the summer of 1989 when we worked together at Lumber City.  We used to goof around in the lumber section and cause all kinds of havoc; and, then at night, we would cruise the Valley or Malibu, or wherever looking for I don't know what.  We would always talk about life, the meaning of the universe, God, whatever. Then there were those times when you were working making surfboard leashes, of all things, and I was going to school, both of us in Santa Monica.  Oftentimes, after I got out of class and you got out of work, we would meet up at the Self-Realization Temple off Sunset and PCH.  We would walk around the perimeter admiring the gardens, the lake, and the statues. Eventually, we would sit in an alcove and read, study, or talk.

Bubba, I don't think you or I could ever figure out this world of ours.  But I hope you have all the answers now.  The last thing I remember you saying (about two years ago) was something like: "I wonder when the aliens who put me here are going to come back and pick me up!" That's classic Bubba, right there.  You really were not-of-this-world. You were a real zen master at all times.  Nothing and no one could ever faze you; you were able to keep a calm, happy equilibrium always. 

OK, my Samoan friend. We will meet again and laugh about things we maybe once took seriously down here on Earth.   

Dear Ben, Deanna and Family- We were so devastated to learn of  your loss.  We still can't believe this has happened to our gentle giant! Christian was always such a dear and kind friend. He was practically part of our family when you lived across the street. We have so many wonderful memories of all our kids hanging out together, particularly in the pool with rousing games of Marco Polo or vying to see who could do the best cannon ball (Christian's could never be surpassed!) or in the street playing hockey. We often talked about him even when we hadn't seen him in ages. He was such a caring individual who embraced all people and was so full of fun and laughter. We will miss him terribly!

My sincere condolences to the entire Shafer family. I am another one of the Devereux people that Chris left a lasting impression on. We worked together with the adult clients. Memories include Chris taking long walks with one client who was really having a hard time. I can see them walking and talking in the early morning sunlight. Quiet and meaningful talks in a dark kitchen sitting on the island at JH. When I had so much doubt about a new position he would tell me over and over "I got you-you got this" And van rides with the clients listening to him sing. I was also one of the underwear throwing shrieking groupies. We loved to go hear him play because thats when you saw inside. His eyes half closed, slight smile belting out meaningful, powerful lyrics. Such a tragic loss. I am still having trouble wrapping my head around it. I am praying for your entire family.

Chris may've thought he'd have been but a memory from my past by now, but this has really thrown me. It wasn't his time and this shattering news will have aftershocks for a while. The presence that he once had in my life, especially the large presence of his inspirational words and ways, and also his eternally-impacting songs, of which I still know nearly entirely by heart, will not be forgotten by me, and I'll do my best to continue to learn from his incredible drive and character and to share that with others. His bright and brave ways, and his many stories, and his soul-searching songs will go on for generations to come in the hearts of his many family and friends. Shafers, you have my love and deepest gratitude.  It's only with such a wonderful family, that Chris was always willing to treat the whole world like each was his brother and each was his sister.