LISBON FALLS-Dennis L. Shaffer, 74, better known as YieYie, Chief, Mr. Topside and Schaf, passed away at home holding his wife’s hand on July 28, 2021 after a fierce battle with leukemia. Dennis was born in Ohio – one of six brothers - and found his forever home in Maine after meeting the love of his life, Patricia, while in Brunswick assigned to the USS H.E. Yarnell. They were married in Lewiston in December 1969. He served his country in the US Navy proudly for 20 years, including on the USS Canberra, USS H.E. Yarnell, and USS Coontz; in Viet Nam, California, New York, Rhode Island, Virginia, Illinois, and finally here in Maine. Following his military service, he continued to serve our country as a Combat Systems Electrical Engineer at Bath Iron Works for more than 20 years. He was, by all accounts, a gifted engineer, serving within various shipbuilding programs at BIW. His family fondly recalls him saying “I can’t tell you that” when they asked what he did at work.
Dennis was an amazing teacher, challenging each person he mentored to learn to think and problem-solve on their own, while always offering gentle guidance and advice. He could fix anything . . . and we mean anything, from engines to electronics, plumbing to carpentry, and most notably everyone’s toys.
He loved his family and friends immensely, including his wife Patricia (Gosselin); his daughters and their husbands – Tania and Ken Strout, and Katrina and Neil Arnold; his brother and sister-in-law Paul and Joanne Gosselin and his nephews Thomas and Nathan; his surviving brothers David, John, and Daniel and their families; and his best friends Jerry and Jean Burkhardt and their children. The joy of his life, however, was his grandchildren, Meighan Li and Molly Xiaoyu Strout. He loved them deeply and endlessly, even before he met them. We know he will always be watching over them.
He was predeceased by his mother, Louise, and father, William as well as his brothers, Billy and Thomas.
His family is extremely grateful for the outstanding, compassionate care provided by the team at the St. Mary’s Cancer Care and Infusion Centers over the last few months. In particular, Drs. Na Liu, Eric Lubiner, Janessa Legere and Registered Nurse Christine Poulin brought our family peace during a very challenging time.
A celebration of YieYie’s life will be held in the fall and he will be buried in the sea that he loved in the future.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Crosman Funeral Home 40 Main St. Lisbon Falls. www.crosmanfuneralhome.com
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