Roger " Shea" Shafer

I wanted to share the incredible story of Roger "Shea" Shafer, a truly one-of-a-kind individual whose life was filled with remarkable achievements and adventures. Shea was born in the summer of 1937 in Buffalo, New York, to Luke and Gertrude Shafer and became a brother to Joan Nancy LaVerde. From an early age, it was clear that Shea was destined to make his mark on the world.

One of Shea's first notable decisions was to change his name to Shea as a young adult, setting the tone for a life lived on his own terms.

At the tender age of 10, Shea began shoveling snow in Buffalo to earn money and stay in shape for summer sports. His natural athleticism was evident, as he rarely lost any contest or game throughout his life, no matter the size.

Shea's talents extended beyond sports; he was also a gifted oil painter. After only three classes at a local community college, he won first prize at a local art show. This was achieved while he was recovering from a broken ankle, sustained after successfully skiing black diamonds his first day ever on skis—a story for another day.

By the age of 14, Shea was an avid hunter and fisherman, and could still shoot expert into his 80’s. At 17, he built the fastest car in town, a 1940 Ford hot rod, while also excelling as a high school letterman in football, track and field, specifically in the javelin and shot put.

At 18, Shea left home to play football at the University of Alabama under the legendary coach Paul "Bear" Bryant. Continuing his winning ways, Shea eventually moved to Florida at 20, where he worked as a bartender and bouncer at the famous Elbow Room in Fort Lauderdale. If you don't blink, you might spot him in the movie "Where the Boys Are." Challenged by a regular patron at the bar, Shea took up bowling and became a regional champion within a year.

In 1965, Shea decided to leave the East Coast for California, where his sister Nancy and her family had relocated. In California, he enjoyed the outdoors, riding his purebred Thoroughbred horse "Warlock" alongside the legendary Elizabeth Taylor. Shea even taught himself to sail using a book he found in his first apartment and successfully navigated an 18-foot sailboat to Catalina and back from Marina Del Rey.

After dabbling in various activities and having a lot of fun, Shea decided it was time for a career. In 1967 a friend bet him that he couldn't sell cars, and that weekend bet turned into a Legendary 42 year career at the world-renowned Galpin Ford.

In 1970, Shea discovered his true calling: being a husband and father. He met the love of his life, Linda Marie Manzi, and they married in 1971, raising two sons, Shawn and Shane. Shea and Linda enjoyed 40 wonderful years of marriage until Linda's passing in 2010. Shea often referred to Linda as his best friend and was immensely proud of his sons.

Shea was a lifelong practicing Catholic in fact one of his close friends was Monsignor Ed Renehan of Saint Clare’s parish in Santa Clarita. Shea took up Golf after he retired in 2009 partly because Father Ed’s influence and yes Shea had 2 hole in one’s and a couple men’s group championships of course playing in an age group 15 years his junior.

Shea once again was a winner in 2012 when he met Linda Marie Hughes. They actually met "on line" (another story), not knowing they only lived 3 miles from each other and their children even went to the same high school. They eventually sold their homes in Valencia and moved within walking distance to the beach in a senior community. They made a lot of new friends, continued to travel, stayed active and enjoyed life to the fullest.

Known affectionately as "The Coach," Shea led by example, was honest and fair, and made everyone feel welcome as part of his team. He had a natural talent for motivating people to become the best versions of themselves and would fiercely defend those he cared about. There was no one better to have your back when the chips were down and it really mattered.

Shea is Survived by his son Shawn and his wife Annie and their daughter Ava. His son Shane and his wife Sara and their kids Hayley Jayne , Addison, and Luke.

Shea Shafer's life was a testament to living faithfully, boldly, and cherishing the people you love. His legacy continues to inspire and remind us of the importance of living life to the fullest.