Merle E. Shaffer died on June 14 at Island Health and Rehabilitation Center. He was 85.

He was born on Aug. 24, 1923 and had lived in the area for the last 40 years. He was a member of the Eagles, Sons of Norway, Elks, Gold Wing Road Riders Association and Society of Logistic Engineers. He retired from a successful Air Force career. He was intelligent and creative, and enjoyed music, drawing and painting as well as spending quality time with his friends.

He is survived by his children, Judith Ann Shaffer and John Robert Shaffer; and his siblings, Bob Shaffer, Mary Baily and Joan Parrott. He was preceded in death by his brother, Lawrence Shaffer.

A visitation was held on June 24 followed by a graveside service at Hillcrest Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Contributions, J5-200, P.O. Box 19024, Seattle, WA 98109-1024. An online guest book is at www.cookfamilyfuneralhome.com.