Levi "Mack" Mchan Shafer Obituary (1924

Levi McHan "Mack" Shafer, 94, of the Banks community passed away November 17, 2018 at his home surrounded by family. Mack was born April 10, 1924 in Hayden, CO. He was one of seven children born to Edgar and Verna (McHan) Shafer. He was raised and grew up traveling across Colorado with his family. They settled in Newberg, OR when Mack was a teenager. Mack and his family then moved north gradually until making their home in Buxton, OR. In 1943, Mack enlisted in the Navy where he served for three years until he was honorably discharged in 1946. He met his future wife, Lillian Benefiel, in Buxton while on leave from the Navy. They courted for four years and were married on May 18, 1947 in a double wedding ceremony with his sister Sally and brother in law Lloyd. After serving in the Navy, Mack worked as a logger for a handful of years. Afterwards, he co-owned the Mobil Gas Station for three years where he was a jack of all trades helping out wherever he could. Mack was a natural mechanic so it made sense that after working at the station he started Shafer's Bus Garage in 1961. Mack owned, operated and repaired the buses until he was retirement. Mack enjoyed hunting and fishing. He liked to be outdoors in the wilderness and you could often find him out camping. He loved country western music, western movies and especially John Wayne movies. Being with his family was one of Mack's favorite past times whether that be out riding four wheelers with them or taking them on trips to the beach, or all the way to Disneyland and Disney World. Mack and Lillian both enjoyed trips to Reno, NV. Mack and his family would also travel across states in order to acquire buses. This was a tradition that his grandchildren were able to participate in. He loved being a grandpa, but loved being a great grandpa even more. Certain privileges were given to the great grandchildren that the children and grandchildren weren't privy to. Mack's love extended from his family to his community where he volunteered at the Banks Legion and at the Elks Club, for which he was an original founder. He was also sextant for Banks Union Point Cemetery for many years. He is preceded in death by his parents, and three of his siblings; Dorothy Stewart, Robert Shafer and Ernest Shafer. Mack is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Lillian; two children and their spouse, Sherrie Jo Shafer of Banks, OR and John and Carol Shafer of Banks, OR; three siblings and their spouses, Dick Shafer of Yuma, AZ, Joe and Cleo Shafer of Yuma, AZ, and Sally and Lloyd Fellas of Banks, OR; five grandchildren, Todd, Charise, Craig (Levi), Amy, and Lisa; eleven great grandchildren, Elizabeth, Samantha, Gabriella, Nicole, Noah, Meaza, Sierra, Jesse, Elliana, Laci and Elijah; and many nieces and nephews.