On Sept 14, Central Ohio Crime Stoppers and the Community lost a friend Randy Shaffer father of missing Ohio State medical student Brian Shaffer [www.findbrianshaffer.com]  was killed when a tree fell on him. Randy had just lost his wife to cancer when three weeks later, his son disappeared without a trace. But Randy never gave up and helped many other families with missing adults and children. He also helped to raise thousand of dollars to help fight crime for Central Ohio Crime Stoppers, along with Tony Luzio, whose son is also missing.
Randy’s family asked Kevin Miles, President of Central Ohio Crime Stoppers, to do Randy’s eulogy at his funeral. Kevin asked some of Crime Stoppers’ friends to write letters to share with the family at the funeral. You can read them on the LETTERS page of this site. You can also post your own letter to the family or memories of Randy on the DIARY page. As you will see, Randy Shaffer was loved and respected for what he has done and will be dearly missed by all.
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Randall A. Shaffer |
| SHAFFER Randall A . Shaffer, loving son, brother, husband, father, uncle and friend, passed away suddenly and tragically from a accident at his home Sunday, September 14th, 2008.Randy was a very special person in many people’s lives. He graduated from Lancaster High School with the Class of 1971. Randy excelled with his love of music while obtaining his B.A. Degree from Capital University in Music Education. Randy was also a 30 year member of the IBEW-L.U.683. Randy worked for Mid City Electric in Columbus, Ohio.There was never a stranger in Randy’s life. He made such beautiful music with his saxophone that friends requested he entertain at many area churches, bringing peace and tranquility at solemn moments and entertaining at many other gatherings. He was always willing when asked for his time to play. He will be a great addition to the Heaven’s orchestra. Randy’s family was one of the most important parts of his being. He loved to try and beat his sister, brother and father on the tennis court and always has great stories of his victories whether he won or not. He also was an avid bike rider and tried to keep a riding date with his brother when time allowed. Randy was always there to help a friend, neighbor or relative with any electrical task at hand no matter how large or small. If he didn’t solve the problem at first he wouldn’t stop until it was completed.
After the passing of Randy’s beloved wife Renee in 2006 and the disappearance of his son Brian, Randy was relentless in his search for Brian and never gave up hope. He made hundreds of friends and helped many other families in search for their loved ones while being involved with the Crimestoppers Organization for the return of missing persons. He will be sadly missed by all the people whose lives he touched. Randy is survived by his brother, Tim (Debora) Shaffer; sister, Robin (Jeff) Hoffman of Lancaster; sons, Brian and Derek Shaffer of Columbus; step-mother, Nancy Acton Shaffer of Lancaster; nephews, Chris (Jody) Shaffer of Columbus, Dan (Marnie) Shaffer of Bexley; nieces, Jamie, Betsy and Katie Hoffman of Lancaster; great-niece, Kaylee Jane Ackers of Lancaster; step-sister, Catherine Duquesnoy of Maryland; cousins, Pam Muralt of Mt. Vernon, Janet Muralt and Cindy Grile of Lancaster. Randy was preceded in death by his mother Norma Jean (Jeanie) Shaffer, father Jack L. Shaffer, love of his life for 28 years Renee Parobeck Shaffer, grandparents Irvin and Pauline Shaffer, grandparents Bill and Ida Franke, great-grandparents Cora and Jeffery Fruchey, aunt Dorthala Muralt Boystel, uncles Clifford F. Muralt and Robert Shaffer. Funeral services were held at HALTEMAN-FETT AND DYER FUNERAL HOME, 436 N. Broad St., Lancaster, OH 43130. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society , Crimestoppers or any charity of choosing in memory of Randy Shaffer. Sign the online guestbook at www.dispatch.com/obituaries |
September 22nd, 2008 at 5:28 am
The family-in-law (Renee’s sisters & mother) thank everyone for their support and kindnesses at this terrible time. Words can’t express our gratitude to others, who have given generously of their time and financial backing in our search for our dear nephew. Randy and Renee were an inspiration and beacon of hope - warriers in their separate fights - and sadly, will reside forever in our hearts.
September 22nd, 2008 at 9:46 am
Our thoughts and feelings go out to a fantastic man, Randy to us was a compassionate guy with so much love to give. We had the pleasure of interviewing him for our missing persons TV show and he was larger than life, helpful and inspirational. I personally had many private chats with randy about life and experience and he to me said he saw me as a guy very similar to his missing son Brian, we hit it off immediately.
I know he is still up there continuing the fight for the evidence pending for his missing son, but I know he is reunited with his wife and son and deep down there is where he wanted to be.
We watch the footage of his interview in disbelief and cant believe that 3 months ago we were having fun and enjoying a beer.
Sleep well Randy and may your spirit continue the fight for justice
September 22nd, 2008 at 6:03 pm
OH MY GOD…I’ve been corresponding with poor Randy for a while, and I am SHOCKED by this…:0( My heart goes out to his son, Derek (& his other loved ones), as this family has had dealt w/a great deal of tragedy…Randy was SO sweet, SO nice, and I feel horrible about all the pain that he had to go through…At least he shall be in peace w/his wife in heaven…
GOD BLESS RANDY, he was a kindred spirit…& God Bless his loved ones…
LOVE,
LAURIE
September 22nd, 2008 at 7:40 pm
My name is Dawn Risner, my niece Holly Metzger Carruthers went missing last December 18th in Lexington Ohio. I first heard of Randy Shaffer when he put up reward money(out of his own pocket) to try to help encourage people to help us with finding Holly. He and Crimestoppers worked with us to help us find Holly, without knowing anyone in our family. During our time of need, Randy and I became good friends. He always was supportive of our cause even while his search for Brian continued. Randy made the trip to Lexington for our candlelight vigil, to be supportive, in a nasty snowstorm. He definitely was my backup when i didnt know what to do. Randy always spoke lovingly of his family and friends. He was a very nice man and great friend. Hopefully his search for Brian will continue. Rest in peace Randy! You have touched many lives with your kindness and great strength. My prayers are with the family, God Bless! Rest in Peace Randy!
Sincerely,
Dawn Risner
September 28th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
I knew Randy, his Wife Renee and their two boys from our chuch. Randy and Renee were very dedicated to the choir. I loved hearing Randy play all his brass instruments but my favorite was the Saxaphone.
Randy and Renee displayed so much much love for each other and their unconditional love for the boys.
Since the death of Renee and the disappearance of Brian I watched a man with so much grief falling apart on the inside. Yet he continued to stay strong in his faith. I admired him for his continuing strength and determination to keep the story of Brian alive in the media and his never-ending devotional search.
They say God has a plan for all of us and I pray Randy is finally at peace with Renee and has found Brian. His work here is done. Its said we never walk alone and like the “Footprints in the Sand”, Jesus said, “It was I who carried you.” May he rest in peace and be in pain no more.
Sadly missed,
A fellow classmate
1971 graduate of
Lancaster High School
Pamela White
October 7th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
I miss you Randy. We still want to know what happend to Brian. Randy need you to help us find Brian.
Love you
Mary
March 31st, 2009 at 7:19 am
Randy, Renee, & Brian are all being missed. Randy was so dedicated to his family and efforts to find Brian. Now… another anniversary of Brian’s disappearance. I know Randy is up there watching over all of us. He has all the answers he would ever need and those of us left behind will never forget the man, father, brother, and friend that he was to all of us. Thinking of you…