Richard A. Schaeffer

RICHARD A. "BUNK" SCHAEFFER
1931-2018

As I near the end of my terminal illness and reflect on my life's achievements, I find that, what I have always held in highest regard, has now been relegated to a position of significantly lesser importance, based on my current perspective. Because of this, and to spare my family the arduous task, I have decided to prepare my own obituary. This will not be your typical obituary since although I am very proud and satisfied with my life's accomplishments, I intend only to synopsize the significant phases that defined my life while avoiding any elaboration that could encourage inadvertent embellishment of this relatively modest resume, i. e. Catholic Elementary School, Public High School, Scholastic Sports, Summer Resort Cook, State University, Military Service, Finance Career, Marriage/Children,Schooling/Awards/Graduations, Youth Sports Coach, Small Business Owner, Florida Retirement, Consulting, St. Rita Church, Distance Running, Back Injury, Casino Gaming, Cancer. I will, however, at the risk of appearing self-serving, mention briefly the county award I received for saving the lives of a young mother and her two children as a result of a draw bridge/auto incident. Enough about me. The balance of this obituary will be dedicated to those who have contributed to making this life of mine so wonderful. The only legacy that I care about is to be remembered as a faithful and loving husband to my wife, Joanie, and a fair, caring and involved father to my children.

I would first like to express my sincere gratitude to my God, who has truly blessed me by allowing me to enjoy eighty-seven tranquil and happy years in this most beautiful part of His created world. I would also like to extend my gratitude to Fr. Kevin Johnson, our spiritual leader, for the low-key, highly-inspirational guidance he consistently delivers to his congregation.

To my loving and hard-working parents, Harriet and Leo, who taught my siblings, Leo, Jean and Donald, all of whom are deceased, and me the traditional small-town values that have served us well throughout our lives. They were surprisingly perceptive in recognizing the evolution of the "Happy Days" phenomenon while providing their children the unique opportunity to fully embrace those special teen-age times, the memories of which still return from time to time. They did not give us everything we wanted, but they did give us everything we needed.

To my beautiful, sweet, Joanie, my earth angel, compassionate nurse and mother of our eight amazing children, who taught us all the true meaning of selfless love and who constantly fills our lives with joy and happiness. With determination and sacrifice she orchestrated a family based on harmony and unity while unbelievably devoid of any acrimony or sibling jealousy. No words could ever adequately express the gratitude that I feel in my heart for my soul-mate who, in 1955, pledged her life and love to me and our marriage and who never wavered through the many years. You have given me a wonderful marriage and an unbelievable life, Joanie, and made me a better man. I love you more than anything, and I'll wait for you.

To our awesome children (4 girls/4boys), who constantly bring us love, joy and laughter and sometimes, more excitement than we actually need. These eight strong and diverse personalities always seem to ensure that harmony is maintained in any family situation, and that confrontation is never an option. Their mother and I are so proud that they have retained the mutual respect and sibling cohesiveness, developed over their growing years, even to this day. We could not love or be more pleased with each of our eight "favorite" children or for the upstanding partners chosen for their journeys through life. I regret that I will be unable to follow the development and maturing of our eight gifted grandchildren, all of whom show so much promise and future success.

Sadly I must leave behind: Nancy/husband deceased; Cyndi/Ken, Aubrey; Tiffany, Zach, Branson; Cody; Ricky/Cindy; Diane/Monte, Mikey, Alan, Mya; Leo/Heike, Dillon; Michael/Heather; Donald/Kaye; Debi/Jeff, Connor, Cameron. We could have not asked for a more caring, loving and supportive family.

Additionally, I must leave behind my wife's brother, Jim and wife Kathleen; the children of my deceased sister Jean, i. e., Irene, Mark, Dale, Leo and their children as well as Joan, the wife of my deceased brother, Donald, and their children Susan, Tracy, Donald and their children.

To my life-long N. J. friend, Stan, who without realizing it, mimicked each other's lives through military service, finance careers and family and who shared so many great times as we traveled the U.S. and Canada with his sweet wife Barbara, and friends Pat and Jim, after retirement. Stan has been a special friend who always had my back.

And to those true church and special neighborhood friendships that have evolved over more recent years and added so much joy and happiness to our daily lives. The support and kindness they provided, during my illness, has been appreciated more than words can ever express.

Last but not least, I must express my sincere gratitude to the caring and talented physicians/friends, who in collaboration and with extreme diligence recommended the appropriate procedures and administered my state-of-art, life-extending medication.

A Memorial Mass for Bunk will be held at 11:00 AM , June 8, 2018, at St. Rita Catholic Church with Fr. Dennis O'Brien and Fr. Michael Hartley officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 AM until service time at 11:00 In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Rita Catholic Church, 137 Moll Drive, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, or to Emerald Coast Hospice, 200 Grand Boulevard, Suite 205A, Miramar Beach, FL 32550.

Kent-Forest Lawn, 2403 Harrison Avenue, 763-4694
www.kentforestlawn.com

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