[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 154 (Friday, November 18, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2432]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN HONOR OF KEITH SHAFFER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 18, 2005

  Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of 
Keith Shaffer, an influential and much beloved member of the community 
in the Santa Cruz area. Mr. Shaffer lived a life of dedicated and 
generous service to his community. He is survived by his wife Elinor 
Shaffer; his two sons, William and Richard Shaffer; daughter-in-law 
Alana Shaffer; and his two grandsons.
  Mr. Shaffer was born in the San Joaquin Valley town of Atwater, on 
October 15, 1915. After serving as a naval aviator during World War II, 
he eventually moved to the Santa Cruz area in 1950, where he took over 
his brother's floral business. While Mr. Shaffer was a successful 
businessman, he also found time to give back to the community, by 
serving on numerous school boards, the Dominican Hospital Advisory 
Board, the Rotary Club of Santa Cruz, the Santa Cruz Chamber of 
Commerce, and the California Automobile Association. Mr. Shaffer was a 
shining example of dedication and devotion to citizens of the 
community.
  In 1937, Keith Shaffer married his childhood sweetheart Elinor 
George. Along with his wife Elinor, and his two sons, William and 
Richard, the other love of Mr. Shaffer's life was his orchids. Mr. 
Shaffer was well known within the floral community for his creation of 
several hybrid orchids, most notably his ``Capitola Moonlight,'' which 
was recognized by the Royal Horticulture Society with its highest 
honor, and perhaps his favorite, the ``Elinor Shaffer.''
  Mr. Speaker, the service of local members of the community are an 
asset to this Nation, and I am deeply grateful for the contributions of 
Mr. Shaffer. The passing of Mr. Shaffer is a painful loss for the 
community. It is clear that Keith Shaffer has made a lasting impact on 
the community, and I join the Santa Cruz area in honoring the memory of 
Mr. Shaffer.

                          ____________________