Jack Schaeffer

passed away at his home in Bremerton, Washington . . He was born on May 6, 1925.Our beloved father, grandfather passed away on after a lengthy battle with various medical conditions. He was 82 years of age.With the great care of Hospice of Kitsap County, he was surrounded by his loved ones when he passed away this passed Monday, July 16, 2007. Jack is proceeded in death by his wife of 45 years, Inez Lucile Schaeffer (Deiner).Jack is survived by his six children and their families. Donald Ivan and (Shawnee) Schaeffer, Anna Marie Schaeffer and (Sonny Rogers), Joseph Ralph and (Barbara) Schaeffer, Ingrid Lucile McDonald and (Christopher Lippold), Michelle Inez and (Victor) Solier, and John Charles Schaeffer. Grandchildren; Marlon, Maria, Viola, Joe, Lucy, Keith and (Anna), Sarita and (Nathan), Rachelle and (Steve), Joshua, Erin, Jessica and Suzy. Great Grandchildren; Keola, Coby, Michael, Talia, Zelin, Boston and Wyatt.Jack was born in Unadilla, New York to Jacob Ralph and Cecil Sylvia (Southworth) Schaeffer. He was raised on "Lookout Farm" where he acquired his love for the outdoors. At a early age he learned the love of family and the value of hard work. At age 18 he joined the military to represent our country in World War II. He fought at D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge. After the military he traveled across the country from Florida to Alaska working various jobs from being a carnie to being a fisherman.In the mid 50's he followed his sister, "Jean Henderson" to Whidbey Island. In 1958 he married the love of his life, "Inez Lucile Deiner" and began a family together. Jack became a Park Ranger in 1964 and was transferred to Fay Bainbridge State Park in 1967. He loved the park and took a lot of pride creating a safe and clean environment for the community to enjoy. He built the existing levy that prevents the park from flooding during high tide. Many projects he worked are still being enjoyed today.In 1978 he became the care taker of the Country Club of Seattle at the south end of the Island. Jack live on Bainbridge for 32 years always serving the public as a Park Ranger, Volunteer Fireman, Fire Commissioner, one of the first Emergency Medical Technicians, teaching first aide and CPR, Legioner (American Legion Post #172), Commander of the American Legion Post #172 and one of his favorite jobs, calling Bingo at the Legion....."O-66".Jacks goal in life was to make people laugh and have fun. A public servant through and through. A true friend he was. He enjoyed hunting, camping, fishing, playing cards and spending time with his family.As a family man, well they don't come any better. He never claimed to be the best, but he was. His love for his family was genuine, consistent and true to the heart.Jack was of the Lutheran faith and was a member of Port Madison Lutheran Church for years. He sang in the choir and enjoyed watching all of his children grow spiritually. Jack will be missed by many. We send him to a better place to be received by our Lord, Inez and Mitzi (his beloved dog). God Bless him and May he Rest in Peace.The family invites friends and the community to join them for a ceremony & picnic to celebrate and share memories of Jack's life on Sunday, July 29, 2007. The ceremony will begin at 1:00pm at Fay Bainbridge State Park.In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hospice of Kitsap County; PO Box 3416; Silverdale, WA 98383; contact Valerie Youngren - (360) 698-4611 valerie@hospiceofkitsapcounty.org.At a later date, the family will be spreading their fathers ashes at "Camp Inez" (the family's hunting camp) in Twisp, WA.Arrangements by Cook Family Funeral Home.