Obituary of Donald F. Shaver

Donald F. Shaver (83) resident of St. Maries, ID passed away on November 16, 2016 at Benewah Community Hospital. He was born to Fredrick and Iva Shaver in Stamford, NE on December 22, 1932. At the age of 5 Donald’s family moved to Hood River, OR. Donald attended school at Hood River and after his schooling he enlisted into the U.S. Airforce. He served from 1952 to 1956 and was an Aircraft Mechanic. Basic training took place in Florida. Following basic training Donald was stationed at McCord Airforce base in Tacoma, WA. Through mutual friends he met Valarie Neff. The couple fell in love and married on December 8, 1955 in Tacoma, WA. They moved to Red Bluff, CA where Donald worked at Diamond National as a print operator where he built the presses for egg cartons. He took GI training to learn how to fly a plane, and eventually bought his own plane. The family moved to St. Maries, ID to be with other family and Donald went to work for the St. Maries Complex in 1964. During his time at Potlatch he had several different jobs; however he created 4 inventions that are still used at Potlatch to this day. Donald retired on March 1, 1995. In his retirement he enjoyed flying around St. Maries with Ellis Vawter. He also enjoyed telling jokes and wood working. Donald was an excellent mechanic “jerry-rigger” and carpenter. He was a jack of all trades who actually made a salad shooter for Valerie from wood, and he made a kick starter for his chainsaw to make it easier to start it at his retirement age. Donald could make anything and has actually made some jewelry. He and Valerie were married 61 years and he will be missed so very much by her and their children. Donald is survived by his wife Valerie at the family home; sons Donald Gerry (Karen) Shaver of St. Maries, ID and Aaron (Sherri) Shaver of Fernwood, ID; daughters Deborah Shaver-Brebner and Vicki Porter of St. Maries, ID; and brothers Robert Alvin (Helen) Shaver of West Port, WA and Walter Jerry (Peggy) Shaver of Portland, OR. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents. The family will be having a private service at a later date.