John Mark Shaffer

On June 23rd, 2018, John Mark Shaffer of Charleston, SC tragically passed away while attempting to rescue his dog, Harvey, in the Horsepasture River above Rainbow Falls, Pisgah, NC. Mr. Shaffer was born on August 25th, 1972 in Waynesboro, Virginia and spent his childhood outside of Staunton, Virginia. John graduated from Buffalo Gap High School in 1990 and went on to receive a BA in Environmental Science from University of Virginia in 1994, where he was a proud member of Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity. An avid cyclist whose favorite days included a morning ride on the trail, John adored the outdoors and was a committed environmental steward. John married Ann Ladson Stafford on May 19th, 2012 in the village of Rockville, SC on Wadmalaw Island. Everyone who knew John agrees that the six years he spent married to Ann Ladson were his happiest. John started his own marina and waterfront development consultancy, Shfr, four years ago and is highly regarded throughout his field. He was a skilled draftsman and talented artist, gifting family and friends meticulous illustrations of the things they cared about most. Above all, John Shaffer lived a life emblematic of the values we all strive to uphold; unyielding generosity, fierce loyalty and compassion for anyone who crossed his path.

John is survived by his wife, Ann Ladson Stafford, his mother, Susan Bray Shaffer of Staunton, VA and his brother, Daniel James Shaffer of Staunton, VA. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Best Shaffer.

A Celebration of Life will be held on July 14th, 2018 from 10am-1pm at the Sea Island Yacht Club in Rockville, SC. Donations in John's honor can be made to a memorial fund at www.gofundme.com/shaffermemorial or to Transylvania County Rescue Squad www.transylvaniacountyrescue.com/donate.