Tom Schaffer, 66

Tom Schaffer passed away in Las Vegas, Nev., on Jan. 16, 2011, after a short battle with cancer and a much longer battle with heart problems. Tom was born in Coeur d'Alene on Dec. 26, 1944, to Harold S. and Blanche S. Schaffer.

He was raised in Coeur d'Alene, attending Winton Elementary School and graduating from Coeur d'Alene High School in 1963. He married Coni Bryan, also of Coeur d'Alene, in 1964. He worked for Kaiser Aluminum for 29 years, including traveling to Korea several times to help open an aluminum plant there.

After retiring, Tom and Coni became snow birds, spending their winters in Quartzite, Ariz. Tom loved following horse racing, and had a wealth of knowledge about the horses, jockeys and the tracks. He made many friends wherever he traveled.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Coni in 2003; his father, Harold; his son, Tim and his older brother, Jack.

He is survived by his son, Danny Schaffer of Spokane, Wash.; grandchildren Justin and Kourtney Schaffer of Spokane; mother Blanche Walker of Coeur d'Alene; sister Dixie Ryen of Coeur d'Alene; brothers Larry (Raynay) of Hayden and Don (Judy) of Dalton Gardens; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

At his request, no services will be held.