Richard Lee Shaffer

Richard L. Shaffer, age 78, passed away at home on Wednesday, March 13, 2019 after a valiant fight with cancer. He was born August 4, 1940 in Roswell NM to Robert and Margie (Foster) Shaffer.

After high school, Richard started working for the JC Penney company in Aurora Colorado. In December 1960, he met his future wife, MaryEllen Albers on a blind date. They fell in love and he proposed to her on December 31st that same year. Richard and MaryEllen were married on June 17, 1961 in Goodland, KS

In June 1963 Richard joined the Denver Police department. During his time with the Denver PD, he worked as a patrol and motorcycle officer covering high crime areas including Five Points in downtown Denver. In 1970 he was promoted to detective and worked mainly in Crimes Against Persons including assaults, sex offenses, and robbery detail. He was featured in the Rocky Mountain News on several occasions. He also had a brief stint with the Denver Bomb Squad. However, after learning he was allergic to nitroglycerin, he had to transfer to another department. Richard retired from the Denver PD in 1989, then worked as an investigator for the Adams County D.A. until 1993.

Richard was an avid reader who loved legal thrillers especially ones by John Grisham. However, the book he read the most was the Bible. Richard was a devout Christian who was devoted to spreading the Word of God. His greatest desire was to reach those who didn't know Jesus. He had a vast knowledge of Bible verses and loved to teach them to others.

Richard is survived by his wife of 57 years, MaryEllen, daughters Cheryl with her husband Jim, Denice with her husband Randy and Michelle with her husband Jeff. He has 6 grandchildren Marcus (wife Jerrica & children Isaiah, Noah and Roman), Andrew (fiancé Samantha), Eric, Laura (fiancé Brandon), Rachael and Paul (girlfriend Amanda). Brothers Mike with his wife Kathy and nieces Jessica and Kate; Scott with his wife Lois. Richard is preceded in death by his father Robert and mother Margie.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to Bridges for Peace at PO Box 410037 Melbourne, FL 32941-0037 or at their website at www.bridgesforpeace.com