Robert James Shafer, 72, of Clinton died Feb. 22, 2004, at his home. He was born to Otto and Dorothy Burgi Shafer on Oct. 18, 1931, in Kansas City, Mo. He was raised in the Kansas City area. After graduating from high school he attended college until joining the Navy, where he received a commission. As a naval officer, he was assign to Heavy Attack Squadron One. While stationed in Athens, Greece, he met the love of his life, Kyiakoula Zilacou, in March 1957. They were married on May 7, 1957, at St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church in Gero Lemena, Athens, Greece after he separated from the Navy. They then sailed to the United States on the SS Shirley Lykes.

They lived with Mr. Shafer’s parents while he finished college at Kansas University. He graduated with a degree in electrical engineering. He belonged to the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, the Puget Sound Mycological Society, the U.S. Power Squadron and the Seattle Police Athletic Association.

Mr. Shafer and his wife moved to the Puget Sound region, where he began work as an electrical engineer at Boeing. The couple had two children, Timothy and Kathy. Mr. Shafer retired from Boeing after many years of service.

His wife of 45 years preceded him in death in 2002. He is survived by son Timothy of Everett; daughter Katherine Norwood of Clinton; and granddaughter Melissa Norwood, also of Clinton.

At the request of the family, there will be a private graveside family service at the Langley Cemetery.