Shaffer

E. Bertrum Shaffer, 95, of Butler died at 9:55 a.m. Friday at The Visiting Nurses Association Inpatient Hospice.

Born Dec. 29, 1914, in Pittsburgh, he was the son of the late Edmund Shaffer and the late Eleanor Pastorius.

A 1938 graduate of Edinboro University of Pennsylvania with a major in Art Education, he later received his master's degree in education, and certification in secondary school administration from the University of Pittsburgh. In addition, he did graduate work at the University of Colorado, Carnegie Mellon University and Pennsylvania State University.

He started his teaching career at Leetsdale, Pa., in 1938 as an art instructor.

His career in education was interrupted when he entered the armed services in June, 1942. He served in the European theater as a master sergeant, 319th Infantry, 80th Division, and was awarded a Bronze Star.

In 1947, he came to the Butler School District as an art instructor, later to be named director of adult education, followed by assistant principal for student affairs, and finally assistant principal for curriculum and supervision.

In 1966, Mr. Shaffer was invited by Dr. James Lawson, the first president of Butler County Community College, to assist in establishing the college.

During his tenure at the college as academic dean, he served as acting president on two occasions.

Mr. Shaffer retired from the college in 1976, having completed more than 36 years of service to education. He was subsequently honored by the designation "Professor Emeritus" and was presented with a plaque for his years of dedicated service to Butler County Community College.

Mr. Shaffer was a member of Covenant United Presbyterian Church of Butler, where he served many years as a deacon and as an elder.

Mr. Shaffer was also a member of Masonic Victory Lodge No. 694 F&AM, the New Castle Scottish Rite, and Syria Temple of Pittsburgh. He was a member of Delta Phi Delta, National Honorary Art Fraternity, and of Phi Delta Kappa, Nation Honorary Education Fraternity, under whose auspices he and his wife had an opportunity to spend three weeks in Russia, visiting schools and universities. He was also a member of the NEA, the PSEA, the Butler County Chapter of Retired School Employees and a life member of the National Retired Teachers Association and of the Pennsylvania Retired School Employees.

Mr. Shaffer is survived by a number of nieces and nephews; and the many friends and caregivers who took care of him.

Mr. Shaffer was preceded in death by his first wife, Marjorie and his second wife, Esther J. Shaffer, who died Feb. 5, 2003.

<B>Shaffer</B> — Friends of E. Bertrum Shaffer, who died Friday, July 30, 2010, will be received from 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday at <B>Thompson-Miller Funeral Home</B>, 124 E. North Street, Butler.Services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Dr. James E. Swanson of Covenant United Presbyterian Church officiating. Interment will follow in North Side Cemetery.