Edwin Carl Shaver

Published 4:00 am Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Oct. 30, 1924 – Jan. 21, 2012

Edwin left his family peacefully on Saturday, January 21, 2012. He was 87 years old. Edwin was born in Twin Falls, Idaho, where he was adopted with his sister, Mary, by Samuel and Laura Shaver. As a child, the Shaver family pioneered their homestead in the high desert near Brothers, Oregon.

At the age of 10, Edwin helped round-up wild horses in the high desert and herd them to Burns, where they were sold to the US Army Cavalry: At the age of 16, he tended sheep alone in the mountains of Nevada. By age 19, he enlisted in the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division where he was one of the many brave soldiers who fought on D-Day. Wounded, he was one of 4 survivors from his glider company, receiving the Purple Heart medal for his injuries.

While recovering in England, he met Violet Brandon, an accountant for the English Army, on a blind date, and he married Violet in April 1945.

Their son, Rodney, born in England, made the long journey with his mother to Oregon, after many months of government red tape, arriving in Oregon 18 months after Edwin had returned home.

Edwin worked as a government trapper – an occupation he thoroughly enjoyed. Soon the family began to grow with the addition of sons, Ed and John. Edwin took every opportunity to share his love for the outdoors with his sons and eventually his grandchildren.

He worked for many years in public service with both the postal service and the City of Bend. Edwin retired from the City of Bend in 1974, and relocated to Vale, Oregon to be near his brother Sam Shaver.

Edwin and Violet made Vale their home for 36 years before returning to Bend in 2010, to be closer to their children. Edwin attended First Missionary Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Violet; and his three sons and their wives, Rodney (Cindy), Ed (Peggy) and John (Cathie); six grandchildren and five great grandchildren, as well as his long time hunting pal, Walt Johnson.

Edwin was preceded in death by his parents and siblings.

A service will be held at Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, February 3, 2012. Afterwards, friends are welcome to join the family for a brief graveside memorial where Edwin will receive Veterans honors.

A Celebration of Life will follow the graveside service at the home of Rod Shaver, at 61149 Ward Rd. Please sign our guest book at www.niswonger-reynolds.com

Edwin Shaver