Craig Shafer, 69

With sadness we share the June 24th passing of Craig Shafer. Craig passed away June 24th of complications from cancer.  

Craig was born in September 1954 In Milwaukee, WI to parents Vaughn and Irene Shafer (Karnes).  Growing up in Menominee, Wisconsin, Craig was the youngest of five kids. In 1963, the Shafer family relocated from Wisconsin to Hungry Horse, Montana. His youth was spent exploring the beauty of northwest Montana. In the 1980s, Craig’s parents purchased a gift shop and the Hungry Horse Corral legacy began.

Craig is well known in the Flathead valley as an exceptional high school athlete. He loved football and excelled in wrestling, taking his record at Columbia Falls HS all the way to State Champion in 1972. His photo still hangs proudly in the CFHS gym today. 

After graduation Craig married and set off on a great adventure working in Alaska. He was a maintenance mechanic for the state of Alaska and worked on the north slopes of the Alaskan pipeline. 

New Year’s Day of 1980 Craig welcomed his son, Benjamin, followed by his daughter Siara in 1981.  

Craig had a long and adventurous career as a laborer in the natural gas pipeline Industry. He made many friends and saw much of the country working on providing energy to the U.S. He was a strong union supporter and loved to follow politics.  He always had a well-read insight on any local, national or global issue.  In his time off he enjoyed fishing, riding his dirt bike (usually while blasting some classic rock), and lending a helping hand to friends in need. 

Craig retired in 2009, and in 2013 he began a new chapter in his life when he found sobriety. Craig was very proud of the clarity and serenity sobriety afforded him and he was grateful for his AA family.  

Through his newfound peace, Craig strengthened his relationships with family and enthusiastically embraced his favorite role, as “Papa.”  Craig delighted in doting on his four grandchildren, spending time with Ben and his family in Hungry Horse while making frequent trips to Washington to visit Siara’s family and attend important milestones. 

In his final years, Craig still loved jumping onto anything with horsepower, including his snowmobile or dirt bike. He enjoyed watching all sports but especially his beloved Cubbies. When in Seattle he looked forward to Mariners or Kraken hockey games. 

Craig was a nearly lifelong resident of Hungry Horse and a regular supporter of community causes. He took pride and interest in community organizations and donated time and resources regularly. He was proud of the Shafer legacy that continues there today.  When you pass through Hungry Horse on Hwy 2, tip your hat to the red hungry horse in dad’s memory. 

Craig is survived by his son Ben, his partner Brienne and his daughter Aspen and son Sage. Also survived by his daughter Siara, her husband Chuck and their sons Cameron and Logan. Craig’s surviving siblings are brothers Terry, Mark, and Ron Shafer and sister Jan Sargent. 

A casual memorial service will be held Saturday July 27th at 2 p.m. at Hungry Horse Fire Hall 145 Hungry Horse Blvd, Hungry Horse, MT.