Dr. Jack A. Shaffer, 1929-2009

Dr. Jack A. Shaffer, 1929-2009
Human Rights Commissioner, psychology professor remembered

Humboldt Sentinel
3/2/09
By Sentinel Staff

ARCATA -- Jack was born in the small town of Monticello, New York, to a close and loving family who immigrated from Russia. He and his older brother, Stanley grew up in a world of swimming holes, winter sledding, lox and bagels, and pranks such as hoisting school chums up the flag pole. In the late 1940s he attended the University of Wisconsin which opened his eyes to the wonder and excitement of learning. There he decided to become a psychologist and also met his future wife, Judy Grossman. They married in 1952 and went on to do graduate work at Ohio State University where Jack received his PhD. in Clinical Psychology. In 1958 they moved to Arcata where Jack taught Psychology at Humboldt State University until his retirement in 1995.

He loved developing and teaching courses in Minority Counseling, Psychology of Prejudice, Legal and Criminal Psychology, and the Holocaust. During this period, he also became the father of two beloved children, Wendy and Bruce. During his 50 years in Arcata, Jack was greatly involved in his community, helping develop the first local preschool program (preceding Headstart) and a Community Companion program which paired H.S.U. psych students with a community member diagnosed with a mental illness. He also served on the Mental Health Advisory Board and the Temple Bethel Board. Jack received Fulbright scholarships in 1965 and 1972, allowing him and his family to live overseas and teach in Bangkok. Thailand and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, leaving him with special love of South Asia.

After retirement, Jack was appointed by the Board of Supervisors to the Human Rights Commission and served until his death. He also became a volunteer for the Arcata Police Auxiliary, patrolling Arcata’s streets for many years. More important than all those achievements was that he was an extraordinarily good and caring being who thought all people were interesting and equal.

He is survived by his wife, Judy; his daughter, Wendy Rachael West and husband Andy; his son, Bruce and wife Karen and their sons Joel and Mathew; plus numerous close and family members. He is also survived by his best buddy, Sam Oliner, his dear Thursday night poker gang of 35 years, and other special friends.

A memorial will be planned at a future date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the care of Paul’s Chapel, in Arcata.