Weldon “Jake” Shaffer, 79, Canton, passed away at his home on May 22, 2018.
It is impossible to summarize his life and his legacy in a few, short paragraphs. His was a life that impacted innumerable people, students and athletes during his 40 years of teaching and coaching at Canton Junior-Senior High School.
Born in Williamsport, PA on February 4, 1939, Jake was a standout athlete, starring in football, baseball and track. He was scouted and pursued by the MLB as a left-handed power hitting catcher, won All-State honors in football in 1956, and set the former PA state record for the shot-put that stood until the mid-70’s.
He played college football at North Carolina State University, starting on both the offensive and defensive lines for the Wolfpack.
When Jake graduated from NC State in 1962, he won the hand of the love of his life, his wife of 56 years, Patricia (Sampson) and they moved to Canton to make a life together.
It is impossible to summarize his life and his legacy in a few, short paragraphs. His was a life that impacted innumerable people, students and athletes during his 40 years of teaching and coaching at Canton Junior-Senior High School.
Born in Williamsport, PA on February 4, 1939, Jake was a standout athlete, starring in football, baseball and track. He was scouted and pursued by the MLB as a left-handed power hitting catcher, won All-State honors in football in 1956, and set the former PA state record for the shot-put that stood until the mid-70’s.
He played college football at North Carolina State University, starting on both the offensive and defensive lines for the Wolfpack.
When Jake graduated from NC State in 1962, he won the hand of the love of his life, his wife of 56 years, Patricia (Sampson) and they moved to Canton to make a life together.
Jake was a much-loved and respected teacher and a legendary coach. While at CHS, Jake coached football, wrestling, baseball, and softball. He was the coach of numerous championship teams and coached the CHS girls’ softball team to the 2000 PIAA state championship. Jake won numerous awards, most significantly being named to the West Branch of the PA Sports Hall of Fame in 2002 and to the inaugural class of the Canton Hall of Fame in 2011. His skill in motivating both athletes and students to achieve success beyond even their own expectations is unparalleled in Canton’s history.
Truly his legacy is matched by few and exceeded by none. In his later years, Jake was best known as “Pap,” a remarkable grandfather, coach and fan to his grandchildren. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled.
In the last few days of his life Jake was surrounded by his immediate family; his wife of 56 years, Patsy, his firstborn son Jake and his wife Beth, their children Zeke, Caleigh, Amelia, and Connor; his second-born son Dan and his wife Kim, their children George and Andrew, and his youngest son Nick and his wife Gretchen, their children Sam, Jake, John, Cami, and Gabe; also, special friends Jill Sechrist, Jim Reed and his beloved cat Pouncey.
A private man despite his public stature, at Jake’s request, there will be no memorial service.
His family received friends Friday, May 25, at Pepper Funeral Home & Cremation Facility, Canton.
The family requests that donations be made in the name of Weldon "Jake" Shaffer to the Community Foundation of the Twin Tiers (CFTT). Checks payable to "CFTT" may be mailed to Mr. Mark Jannone, Canton Area School District Business Manager, at 509 E. Main Street, Canton PA 17724.
Share memories and condolences at www.pepperfuneralhomes.com
Truly his legacy is matched by few and exceeded by none. In his later years, Jake was best known as “Pap,” a remarkable grandfather, coach and fan to his grandchildren. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled.
In the last few days of his life Jake was surrounded by his immediate family; his wife of 56 years, Patsy, his firstborn son Jake and his wife Beth, their children Zeke, Caleigh, Amelia, and Connor; his second-born son Dan and his wife Kim, their children George and Andrew, and his youngest son Nick and his wife Gretchen, their children Sam, Jake, John, Cami, and Gabe; also, special friends Jill Sechrist, Jim Reed and his beloved cat Pouncey.
A private man despite his public stature, at Jake’s request, there will be no memorial service.
His family received friends Friday, May 25, at Pepper Funeral Home & Cremation Facility, Canton.
The family requests that donations be made in the name of Weldon "Jake" Shaffer to the Community Foundation of the Twin Tiers (CFTT). Checks payable to "CFTT" may be mailed to Mr. Mark Jannone, Canton Area School District Business Manager, at 509 E. Main Street, Canton PA 17724.
Share memories and condolences at www.pepperfuneralhomes.com
