Thomas Kay Schafer

Thomas K. Schafer,69,from Twin Falls, Idaho died September 2,2010 due to an extended illness. Tom was home-birthed February 16,1941, near Burley, Idaho to William and Elizabeth Schafer. Thomas knew he wanted to be a Civil Engineer by the time he was eleven years old. Understanding College would be expensive, he set up his own shoe shinning business in front of local bars in Burley. When he was old enough to work for wages, he chose to work nights at a service station giving him the opportunity to attend school during the day and study at night during the less busy hours of the service station. Tom obtained an Associates of Science Degree in Civil Engineeringin 1962 from Idaho State College and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering in 1965 from the University of ldaho. The state Broad of Engineering Examiners registered Thomas as a professional Engineer on February 2,1968. Thomas served on countless committees. He was the most proud when he was presented with The Allocation Volunteer Award from California's Fresno County in 1993. Tom's whole life was one adventure after another while he followed the engineering projects he was hired to complete. The American Falls Replacement Dam was what he considered to be his brightest moment in Engineering. In 7976,the United States of America and the American Falls Reservoir District employed Thomas as Project Engineer to replace the original American Falls Dam which took four years to complete. Both Tom's father and grandfather worked on the earliest Dam. Thomas is survived by his wife Bonita Schafer of Twin Falls, his four natural children; Bradley Schafer, Kevin Schafer and Nicole Fortuin all from Minnesota, Kari Schafer of Texas, his step-daughter Holly Tucker of Buhl and three grandchildren. Per Thomas's request, firneral and burial services will not be held. He prefers his friends and family members take a day of their choosing to enjoy themselves by accomplishing something they love to do. Sympathy and contributions to Tom's wife and family can be sent to 2150 Oakwood Ct., Twin Falls, ID 83301. Tom was generous, kind and always humorous. He will be greatly missed.