Brad Shaffer

Brad Shaffer passed away unexpectedly Thursday evening, August 12, surrounded by family at Rex Hospital due to complications from cancer treatments. He was a devoted and loving husband to Ingrid Johanna Shaffer, and a loving, supportive Dad to his two girls, Esther and Sarah Shaffer.

Brad was the eldest son of Leonard Bradley Shaffer, a successful attorney and real estate broker in the Triangle, and the late Rebecca Barnhill Shaffer of Durham. He grew up in the Raleigh area, graduated from Sanderson high school, and attended college at East Carolina University where he obtained his bachelor's and master's degrees in business administration. He started his career in banking as a loan officer and bank manager at various locations in Raleigh, Wilson, Fayetteville, and Apex. About fifteen years ago, Brad took a leap of faith and started working for David Tyndall at Mortgage Choice as an independent mortgage broker and stayed with him until present day. Brad developed close relationships at his office that included lunch time bike rides and runs where the motto was “No such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.”

Brad was a man of many talents. Besides being one of the best bass players ever to grace a stage, he also sang beautifully from his heart with several area bands and various church worship teams. Not only did Brad have a great set of pipes, but he was an incredible endurance athlete. Brad competed in marathons, bike races, and grueling triathlons. He was a lover of the mountains, the ocean, and all the beautiful things God made for us on this earth. He was an excellent surfer, water skier, snow skier, and kayaker. He loved camping and hiking through mountains all over the world. Brad had a heart for traveling, experiencing new cultures, and meeting people all along the way.

Brad and his wife Ingrid met in London in the late 90’s. There was an immediate spark and in May of 1998, they married in Slovakia in the presence of family and friends. Brad and Ingrid enjoyed long walks with their dogs, loved traveling together, worshipping the Lord, and loved raising their two daughters, Esther and Sarah. Brad and Ingrid were soul mates and their love for each other spilled over into every aspect of their life. They also shared such a deep love for animals, creating a loving home for many dogs and cats. We rejoice in the knowledge that Brad was welcomed by many wet-nosed, tail wagging, furry family members as he approached the pearly gates.

Brad shared a special bond with his two daughters, Esther and Sarah. He had a unique relationship with each one as he continued to protect, guide, and shepherd each girl spiritually. Brad was so proud of his talented daughters and loved them with all his heart. He never missed an opportunity to share their dancing, singing, piano playing, artwork, and various accomplishments. Brad will be especially missed by his “girls”. They said it best, "We don't know what to do without him...he just did everything for us".

As well as being a great husband and father, Brad was a devoted and loyal friend, son, brother, nephew, and neighbor. Brad made friends wherever he went and once a friend, always a friend. He quietly and humbly served everyone around him, always lending a helping hand. Brad was the person people went to for advice and someone you could always rely on. His wisdom and maturity helped lead and guide those closest to him. He was selfless and never put himself first. On his last day of life, even though Brad was struggling with intense pain, he went to visit his father to make sure he was “doing okay”. He was a good son to his dad and an amazing brother to Robin and David. He shared an especially close relationship with his siblings as a mentor and best friend.

Above all, Brad was always faithful to the Lord our God, Yeshua the Messiah, Jesus Christ. His relationship with God was unwavering and he never questioned his wisdom or his plans for us. His faith was in the Hope that we will be rejoicing with the Lord in eternity together at His Bounteous Table. He was a faithful member of Congregation Sha’arei Shalom and enjoyed singing on the worship team, expressing his love of God through song as well as serving his congregation in any way he could. Brad lived by the words of Roman 12:12, “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing steadfastly in prayer” until the very end. He was a source of hope, inspiration, and strength to all who crossed his path. Brad constantly strived to make sure every breath he took and every move he made was for Yeshua until his last.

Brad will be missed dearly by his wife, children, father, siblings, coworkers, and friends as well as family members in Europe. We will miss his witty humor, his music, his wisdom, his love, and his light that brightened our days. We take comfort in knowing that he is with God in Heaven and that we will rejoice with him there one day. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to:

https://www.shatterthedarkness.net - a ministry that helps rescuing victims of sexual abuse and human trafficking (scroll down the page to the donation/support section)

or to: Congregation Sha’arei Shalom – https://www.entershalom.org

or to: Brad Shaffer Memorial Go Fund Me – https://gofund.me/59f62449

A special thanks to Congregation Sha’arei Shalom, Rabbi Seth Klayman, the Worship Team, and all who participated in honoring Brad’s memory.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BrownWynneCary.com for the Shaffer family.

A visitation for William will be held Sunday, August 22, 2021 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 200 Southeast Maynard Road, Cary, NC 27511. A memorial service will occur Monday, August 23, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Congregation Sha'arei Shalom, 700 Old Apex Road, Cary, NC 27513. A graveside service will occur Monday, August 23, 2021 at 2:00 PM at Raleigh Memorial Park, 7501 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27612.