Ann Sheffer sent this report from Aspen. She wishes to thank her family’s countless friends for their thoughts and prayers, following her brother Doug Sheffer’s tragic death this week in a helicopter accident.
It’s early morning in Colorado — the quiet before the rest of the family begins arriving, and before the snow starts and makes it difficult to get here. In true Aspen fashion we have very little phone or internet connection. So I may not answer you right away if you call or write, as so many of you have.
The next 3 days will be a vigil for Doug. Yesterday a group of friends and family brought his body home and washed and dressed him, in a very moving ceremony. People from the community will sit and read to him as he begins what they call his “natural transition.” I can’t do justice to the philosophy and faith behind this, but know that this is what his family wanted, and Doug would have also.
Doug Sheffer, doing what he loved. (Photo/Matt Hobbs for Vital Films)
There will be a memorial on Saturday at the school that he built and loved so much. We expect hundreds of people to attend, given the impact that Doug had on this community. I hope we can create a similar memorial in Westport this summer.
We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from far-flung friends who knew him from growing up in Westport, and understood even then what an amazingly vibrant, funny, adventure-seeking, generous, caring and just plain “good” person he would grow up to be.
We haven’t begun to absorb what his loss will mean. I will write more later, with details of how to make a contribution in Doug’s memory.
Love to you all,
Ann Sheffer and Bill Scheffler
I’m so sorry to hear of this tragic loss. Doug sounds like an incredible person. May all your wonderful memories of him give you comfort.
Bobbi Essagof (Old friend of Bill and Annie)
I remember Doug well from SHS wrestling. He was a senior in ’67-’68 and I was a sophomore and I looked up to Doug as a great guy and role model. A life well lived and a great loss to all.
Eric Buchroeder
Ann, So good to hear from you. I sent you an email, I hope it went through. I am so heartbroken about Doug. You and your family have meant so much to me, all my life. Much love, Madeleine
Our heart felt prayers are with you all!
Dearest Ann, Bill & family…My deepest sympathy goes out to you all…I lost a brother piloting a plane too…so painfully sad. We all will be thinking in the days ahead with much love and may God comfort you in his way.. Betty Lou Cummings
Dear Ann and Bill, This is a tragic loss for you and your family. More than that it seems he made a huge contribution to his family, commutity and profession. He was a complete “Mensch” Let us know when you have a Westport memorial. Much love, Estelle
Dear Ann, Bill and family, My sincere and deep sympathy to you. What an unimaginable loss. Sending prayers to you all, Darryl
Dear Ann, Bill and family,
I am heartbroken over this tragic loss, Doug will be deeply missed. His Joy of life to live it to the fullest will live on in so many ways.
My love goes out to all of you. Martina
Dear Ann and Family –
Ted and I have moved to Colorado and were deeply moved to hear that a helicoptedrpilot had a fatal accident. The next day we were reading the Summit Couty Daily and learned that it was your brother. Our hearts go out
to you and you family.
We did not know your brother but found comfort in his beautiful reputation
and his love for piloting a helicopter.
Our entire family sends comforting wishes to yours.
Blessings, Joyce and Ted Mueller