Obituary of John Shaver

John Shaver, 82, of Arroyo Grande passed away on June 15, 2022, at home with family by his side.

John was born in Los Angeles, CA on June 11, 1940, to Gaius “Gus” and Stella Shaver. John graduated from Dorsey High School in 1958 and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 1964. He began teaching in Arroyo Grande in 1965 and served eight years as a reservist in the US Coast Guard from 1962-1970.

As a teacher he was loved and respected by his students and colleagues, many of whom he kept in touch for the rest of his life. John’s 3-acre farm on Huasna Road is where he was happiest. In the 80’s he grew Christmas trees and in the early 90’s planted 250 Fuyu persimmon trees which he sold U-Pick to the public. John also bought, repaired, and sold Caterpillar tractors.  He always said he wanted to be remembered as the schoolteacher who fixed up old crawler tractors.

In 2000, John was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and just like every challenge he faced in life, he fought the disease with amazing strength for 22 years. He will be missed by family and friends.

John is preceded in death by his parents Gaius "Gus" and Stella Shaver of Fallbrook, CA. 

He is survived by his sister, Karen Shaver, of Mission Viejo, and his children, Amy Chrisman of Carmel, Gary Shaver of San Luis Obispo, Paul Shaver of Arroyo Grande, and Robert Shaver of Santa Maria.

Graveside service will be held at Arroyo Grande Cemetery on July 1, 2022 at 10:00 am and memorial luncheon at Arroyo Grande Portuguese Hall immediately following. 

In lieu of flowers, you can donate in John’s memory to Parkinson’s research at parkinson.org.