Former state Sen. Ray Shaffer dies at age 76

CARSON CITY — Former state Sen. Ray Shaffer, D-North Las Vegas, died over the weekend, legislative officials said today.

Shaffer, 76, served in the Senate from 1985 to 2003. He also ran as the Democratic candidate for state treasurer in 1990, but lost the general election to Republican Bob Seale. He was Senate majority whip in 1991.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon, and five children, Thomas, Robin, Diane, James and Cindy.

Funeral arrangements are not yet known.

Shaffer was born on Dec. 12, 1932, in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., and received a civil engineering degree from Youngstown College. He was a Marine Corps veteran and before retiring worked for the North Las Vegas Planning Department.

A longtime North Las Vegas Lions Club member and past president of the club, he was named Lion of the year in 1996.

He also was a life member of the Disabled American War Veterans and former president of the North Las Vegas Luncheon Optimist Club.

Shaffer enjoyed football, hunting and fishing.

Contact Capital Bureau Chief Ed Vogel a evogel@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3901.