Douglas Malcolm Shaffner, 93 of Annapolis Royal, peacefully slipped away in the early morning hours of April 8, 2026.

Born and raised in Annapolis Royal, Doug was the only child of the late Margaret (Spurr) and Ernest Shaffner. After graduating from Ryerson Institute of Technology in Toronto, he went on to enjoy a 36 year career with CBC Halifax. He and his late wife Shirley raised their three children in Dartmouth, and upon retirement followed their hearts back home to the valley.

Throughout the years, Doug’s happy place was his workshop, where he would spend hours on end, happily whistling away as he worked. He was a handyman extraordinaire and boasted a collection of every spare part imaginable. Doug will be remembered for his quiet intelligence, his quick wit, his extreme organization and his love of trains (not to mention the occasional limerick at the most inappropriate times). But most of all, he will be remembered for his kindness. He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word.

Doug and Shirley enjoyed an active retirement in Annapolis Royal and gave back to the community they loved. Doug volunteered with Meals on Wheels, the Annapolis hospital board, and the Order of Good Cheer. He served on the board of Upper Clements Wildlife Park, two terms as a town councillor and deputy mayor. He was also an active volunteer with St. Luke’s Anglican Church.

Doug was predeceased by his wife, Shirley (Barteaux) Shaffner in 2012.

Having shared a beautiful life with his first wife, Shirley, Doug was blessed a second time when he found a partner and companion in Doreen, “Dodi” (Daniels) Shaffner, who remained by his side with unwavering support in his later years.

He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by his second wife, Dodi, along with his children, Julie (Allen) Nause, Bridgewater, Natalie Shaffner (Ian MacGillivray) Bedford, Scott (Holly) Shaffner Granville Ferry; grandchildren Jillian (Alex) Budgell, Ottawa, Zachary (Taylor) Nause, Ottawa, Sunny (Ahmad) Tavakoli, Sunnyvale California, and Benjamin (Jenna) Shaffner, Hammonds Plains, together with great-grandchildren Chelsea Budgell, Jacob Budgell, Ella Nause, Greyson Nause, Peyton Nause, Leo Tavakoli, Remi Tavakoli and Fallon Shaffner.

 Our family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Colin Newman, Beth, and all the health care professionals at the Annapolis Community Health Centre who took such good care of Doug in his final years. In lieu of flowers, donations in Doug’s memory may be made to the Annapolis Community Health Centre, Annapolis Royal.

Visitation will be held Wednesday April 15 from 7 - 9 pm in the Kaulbach Family Funeral Home, Annapolis Royal. Funeral service will be held on Thursday April 16, 2026, at 11 am, at St. Lukes Anglican Church, Annapolis Royal, with reception to follow at the funeral home. Family internment to follow