Shaffner, Paul Willard - Middleton, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 21, 2024 in Valley Hospice, Kentville.

Paul was an unassuming, kind, and humble man with a dry sense of humour and a strong faith. He devoted his life to the service of others through his 38-year teaching career, more than fifty years of coaching basketball, and decades of volunteerism in the school, church, and town of Middleton, where he was born, raised, and spent his life. The elder son of Clarence Willard and Helen Louise (Sweetser) Shaffner, he graduated from Middleton Regional High School, received his Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts from Acadia University, his Bachelor of Education from the University of New Brunswick, and his Master of Education, Physical Science from Pennsylvania State University.

Paul was well known by generations of students as a chemistry teacher at Middleton Regional High School. His antics as 'Moleman,' throwing free radicals, and jumping up on the counters to get students' attention were fondly remembered by many who passed through his classroom. Paul was strongly dedicated to MRHS and contributed outside of the classroom in many ways as well. For example, he regularly volunteered to chaperone school dances and events; a great dancer in his younger years, he treated students of the Class of 1996 attending SafeGrad to an exceedingly rare but lively and memorable demonstration of the jive. From his retirement in 2000 to as recently as February 2024, Paul remained actively involved at MRHS. Recently, Paul was primarily volunteering in the school library and as a lunch monitor, and it cannot be overstated how much he enjoyed and valued the opportunity for daily interaction and connection with his school friends and community.

As well-known as Paul was as a teacher, his most profound legacy is the impact he made through his passion for coaching basketball. Known as "Coach" to the many boys and young men he instructed over almost sixty years, Paul believed firmly that basketball should be accessible to all. Having been told as a child that he was both too short and too slow to play, he chose to believe in the ability and potential of every player, and his coaching style reflected this belief. He helped shape many young men as basketball players, future coaches, and individuals, instilling in them values of commitment, resilience, dedication, and hard work, both on and off the court. Paul also knew and recognized that for many of his players, basketball offered a safe place and escape from lives that weren't always easy. He never hesitated to open the gym when asked, to shoot hoops with boys who rang his doorbell on the weekends, and to listen and offer gentle guidance and support to those struggling. Paul sought to bring the game of basketball to as many as possible, establishing a program for boys ages 7-13 in 1975, organizing summer leagues, and offering many camps and clinics to help players improve their skills. He also worked to continuously improve his own coaching skills and strategies by attending coaching schools in the US, and his connections with other coaches led to opportunities for his players to attend development camps, tournaments, and other basketball-related events in the US. He often drove players to these camps himself, and even invested in a van to make the long trips to New Brunswick, New England, and beyond with his teams. Paul also always encouraged young people to try the sport. He would take the time to write letters to new grade seven boys, encouraging them to try out for the team, and often talked about looking for potential players in the library. His support and encouragement helped build confidence and skill, and he was exceptionally patient and generous in offering additional coaching to boys wanting to improve. Despite his equanimity and unassuming nature in all other things, he did not shy away from a physical style of play, believing in getting hands up, elbows out, playing tough defense, and always, always boxing out.

Paul did not like to focus on the impact he had. He was generally uncomfortable with being recognized for his achievements and never mentioned them to others. However, his walls at home feature many awards for coaching and valued mementos of thanks from the teams he coached, testaments to a life spent in service to the sport. He was inducted as a builder to the Middleton Sports Heritage Wall of Fame in 2000, won the Hugh A. Noble Distinguished Service Award through School Sport Nova Scotia in 2018 and the gym at MRHS was named for him in 2022.

In addition to teaching and basketball, Paul was a devout Christian and a long-time member of the Middleton Baptist Church. His faith was a touchstone, central to his life from childhood through to his passing, and he was proud to serve his church as a Sunday School teacher, a choir member, and a deacon. He was a well-known member of the Middleton community and was often seen walking (or jogging) around town, always willing to stop for a conversation with friends and acquaintances. He was kind, generous, embodied the spirit of charity, and will be sorely missed.

In the weeks before his passing, Paul was pleased to have visits, notes and cards from many friends and past players, and his family has been immensely touched by the outpouring of stories telling of Paul's impact on their lives. We are in awe of the many men who have told us that he saved their lives, changed their futures, and inspired them to service through coaching or volunteerism.  Thank you for sharing your stories with us. Thank you as well to Greg Bower for helping facilitate many of these visits, as well as for your friendship and care for Paul over so many years.

Paul was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Richard. He is survived by his sister, Nancy (Maurice), Overstrand, UK, his nieces, Elizabeth (Sam), Norwich, UK; Emily (Matthew), Wacton, UK; Carolyn, London, ON; Ellen (Rob), Halifax, NS and his sister-in-law Deborah, Wolfville, NS.

The family would like to thank Dr. J.P. McCarthy and Jennifer Currie for their care and attention to Paul's health over the last ten years. The family is also grateful to the wonderful team at Valley Hospice, who ensured that Paul's last days were peaceful and comfortable.

In keeping with Paul's wishes, there will be a private graveside service and interment in Pine Grove Cemetery, Middleton. Paul will be recognized at this year's MRHS Alumni Basketball Tournament in Middleton on Saturday, May 11, 2024. Following the recognition of Paul, the family will be hosting a reception between 3:45 and 5:45 pm in the Middleton United Baptist Church - Family Life Center.  In further keeping with Paul's wishes, donations in his memory may be made to a charity of your choice.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street, 1-855-825-3448. Online guest book may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com