Carl H. Shaver died August 7, 2013 at his home in Boise, having surpassed his goal of living 100 years. His family and friends joined him in celebrating this very special birthday.


“Papa” Carl was a treasure, truly loved and respected by all who knew him. He was selfless in giving to his family and to those in need. He will always be remembered fondly as a man with an approachable and laid back demeanor coupled with a sharp and engaged mind. He was a perpetual optimist and had a great sense of humor. He will be fondly remembered for his stories, sayings, jokes and his recollection of historical sites and events. Carl had an insatiable curiosity for all things and a genuine appreciation for all of God’s creatures. A field of cattle never ceased to thrill him. He never met a dirt road that he didn't want to explore, stopping along the way to talk to the farmer in the field or a sheepherder, making a new friend and often being invited to the homestead/ranch to see their operation. Carl loved a good fire or “far” as he so passionately referred to them. Whether the fire was in his beloved fire pit at the cabin or a roaring slash pile fire in Montana he enjoyed them all. He loved to travel and was a great reader.


Carl H. Shaver was born June 10, 1913 in Richland, OR to Charlie and Minnie Shaver, one of eight children. The family moved to a farm in the Nampa area in 1923. Carl graduated from Nampa High School and attended NNC for one year. Because of the depression he was unable to continue his formal education. He was a success without the benefit of a college degree, but was a strong supporter of education. Carl brought out the best in people, always encouraging them to do their best. He set the standard by his behavior and work ethic.


Carl had a variety of jobs-harvesting crops, picking fruit, driving a milk truck, before beginning his career in the grocery business. During 1933-37 he served as a Master Sgt. in the National Guard 1st Horse Calvary, 116th Regiment Troop F and was Rooky of the Year winning a new pair of oxford shoes. Carl began his grocery career in 1935 as a clerk for Buy Rite Grocery Store in Nampa, ID. In 1936, he managed the Donnelly Mercantile Company, Donnelly, ID and later the store in New Meadows, ID for the Davidson family. The store's delivery truck served as the hearse and the caskets were stored in the back room of the store. In 1945, Carl was elected Mayor of New Meadows and served for eight years. He was also the Chairman of the school board and served as coroner for one year. In 1947, Carl became a member of the board for the group developing Shore Lodge in McCall, ID. The Lodge opened in 1948, Carl became Chairman of the Board, selling out in 1994. In 1953, Carl joined the Davidson family buying Boise Wholesale and Dry Goods Co. Over time Carl bought out his partners and had Shavers Stores in Donnelly, New Meadows, McCall, Cascade, Council, Emmett, Nampa, Boise, Grandview and Union, OR. At the age of 90, he liquidated the business and retired.


Carl attributed his success to “the benefit of a good home and good parents...and a good solid religious background”. He felt fortunate to have been raised on a farm where “I learned the virtue of hard work and the basic values of morality, finance, integrity and self-sufficiency. It's pretty hard to beat hard work...the harder I work the luckier I get”.


In 1953, Carl was one of the first Americans to travel into China with the People to People program. Carl was President of the Idaho Small Business Assoc. and was named Small Businessman of the Year 1973 and was a representative to the White House Council on Small Business in 1980. Carl served as President of the National Association of Textile and Apparel Wholesalers 1975-76, honored as Retailer of the Year by Idaho Retailer's Association 1981-82, served on the board of the NNC Foundation and was Chairman of the Board of Citizens National Bank until it sold. He also served on the Board and was Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee of Associated Grocers and was a member of the Chamber of Commerce of Boise, ID. He was deemed the “Prince of Merchants” locally and was a well respected businessman nationally.


Carl was a 50+ year Master Mason of Boise Lodge #2, A.F. and A.M. and a member of Scottish Rite, El Korah Shrine and Royal Order of Jesters. In 1973, he was elected Shrine Potentate. He was an avid supporter of the Shriner's Hospital for Children. He was a member of the “Wimps”, a golf and lunch group, the Arid Club, Hillcrest Country Club and Honorary board member of the First United Methodist Church, Cathedral of the Rockies.


In 1934, Carl and Georgia Bruce married. They had two sons, Carl B. Shaver and Dennis G. Shaver. They obtained a wonderful cabin on Charlie's Garden in McCall, ID where they spent many summers with family and friends. Through the years they traveled around the country and to many foreign countries until Georgia's death in 1980. In 1983, Carl married Laura Childs Frazier. They continued to travel, spent winters in Palm Desert, CA and summers at the cabin. Laura died in 2001. Carl married Mary Bremner McKinney in 2010. They, too, traveled some, wintered in Palm Desert and summered at the cabin during their years together. He felt lucky to have three wonderful women in his life.


Carl is survived by his wife, Mary McKinney Shaver; his son, Carl B. Shaver (Melinda), Loomis, CA and his son, Dennis G. Shaver; by four grandchildren: Dia Hollinger (Scott), Bigfork, MT, Jay Shaver (Kelli), Maricopa, AZ, Victoria Dobson (Jim), Ben Lomond, CA, and Patterson Shaver, Boise, ID; by seven great grandchildren: Dane and Drew Hollinger, Eric, Chelsea, Camren Shaver, Gabriel and Malea Dobson; one great great grandchild, Sadie Shaver. Carl is also survived by his stepdaughter, Marilyn Dorman (Rex) and stepson, John McKinney. Carl was preceded in death by his parents and siblings; his wife, Georgia; and his wife, Laura.


Contributions may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, Fairfax Rd at Virginia St., Salt Lake City, UT 84103; the Georgia Shaver Memorial Fund supporting the church music programs at First United Methodist Church, Cathedral of the Rockies, 717 N. 11th Street, Boise, ID 83702; or a charity of your choice.


Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, August 13, 2013 at First United Methodist Church, Cathedral of the Rockies, 11th & Hayes St., Boise, ID. Arrangements are by Summers Funeral Homes, Boise Chapel.