Daniel Clark Schaffner

Daniel Clark Schaffner died Thursday, January 12, 2023, three days short of his ninetieth birthday. Born in the mining town of Tererro, New Mexico, he was the only birth delivered by the miner's doctor in the miner's hospital.

Clark grew up in Albuquerque, where his grandmother owned and operated Ive's Greenhouse in Barelas, New Mexico, which continues to be a part of that community.  Clark graduated Highland High School in 1951 and the University of New Mexico in 1955 with a bachelor's degree of mechanical engineering. Commissioned into the Air Force in 1956, Clark served over twenty-two years of active duty, first as a navigator in the Military Airlift Command. He then attended Colorado University, where he earned his Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering. He served with distinction in armament development that included extended time in southeast Asia, including Vietnam 1964-1968.

Clark met the love of his life, Donna Roach, at Highland High School, and they were happily married for seventy years. During retirement, he found his gift for designing and building Spanish mission style furniture and carved reliefs of northern New Mexico mission churches.

He is survived by his lovely wife, Donna Schaffner; one daughter; two sons; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

A Committal Service will be held Wednesday, February 22, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at Santa Fe National Cemetery.  Attendees are required to arrive by 10:45 a.m.

If you wish to make a donation in his memory, consider the Wounded Warriors Project or a charity of your choice.