A longtime Kansas University economics professor who touched the hearts of KU students for more than five decades died Tuesday evening.
Harry G. Shaffer, 90, had reluctantly retired fully from teaching economics in January only because a breathing condition forced him to.
“He died in my arms,” said his wife, Betty, who said her husband may have suffered a stroke.
Shaffer, born in Vienna, Austria, in 1919, had taught at KU since 1956. He came to KU from the University of Alabama after having lived in Italy, Cuba and New York.
He would joke that the research specialty of his earlier years — Soviet economics — no longer even existed.
In his later years of teaching, he only taught one introductory economics course for non-majors, where his Einstein-like looks, zany classroom antics and quirky sense of humor endeared him to large numbers of students.
He still had about 700 fans on Facebook in a group called “Harry Shaffer Is the Man!”
Some of the former students had already posted condolences on the site Tuesday evening as news of his death spread.
Joseph Sicilian, chairman of the KU economics department, said he’d known Shaffer since coming to KU in 1976, and said he was “much loved” by many students.
“We’re always running into people of all generations who remember Harry as their economics teacher,” Sicilian said.
Service arrangements are pending and will be announced by Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.
Comments
mikeowens
Posted 11:18 p.m., November 3, 2009
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A sweet guy who, in my experience, made getting out of bed for an early class not so bad.
curiosityandthecat
Posted 11:46 p.m., November 3, 2009
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Based on the story, Professor Shaffer lived a very full life! I was lucky enough to take his Intro to Economics class, and am not at all surprised that he touched the lives of so many. My thoughts are with his family.
OldEnuf2BYurDad
Posted 1:20 a.m., November 4, 2009
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A man from whom one could model a good life. He treated me well when as a stupid freshman in 1982, I missed a final. He let me make it up. I got a D for the course, but was forever grateful for the grace he showed me in my moment of idiocy. There were hundreds in that class, but to him I was an individual person who deserved his special attention.
That crappy room in Summerfield - I think its 300 Summerfield - should be re-named Shaffer Auditoria or something. He gave his best in that room, year after year.
ckennedy
Posted 7:04 a.m., November 4, 2009
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I only had the chance to talk to him at downtown antiwar vigils and it was easy to tell that he was as kind and compassionate as he was brilliant.
Barclay
Posted 7:10 a.m., November 4, 2009
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Dr. Shaffer and his wife are neighbors. What a kind and loving couple! It had been difficult to see his health begin to fail. But since we have lived here it was always interesting to see his light on late into the night, hunkered over a keyboard. I knew he was a professor of some renown and reputation. Really embarrassed to have not realized or been as appreciative of his classroom popularity. His wife is wonderful, friendly, out-going lady. Makes the neighborhood a great place to live. He will be missed very much.
zissou
Posted 7:48 a.m., November 4, 2009
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Harry Shaffer is the man!
hricane23
Posted 7:53 a.m., November 4, 2009
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Dr. Shaffer is one of only two Professors I really remember from my school daze. Unfortunately, I don't remember much of the subject matter, but I'll always remember his warm, friendly personality, and the way he said "Eee-co-nomics". Peace be with you and your family, Dr. Shaffer.
rbs
Posted 8:40 a.m., November 4, 2009
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Although economics wasn't really my best subject, I had Dr. Shaffer my freshman year and (surprisingly) had no problem getting to class--ever! He even allowed me to interview him later in my college career for a paper I did in a history class. . . what an amazing individual. We'll miss you, Dr. Shaffer!!!
betti81
Posted 9:07 a.m., November 4, 2009
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Rest in peace Dr. Shaffer. You made economics interesting to me and that is quite a feat.
1029
Posted 9:11 a.m., November 4, 2009
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Best professor I ever had. Took his class the first semester I was at KU. He presented economics in a way that made the basic principles interesting and easy to understand.
(Everyone should check out the "more like this" articles if they haven't read them before. Shaffer was an all-around great guy who led an interesting life.)
Wishing his family the best....
senegal66025
Posted 9:55 a.m., November 4, 2009
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I was a student of the professor in the 60's when their was a Soviet Union to study. He was always great to be around full of good humor and wonderfull stories. God Speed to the good professor Shaffer.
naturalist
Posted 9:59 a.m., November 4, 2009
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Run out of characters for the headline? Spell ECONOMICS.
naturalist
Posted 10:01 a.m., November 4, 2009
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DIdn't Harry have to take forced retirement but return to teach for free? LJW there is more to the story than this being a much loved professor--he loved to teach!
foodboy
Posted 10:03 a.m., November 4, 2009
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When I moved to Lawrence, I quickly became aware of Harry Shaffer. If there was ever a progressive cause to support, Harry was there. He worked at getting an intergrated public pool, striving for peace and civil liberties and generally trying to make the world and our community a better place. He will be missed,so we all need to step up and try to fill the void he leaves.
thatonedude
Posted 10:07 a.m., November 4, 2009
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I never enjoyed studying economics. Truth be told, I still don't. But, being a liberal arts student, I had to take his intro course my freshman year, and it was an absolute pleasure.
This adorable old man would walk in, wish us all a "Good Aftuhnoon", and begin teaching. He was a sweet man who clearly loved teaching, and his passing deprives future KU students of a great experience.
puddleglum
Posted 11:06 a.m., November 4, 2009
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this guy was great.
but again,
it doesn't matter if you are rich or poor
muslim or infidel
republican or democrat
jayhawk or kittykat
you still die.
MyName
Posted 11:17 a.m., November 4, 2009
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Thanks emo boi! I knew I could count on you to brighten my day!!
jhawks1234
Posted 12:04 p.m., November 4, 2009
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We will miss you Prof. Shaffer. You were the only professor I remember from KU
tomatogrower
Posted 12:37 p.m., November 4, 2009
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Something at KU should be named for him. He was one of my favorite professors. He made things so understandable, and you could just tell he cared about everyone. I also took the economics for dummies class. He missed the last 2 lectures, because of his health, but got a huge round of applause when he showed up for our final. How many professors are applauded for showing up for a test!
Did you know he left Alabama, when they failed to integrate? Thanks, Alabama, your loss our gain. He was a highly, moral wonderful guy. And his wife is great too. I hope she is doing ok.
Sulla
Posted 5:15 p.m., November 4, 2009
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
Made_in_China
Posted 5:52 a.m., November 5, 2009
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Wonderful man and a great teacher. RIP. As for the keyboard kowards (Sulla) who probably never took one of his classes, "de mortuis nil nisi bonum."
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