On March 13th, 2010, Edmonton lost a man who had made an impact on the LGBT community in his life. Jim Shafer, co-owner of Boots, friend, son, Uncle, volunteer, and mentor, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 63.

Jim Shafer was born January 7th, 1947 in Cranbrook, B.C. He completed his schooling in Salmon Arm, B.C., moving to Edmonton shortly after.

It is here that he met and married his wife Barbara. After a short move to Winnipeg and a divorce, Jim returned to his beloved Edmonton, where he began a lifelong involvement with the Edmonton LGBT community, and a long-standing friendship with business partner Ross.

This involvement began with part ownership of the Roost Nightclub, which lead to a 20+ year involvement with the Edmonton Imperial Court (ISCWR). After leaving the Roost, Jim began his last and most memorable career as a co-owner of Boots.

Boots opened its doors in 1979 under the name ”Boots and Saddles”, with a mandate of treating all of their customers equally, while discouraging discrimination based on appearances, social status, etc. “Everyone that enters Boots is a VIP and a Bar-Star all of the time.” Many agree that Shafer personified this motto.

A memorial for Jim was held at Chapel of Chimes in Edmonton on March 18th. Rob Browatzke, co-worker and friend of Jim, gave a heartfelt, emotional, and uplifting eulogy there.

“Jim welcomed everyone with open arms, and would welcome people in his bar and into his life the same way,” says Browatzke.  “He was very forgiving, everyone got a second chance. All he asked for in return was that you live your life with honesty, ownership, remittance, and respect. He helped people become all they could be without any expectations. He was charitable and used his advantages and abilities to further others.”

“Although he was honest, sometimes brutally - he would always give you the cold, hard truth. He would always rather be truthful than popular.”

Rob encouraged mourners to “try and laugh away the grief,” as this would be what Jim would have wanted. Furthermore, Rob asked people, “keep the party going, laugh louder and harder because every second counts.”

While checking out the pictures on Jim Shafer’s memorial Facebook page, a perfect stranger such as myself could not help but shed a tear for a man who obviously cared so deeply about his community and asked for little in return.

Jim Shafer represented a spirit that many of us have known and are thankful for. He is a part of that small group of individuals that were forerunners and the backbone of the LGBT community. He was a crusader that never apologized for who he was and accepted anyone for who they were. He encouraged people to fulfill their potential, and gave to the less fortunate. He was well-loved and well-respected.

Perhaps the greatest tribute we could give Jim Shafer is to live our own lives, continuing with that spirit.