Christopher Shaffer, beloved first-born son of Mary and David Shaffer, passed away at the age of 28 in Hoboken, New Jersey. Throughout his too-short time with us he loved well, had fun, and pursued life with truly wonderful spirit and intelligence. He arrived on Christmas Eve 1981, the best Christmas present his parents ever got. As the family grew he was ever the energetic, loving big brother to Kathleen, Patrick and Matthew. Christopher was raised in Delmar, New York, where he graduated from Bethlehem High School before heading off to college. At the time of his death he was a trader at OMOG Trading in New York City, specializing in oil markets. From an early age, Christopher demonstrated a love of the outdoors that would bring him joy throughout his life. He loved the ocean and bay at Cape Cod, the mountains and trails of the Adirondacks, the cross-country trails at Lapland Lake. He loved riding his bike around Cayuga Lake, along the roads of the Capital Region, and most recently in the Palisades. Just this summer, he hiked with his beloved girlfriend Emily Soong up Mount Marcy and Algonquin Peak, two Adirondack hikes that he loved and enjoyed with his family many times. Christopher had tremendous physical and intellectual energy. He loved and excelled at competitive swimming and triathlons. He had an amazing breadth of knowledge about subjects that interested him, ranging from finance and natural history, to professional cycling. His enthusiasm often swept his siblings along, his brother Patrick traveling with him to do triathlons and sharing his love of long, fast bikes rides through beautiful countryside. Above all, he was kind and had a good heart. He is loved so much for all he added to our lives. In addition to his parents, he is survived by siblings Kathleen, Patrick and Matthew, his brother-in-law Brad Corban, and his dearest Emily. Also his grandfather Melvin Shaffer, his uncle Robert Shaffer, his aunt Kathy Fiess, aunt Barbara Suler, uncle Kevin Powell, cousin Dara Suler, uncle Rich Noack and cousin Kate Noack. Gifts in Christopher Shaffer’s memory can made to First United Methodist Church, 443 Delaware Avenue, Delmar, NY 12054, and/or the Mohawk & Hud-son River Humane Society, 3 Oakland Ave, Menands, NY 12204. Memories can also be shared at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/timesunion-albany/obituary.aspx?n=christopher-f-shaffer&pid=144913581