Kyle Patrick Schafer

Kyle Patrick Schafer, beloved son, brother, husband, father, teacher, and coach, died of ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) at the age of 58, exactly two years after his diagnosis. Born in Spokane, Washington, on December 8, 1967, and raised 40 miles south in Latah, Kyle grew up with a deep love of the outdoors and the quiet beauty of the Palouse. He graduated from Liberty High School in Spangle in 1986 and went on to attend Eastern Washington University, initially pursuing a degree in Geology. His path shifted to Language Arts and Education. He later earned additional degrees in History and Career & Technical Education, allowing him to teach Humanities, the Gifted Program, as well as Engineering and Robotics. Kyle was baptized into Christ at a college EWU Intervarsity retreat. On December 6, 1991, he married Carolyn (Sprague) in Latah, WA. Together they built a life centered around faith, learning, adventure, and above all, love for their children, Ellin and Andrew-whom Kyle cherished beyond measure. Kyle devoted his entire 32-year teaching career to Bowdish Middle School in the Central Valley School District. Known for his dry wit, brilliant mind, and steady presence, Kyle was the kind of teacher and coach who left a lasting mark on generations of students. Whether in the classroom, on the tennis court, or on the wrestling mat, he inspired with intellect and humor. Kyle could speak thoughtfully on almost any subject. He was never without a clever comeback or a well-timed joke.. He enjoyed wrestling, mountain biking, hiking, and spending time along the Oregon coast or camping with friends considered family. He had a passion for nature-whether stargazing from Tekoa Mountain, reading a book in his archery tree stand, or quietly observing and sneaking up on elk in the hills. Mountain biking was a particular joy; he was not only skilled but loved sharing the trails with his family. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn; children, Ellin & Andrew; his mom, Lynn Schafer, and youngest brother, Craig Schafer. He was predeceased by his dad, Gary Schafer, and his little brother, Kevin Schafer. At difficult times, Kyle recalled these words from 1 Peter 1:3–7, which speak to his journey and the hope of the promise of Heaven he held: "In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." A celebration of Kyle's life will be held Friday, July 31, in Latah and also on October 10 when we will meet at a mountain bike park for a work party of trail maintenance, litter pickup, and groundskeeping. His love language was service, and he would never want a sad memorial and a lot of attention drawn to him. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Latah Country Bible Church handicap accessibility projects, 411 N Pine St, Latah, WA, or Evergreen East Mountain Bike Alliance https://www.evergreeneast.org/ or Our ALS Support group https://alsso.org/ Thank you to our friends and family for all the love and support during this difficult journey. We will miss Kyle VERY much, but we also know he is with Jesus, healed, and experiencing the incredible glory of Heaven.

Kyle Patrick Schafer

December 8, 1967 - July 19, 2026