TRIBUTE TO the MEMORY of THOMAS ALFRED SCHAFF
By Supt. Bruce D. Johnson
Redwood Christian Schools 

Over 800 of Tom Schaff's co-workers, friends and students gathered on June 10, 2003, at Redwood Chapel Community Church in Castro Valley to honor his life. Speakers included family members, pastors, students, and friends. The following is the tribute by Bruce Johnson.

Mr. Schaff was a co-laborer, friend and Brother in Christ who truly modeled Galatians 5:22-23 every day to everyone (love, joy, peace, patience, kindess, goodness, faithful, gentleness and self-control). He was one of the most kind, gentle, godly people I have ever had the privilege to know, and he was respected by his students and co-workers.

Each time he would come to see me for help on any matter, it seems that three statements were included with the contact: "Sorry to bother you, pray for me and my students, I am learning so much."

After he was hired last spring to teach math for RCS, he became one of the most ardent students of teaching high school I have ever met! He checked out every video he could put his hands on, took his textbooks home as soon as he could and had the lesson plans for the first thirty weeks of school (three quarters) completed BEFORE teacher orientation began two months later!

Tom truly had a shepherd's heart.

In response to the instruction on his teacher application to "State your understanding of the purpose of Christian education on the elementary or secondary level," he responded: "Because it is especially difficult to grow up in this spiritually confusing and morally corrosive world, my heart goes out to children and teenagers. A Christian education is necessary to instruct and model Jesus'
Plan for life. Also, children need clear and effective answers for all of their questions. Christian instruction, begun early in life, will continue its influence in a child's life and guide his choices throughout the balance of his years, making him a beneficial citizen and witness."

When asked why he wished to have a part in Christian education, he responded: "The Lord has always turned my life to teach without my seeking it. I have been given an interest in the Bible and appreciate its value for life. I have been encouraged to teach by the positive reaction of my
students at all levels. But mostly I am concerned for the ‘lost lambs' of the world and desire in a small way to help them find the Shepherd."

Who can know the plans of our God? It must be that Tom found the will of God for his life, and when He completed that will, God rewarded him by bringing him home to
spend an eternity of blessing with the Lord Jesus who sealed his salvation. Death is an ugly, unnatural evidence of the Fall and sin. Praise God for a Savior who has overcome death and the grave.... and even more impressive in the here and now, has overcome my sin and the sin of each one of us here tonight.

I received a number of e-mails from parents with students and students at RCHS. I chose the following one to share this evening and do so with permission of the student and his parents.

"Tom always took the time to walk over and say hi when our paths crossed when visiting the RCHS campus. We spoke with Tom when he attended the school play and the awards night. He was there to support the students. Keith (their son) was connecting with Tom this year in his math class. He was liking math for the first time in his life. My wife and I are very sorry to hear such news. Tom was a wonderful person and a gifted teacher." Jeff & Linda Humphrey

We will miss this gentle man with his shepherd's heart. God bless all of you during this time, especially John, and his precious wife, Lori, Philip, Laura and Anna, and John and Lori's children, Christopher and Kaylor. May the Lord strengthen your hearts – and ours – with His Truth.