Bernard 'Bernie' Schaff

On November 10, 2014 after a long and courageous battle with cancer Bernard “Bernie” Schaff started his heavenly journey surrounded by his family at his home. Bernie, 73, was born on January 16, 1941 in Livingston, MT to the parents Jake and Agnes (Gauthier) Schaff. Bernie spent his early years on the Stillwater in the Absarokee and Fishtail areas. He graduated from Absarokee High School in 1959 and then enlisted in the Army. Upon his return from his service he met his first wife Susan Huff in the Columbus area. They had two children, Alan and Kevin. After working for Peavy in various locations he moved to Bozeman and attended MSU and graduated in 1972. He subsequently obtained his Masters Degree in Plant and Soils Science. Upon graduation he started working for Montana State University in the Plant and Soil Science department. After working many years as a research assistant he became the manager of the Post Agronomy farm. Working at the Agronomy farm was something that Bernie loved and it was what he considered a dream job. In 2011 he won the Employee of the Year award from Montana State University for his work at the Agronomy farms in the Bozeman area. During his time there he touched many lives and made many friends. Following his retirement in 2011, the road into the Post Agronomy farm from Huffine lane was renamed Schaff Way in his honor. Upon his retirement he married his second wife, Barbara Prescott, on April 14, 2012. Bernie spent his retirement traveling with Barb to many places and meeting many of Barb’s family and friends. He also made a number of trips to South Carolina and California to visit his grandchildren and to Florida to visit Barb’s son and grandchildren. Bernie was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and served in many different positions within the Council including Grand Knight. As a Knight, Bernie was very active in the Holy Rosary parish helping with many breakfasts and fundraisers. In September of this year, Bernie received the lifetime service award from the Knights of Columbus. Bernie loved life and was always good at keeping things lively. He had a keen sense of connecting with people in a way that made everyone smile. He had a love of sports including his beloved MSU Bobcats. He was a fixture at all of the home football and basketball games for many years. He touched so many lives and will be greatly missed by all. He is preceded in death by his Father Jake, an infant sister, and his First wife Susan (Huff). He is survived by his wife Barbara and sons: Alan (Chris) and Kevin and grandchildren Taylor and Aaron Schaff, Justin Hutman, Haley, and Kyle Schaff, and also his step son Len(Charlotte). His mother Agnes, 3 brothers: Walter (Marilyn), Tim (Debbie), and Gary (Mary) and 3 sisters: Theresa (Reno) Rodeghiero, Bev (Ed) Fryer, and Joan (Lloyd) Allen. There will be a rosary at 5:30 PM followed by a vigil at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, November 12th at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. The funeral will be Thursday, November 13th at 11:00AM also at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. In lieu of flower donations can be made to Bozeman Deaconess Cancer Center, 931 Highland Blvd, Suite 3130, Bozeman, MT 59715.