Rudolph Hans-Juergen Schaffner, also known as Rudi, unexpectedly passed away on June 10, 2020 at age 74. Rudi was born on October 30, 1945 in Regensburg, Germany and moved to Seattle, Washington when he was 20. He married the love of his life, Louise, in 1969 and they had two children together. He will always be remembered as a loving, caring, supportive and positive husband, father, Opa, uncle, and brother. Rudi was known as a "legend" in the Volkswagen industry. As a young man, he trained in Germany and brought his skills to the United States. As a Master Mechanic, Rudi worked for Avalon Motors, Carter Motors and then opened his own shop, Schaffner Motors in Lynnwood in 1973. During his 40 years in business, he mentored many young people showing them how to be a fair and compassionate businessman. Rudi is well-known for his family values, community involvement, love for fishing, and traveling . Rudi always put family first and in 2007, he retired to spend more time with them. His grandsons were the joy of his life and he spent countless hours teaching them how to use tools to build crazy contraptions like ping pong ball cannons. He valued and enjoyed the time he spent with them whether it was taking them camping and fishing or just out for ice cream. Rudi loved salmon fishing and crabbing on Puget Sound with family and friends. He took his family fishing to Alaska and explored the numerous freshwater lakes around Washington. He enjoyed spending afternoons on those lakes with his family and friends trolling for trout. Rudi and Louise also enjoyed traveling in their motor home. He belonged to Pacers Northwest and Thousand Trails, and with those club members they would travel around the United States and Canada. He went to motorhome rallies and always made new friends. Rudi also had a great circle of friends and was proud of his German heritage. Rudi's family from Germany came to visit often and traveled the US with him. He also danced and was a founding member of the Washington Enzian Schuhplattler group. He and his best friends were ski instructors at Ski Acres. He was a lifetime member of the Poggie Fishing Club, Everett Steelhead and Salmon Club, and Laghbughten Salmon Fishing Club. His love of sharing the outdoors was evident as he sponsored many youth to the Washington State Youth Conservation Camp on Orcas Island. Rudi also volunteered at Fire Mountain Scout Camp where he taught youth fishing, fixed fishing poles and boats, and supported scouts in their camping adventures. Rudi is survived by his wife of 51 years, Louise; his daughter Marie Schaffner (Steve Becvar), his grandchildren Harkin and Wilder; his brother Edmond; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his son, "Little" Rudi, his mother, Marie; father, Karl; and brother, Karl. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Rudi Schaffner Fire Mountain Fish Fund c/o Mount Baker Council 1715 100th PL. SE. Everett, WA 98208 Due to Covid-19 we are not able to have a public memorial. However, we encourage you to leave a personal message or a photo in the guest book at Gilbertsonfh.com