BGCTC Staff Mourns the Loss of Former Tumwater Branch Director, Dan Shelfer
Boys & Girls Club of Thurston County is mourning the death of former Tumwater Clubs Director, Daniel Shelfer who died after a short illness at the age of 34. Dan served as Tumwater Branch Director from 2013 to 2018 before accepting a position with the WA State Department of Youth and Family Services. Prior to working for BGCTC, Dan was the Club Director for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend (OR) where he attended as a youth and was named its Youth of the Year while a member.
Dan led the Tumwater Branch for 5 years and was instrumental in growing youth membership and Club visibility in the Tumwater community, building supportive parent relationships, and simply being present for the youth who needed him most. During his tenure with BGCTC, his outreach efforts resulted in a 20% growth in the number of at-risk youth served by the Tumwater branch. Dan was a role model to many Club Youth, especially those going through tough life circumstances and will especially be remembered for fostering supportive mentor relationships, especially with teen members who feel the enormity of his loss.
As noted in Dan’s official obituary, “Dan worked tirelessly to make sure kids were safe, fed, and reaching their potential through his lifetime of work and dedication to the Boys & Girls Clubs.” Dan is remembered as a great friend and mentor by Club youth, their families, and fellow BGCTC staff. BGCTC Area Director, Mike Babauta had this say about Dan, “He was always excited to come to the Club and had such a big heart for the kids and impact of the Tumwater Branch.” Mike recalled Dan’s go-to phrase was, “Things are rocking at the Tumwater Club!” The Tumwater Branch would not be what it is today without Dan’s dedication to BGCTC, Club members, and the mission to help inspire and enable youth to realize their greatness.
BGCTC encourages anyone who knew Dan to share their stories and memories of his time at Boys & Girls Clubs. Plans are underway to create a Club-based memorial. Contact info@bgctc.org with responses, questions, or to support this effort.