POST FALLS - It's been a gut-wrenching first year at Scott Shawver's Auto Body and RV, but employees' commitment to Scotty's vision is stronger than ever.

Shawver, who split from Body by Scotty, another Post Falls business, to start a new repair shop a year ago, died just three months later in a boating accident on Lake Coeur d'Alene.

Ten months after the tragedy involving the man known in the community for his gentle, giving heart, the shock is still raw to employees of Scott Shawver's Auto Body on Seltice Way.

"He had a great vision," said a teary-eyed Tracy Christopherson, Shawver's sister and the shop's office administrator. "It's too bad he's not here."

The impact of Shawver's loss is evident throughout the business. His photo is prominently displayed in the office and on the company's marketing materials. His motorcycle with a flower arrangement on it is parked in the neatly-kept and Western-themed front office where people drive in on a laminate floor to receive an estimate on their vehicles.

"Scott wanted people to feel at home when they got here," Christopherson said. "This is our home away from home."

Shawver's office remains unchanged from the way he kept it.

"We're still pretty protective of it," Christopherson said.

When customers receive an auto body estimate, they are shown the costs, schematic designs of parts and other information on a large screen.

"It's more hands-on for the customer to get an explanation of what needs to be done and why," Christopherson said.

Out back there's a 16-by-16-by-60 paint booth, which is large enough to allow the company to work on large vehicles and RVs.

"No expense was spared with setting this place up," said Toby Quiring, a refinishing technician who received his first auto body job when he was hired by Shawver. "Scott went to his friends to finance this, and they were 100 percent behind us. By the third month, we were killing it and beating his goals."

Then, soon thereafter, tragedy struck last August when Shawver drowned after jumping into the lake to retrieve a hat that had fallen in the water.

Christopherson said the loss, coupled with a mild winter that didn't help the collision repair industry in general, have made for a challenging first year. Shawver owned and operated Body by Scotty with his ex-girlfriend Sharon Sorenson for 25 years before they split up and Shawver started his new business. For years, they threw a popular annual block party to show their appreciation to customers.

"We're picking up again and thankful for the business we get," Christopherson said. "We want to continue to build a reputation."

The company's eight employees' enduring attitude to achieve Shawver's vision will be celebrated during the company's one-year anniversary celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony today from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at 2915 E. Seltice Way.

"Sometimes it's hard to come here," Christopherson said. "This was his life. He was as close to these guys as he was to me."

Quiring said he'll always appreciate Shawver taking him under his wing.

"He would give, give and give," Quiring said. "He was huge in this community. He had a lot of honesty and integrity and we're trying to carry that on."

Anniversary celebration

The one-year anniversary celebration of Scott Shawver's Auto Body and RV, 2915 E. Seltice Way, Post Falls, will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. today. The public is invited. There will be tours of the facility and hamburgers.