It is with deepest sadness that we announce the passing of our dearest Shawn on September 26, 2013, at home in Trail, BC with Maria, his first and last love by his side. He fought a long courageous battle with cancer.
Shawn was born in Mannville, Alberta on June 25, 1964 and grew up in Montrose, BC. He moved to Vancouver in 2003 to be with Maria, his soul mate and best friend, until they relocated back to Trail in 2008 to be closer to their families.
Growing up he had many passions, such as baseball, hockey, camping and weight lifting but his strongest interest was his music. Shawn was a very talented, self taught musician. He could play almost every instrument, but his strongest areas were playing guitar and singing. He excelled at both. He formed and played in a few different bands throughout his late teens and in his 20s. Shawn also wrote and recorded some great songs with one of his bands, “Weekend” and in his later years on his own. He made lasting, life time friends along the way. He loved jamming in his basement every chance that he got. There was nothing that Shawn could not fix, create or build. His knowledge and ability to do these things awed many of his family members, friends and acquaintances. He touched and changed so many people lives without even realizing it. He was admired and loved by so many people. Shawn was brave, gentle and generous, never hesitating to help out a friend or a stranger in any way. He had a strong compassion for animals and children were drawn to him.
Shawn is survived by his devoted wife Maria Bonito, his very loved son Adam Whitehead, his parents Jim and Sharon Whitehead, sister Holly (Ian) Gourlie, nieces Kayla and Amy Gourlie, sister Valerie (John) Gallo, nephews Cole and Bodie Gallo, mother-in-law Leonarda Bonito, brother-in-law Rocco Bonito and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
We would like to thank all of the medical staff that Shawn’s care was under and the BC Cancer Society. Many thanks to family, friends and neighbours for their condolences, kindness and support.
As an expression of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the SPCA at 7700 Highway 3B, Trail, BC V1R 2L9 or online at www.spca.bc.ca. There will be no funeral service or a memorial.
Shawn will be so deeply missed by all, but never forgotten and he will be in our hearts forever.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence on the family’s online register at www.myalternatives.ca