In Loving Memory of
Shawn Michael Nelson
1999 - 2022
Obituary of Shawn Michael Nelson
Passed away suddenly as the result of a car accident on Friday, September 9, 2022 at the young age of 23. Shawn was the beloved son to Laura and Bill Nelson. He was a cherished brother to his sister Jamie, who he could always make smile without even trying. Shawn, the self-proclaimed animal whisperer, is undoubtedly reunited now with his family dog, Mini, who he spent 15 wonderful years with.Shawn was born on January 21, 1999, arriving fast and ready to live life on his terms. A naturally athletic and active child, Shawn played hockey throughout his adolescence, and was fortunate to be coached by his father for many of those years. He was an animated entertainer, and with his quick wit and awesome sense of humour, he always knew how to make people laugh. And more so, he genuinely loved to do it. Even if he was feeling down, he still knew how to light up a room. Shawn was kind-hearted, sensitive, and wise beyond his years. He was a natural leader, and would always question 'why' rather than blindly doing or accepting something. Shawn spent the last year working for Turkstra Trusses in Smithville, where he not only forged many friendships, but left a lasting impression, being described as a well-liked, positive force on the line. He had a passion for music and taught himself how to play guitar, much to the delight of those who were close enough to hear his impressive technique. He also took an interest in mechanics, which came naturally to him, and could often be found fiddling with cars. Among Shawn's many hobbies included gaming, spending time with friends which often involved bonfires, skateboarding and trips to the skate park.
Shawn will be dearly missed and never forgotten by all who knew him. In his short time on this earth, he created and leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness.
Cremation has taken place, and there will be no funeral or visitation. A Celebration of Shawn's life for family and close friends will be held at a later date.
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Bill, our sincere condolences to you and your family. May your memories of Shawn be forever.
Laura, my heart breaks for you, Bill and Jamie. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time. May you find comfort in the memories of your beautiful son Shawn and that he will always be with you and his memory cherished forever.
Love Ida
My heart is with you, Bill, Laura and Jamie. I don’t know of any words that could convey any kind of comfort after such a terrible loss. Our sincerest condolences.
Laura, Bill and Jamie…our family was so terribly sad to learn of Shawn’s passing. It seems incomprehensible that someone so full of life could be taken so soon. Though we had not seen Shawn in several years, we will always remember his great smile and sense of humour.
We know there are no words to ease your pain at the unimaginable loss you have suffered, but please know we are thinking of all of all you and sending our love.
Hey Shawn. I know you are watching over us and I am extremely sad to hear about you leaving so soon but i know you are in a better place now, finally at peace and happy. I just want you to know that you had a huge influence on my childhood and i really admired and looked up to you. You were always ahead of your time and taught me so much, more than you could ever know. I love you bro and i cant wait til i see you again. Take care of us and watch over us. Love you.
rest in peace Shawn , since highschool you’ve always shown me mad love . Truly a beautiful soul . Please watch me over brother 💯❤️
Condolences to his family
Hi Bill, I am so sorry for this huge loss and words cannot describe it. The grief, the pain and overwhelming feeling of something precious is taken away would be unbearable! Please accept my deepest condolences to whole family. May he rest in peace and may you find all the strength to cope with this unthinkable loss.
My heartfelt condolences to your family, I had the pleasure of working with Shawn over the past year, his smile and energy lit up the room every day, he will be sadly missed, may you find peace in your memories
Bill, I can’t imagine what you and your family are going through right now. I know there’s nothing I could say that would help, but I wanted to pass on my deepest sympathies for your loss.
Sending my deepest condolences Bill – to you and your entire family. My heart breaks for your loss and I wish you strength to get through this. xox
On behalf of many people who shared small yet unforgettable interactions with Shawn through the years at gonzaga, We will always remember him as the funny, kind hearted person he was said to truly be. You did not need to be very close to Shawn to see that he is and was the exact person as described. We will always remember the small moments, for they truly impact you as the years go on. I’m sending all my love and prayers out to Shawns family, close friends and anyone who knew him. I’m sure i’m speaking for us all, when I say I was truly sadden by the news despite not being very close to him. One thing that is certain is that Shawn was loved and as i heard from many people, that he was a great person as well. My deepest condolences again and I hope it brings you the comfort to know how much Shawn affected those around him and always in the best possible way. He will never be forgotten ❤️ And amazingly I do remember his passion for guitar and it made me smile as i imagined him holding one. Much love.
Laura, Bill and Jamie…from my family to yours, we are beyond saddened with the immense loss of Shawn. We’ve known Shawn since age 2 and instantly he formed a bond with our children. Our families have vacationed often, most cherished were our Wasaga Beach trips. Though the youngest, Shawn was certainly not the meekest! He would try to carry the most gear on our convoy to the beach and once there would drop everything in anticipation of the fun day ahead! As a young adult, no matter how much time had passed we enjoyed our visits with Shawn. Memorable to us was the evening I asked him to bring his guitar so we could hear him play. He sat at our kitchen island and played the most calming, beautiful tunes. We were pleasantly surprised and proud of his self-taught talent! He patiently accommodated song after song request, happily doing so but certainly not as much as we enjoyed hearing him play! From the bottom of our hearts, Laura, Bill and Jamie, please know we will hold dear our time spent with Shawn, your son, brother and our dear friend. He will be missed.
Laura, Bill and Jamie Sending you our deepest condolences. He was a kind, caring, soul and will be missed. Your in our thoughts and prayers. ❤️❤️❤️
My deepest heartfelt condolences to family and loved ones. My heart breaks for your loss. I feel very blessed and grateful to have had such a friendly kind and thoughtful young man as my next-door neighbour. Always with a smile on his face and open for conversation. May God Bless.
Please accept my deepest condolences. You’re in my thoughts, and in my heart. Take care of each other. ❤️
Laura, Bill and Jamie. There are no words. Our hearts are breaking for you. Deepest and heartfelt condolences in the loss of your beautiful Shawn.
So sorry for your loss Laura.
My deepest condolences
My condolences dear Laura, Bill and Jamie on this immeasurable loss that is so hard to bear. I am shocked, in disbelief, and am grieving for you. Much love to you all.
Laura sending all my love to you Bill and Jamie . I have no words my dear friend, my deepest condolences. My prayers are with you all ❤❤❤
Laura I have just seen this devestaribg news and cannot begin to know the pain that you and your family must be going through. I am sending all my love and virtual strength.
Our heartfelt condolences to Laura, Bill and Jamie. We are so saddened to hear of Shawn’s passing. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
My friends Bill, Laura and Jamie please accept my condolences. God rest Shawn’s soul in peace and give you the patience and strength in these difficult times. God bless you all.
Farid G.
Laura my deepest condolences to you and your family I will keep you and your family in my prayers
The obituary so completely captures the goofy brilliance of this young man. I had the privilege to have both his sharp wit and gifted musical skills in my class for many years.
I have much love for him and your whole family and hope in time you all find peace from this terrible loss.
Our heartfelt condolences to Bill, Laura and Jamie. Such a tragedy to have such a young, promising life cut so short. Our prayers are with you, the family and his friends. Jim and Lynne and family