I first met Shane in 2011 when I transferred to VTSO. Being new to the area, I was introduced to everyone and he made a lasting impression. As others have noted, when I got to know him, I immediately felt comfortable and knew I could count on him to be honest and forthcoming. He had a way with people, making everyone feel important and valued. That’s why he had the nickname, Mr. Awesome.
Through the years, until I retired in 2015, Shane was the social organizer on our team and could be counted on to plan, organize and gather people for the many events, big and small, that made our work environment so positive. Even after retirement, I saw Shane at my BBQs, weddings, social and sport events. He was one of the people I would reach out to when I wanted to connect with the team. In the same way many of us felt about him, our friendship extended outside the workplace.
I last saw him in December 2019 and, as usual, we had a good conversation. Then, Covid hit our lives and we all stepped back and hunkered down to ride it out. When I got the news of Shane’s passing, I was in disbelief, shocked, saddened and devastated. He was such a good man, loved by many, everyone had nothing but kind words to say about him. In fact, when I told the news to my family & friends, they all remembered Shane even though they only met briefly at a couple of social events. He had that kind of effect on people.
Shane, you will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and wide circle of friends.