Herbert Allan Shrum

Known and cherished as Herb, Herby, or Officer Shrum, he was a devoted husband, a proud father, grandfather, and great grandfather, and a beloved brother, uncle, cousin, and friend to so many.

Herb was a proud retired police officer with the Vallejo Police Department, where he served for 27 years, badge #289, with integrity, dedication, and strength. He was deeply respected by those he worked alongside, not just for the job he did, but for the man he was, honest, loyal, and someone others looked up to long after he hung up his uniform.

Above all else, Herb was a devoted husband. He met his beloved wife, Patsy, when she was still in high school, and together they built a beautiful life and legacy over nearly 66 years of marriage. Their love was the kind of love our family has always looked up to, steady, enduring, and deeply rooted. Herb honored and protected Patsy, and loved her more than anything. Through all of life’s seasons, she stood faithfully by his side, caring for him with unwavering love and devotion until the very end. Their marriage was a true testament to lifelong love and commitment.

Herb was also a devoted father who loved spending time with his kids and being part of their lives. He took pride in teaching them, guiding them, and creating memories together. Whether it was taking them along on ride-alongs in his police car or simply spending time side by side, those moments meant everything to him. He continued to guide and support them throughout their lives, always offering his wisdom, strength, and unwavering love.

To us grandkids, he was more than a grandpa—he was everything. He stepped into a role far beyond that, becoming a true father figure, a protector, and a constant source of love and guidance. He taught us how to fish, how to shoot, how to be strong and capable, and how to love hard. He always wanted us to know how to protect ourselves, because the worst thing that could have ever happened to him was if anything happened to us. More than anything, he showed up, always.

Herb was truly one of a kind, a maverick in every sense of the word. He was loving, honest, deeply loyal, and full of personality. Beneath that strong exterior was a soft and caring heart. Known as Herby to many, he was a jokester who made goofy faces, told endless stories, and always knew how to make people laugh.

He loved collecting things, each with its own story, and especially loved anything cowboy, because in his heart, he was John Wayne. He had more wisdom than anyone we know and shared it freely.

He passed peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, exactly where he would have wanted to be. His home was his sanctuary, filled with love and the people who meant everything to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert and Esther, and his sister, Audrey.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Patsy, and their children, Gayla, Matthew, and Nathan, his brother, Carlton, grandchildren Maria, Mia, Mario, Aurelia, Cheyenne, Rachel, and Katie, along with many great-grandchildren and loved ones who will forever cherish his laughter, his stories, and the way he made each of us feel so deeply loved and protected.

His legacy will live on in the stories we tell, the lessons he taught us, and the love he gave so freely. We will carry him with us always.

A celebration of life will be held on June 13th at the Gold Country Fairgrounds in Auburn, California (Red Barn outdoor area). The gathering will begin at 1:00 PM and continue into the evening. This will be a casual, outdoor event, and all who knew and loved him are welcome to join us.