OBITUARY
Shannon Nicole Elmer
January 5, 1985 – December 29, 2020
Shannon passed away peacefully in her sleep on Dec. 29, 2020. She was born in Burnaby, BC and lived most of her life in New Westminster, BC. She will be lovingly remembered by her parents, Ken Elmer and Janet Neufeld, along with her brother, Jonathan. Relatives include Auntie Merian, Uncle Neill and cousins Christie, Tila and Kerry together with their families; Great Aunt Irene, Great Uncles Dale and John and their respective families. Also included are her many Baergen and Neufeld cousins. Many friends will also miss this vivacious young woman who loved people and who found friends wherever she ventured - in school, sports, work and travel. This includes Pickle the cat who was her soul mate for the past 2 years.
Shannon attended New Westminster Secondary School and in her senior Grade 12 year was the only girl in the school’s history to play 5 senior sports ( soccer/ basketball/ volleyball/ track and field/ cross country.) She was awarded “outstanding athlete” every year from Grade 8-12. Shannon attended UBC on a track scholarship and was a starting/scoring member of the cross country team in every meet during her 5 years at the university. She finished 6th in the Sun Run 3 times, ran in the North American/ Central American Championships in the Dominican Republic and competed in the World Mountain Running Championships in Turkey.
Shannon auditioned for the reality show, Wipeout Canada and qualified. Over a week she competed in Buenos Aires and finished 5th out of 20. She then toured Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru for 6 weeks on her own meeting up with her parents in Lima. Machu Pichu was the next adventure and then it was back to UBC for her teacher training year. Shannon was an excellent snowboarder who continued to challenge herself on the toughest runs at Whistler and Blackcomb. On April 11, 2015 Shannon was standing at the side of a run when she was hit by an out of control skier breaking her back at the C5 level. She was helicoptered to VGH and doctors did not expect her to survive the night.
Shannon fought for her life those next few weeks in ICU and eventually was transferred to GF Strong which is noted to be one of the best rehab centres in North America. She worked very hard there and was determined to return to teaching elementary school children even as a quadriplegic. The last 3 years she received contracts from Vancouver School Board for afternoon classes only as she now required morning time with her care aids. She loved her primary classes and the kids loved her as well.
Shannon travelled to over 60 countries in her life. She taught with her dad in Egypt for 6 months and then journeyed to Vietnam and China to also teach and explore. Always she kept in touch with parents and friends. Sometimes paper napkins arrived “snail mail” style giving a personal touch with her handwriting informing you of the latest crazy thing she was doing.
While travelling the world Shannon would often research and taste the most popular dishes from that country. Upon return she began creating meals that always made it exciting to be present at her table. If you weren’t there - she would send you several photos and you’d wished that you had. In later years, when she physically wasn’t able to cook, she would still instruct her care aids and ask friends to help out. She never lost her excitement about food and often her international care aids would be happy to show her some of the foods from their country.
She always had projects going - including making and selling pesto and salsa ! Still, she managed to volunteer at one of the Vancouver Food banks one day a week.
Shannon’s favourite place to travel was Lindell Beach on Cultus Lake. A cabin was purchased in 1985 and together with her brother and friends had many adventures and water balloon fights. Even after her accident she loved to be driven out and spend time with some of the residents she had known over the many years.
She loved the water and was so happy to discover a specialized kayaking programme that she could participate in these past few few summers. The location was on False Creek, just a quick chair “zoom” away from her Gastown condo. Upper body workouts were her forté and two years ago she set her own personal record of forty times on the water with family and friends in a 2 seater kayak!
In life she was an Earth Angel who cared, loved and helped the many that she knew but she also reached out to everyone. She always had a spark to her life but the last 5 years this changed to a flame that displayed strength and determination in always wanting to do her best.
Shannon has earned her wings. She is pursuing her many passions of running, snowboarding and water sports. Shannon would have been 36 years old on January 5th and so her wings “blew” out her candles. She lives on in our heart.
The family wishes to thank the many many friends for their love and support. Also, a heartfelt thank you to the medical teams of physicians, nurse/practitioners, nurses, OT’s, PT’s and care aids who have assisted in creating a better life for Shannon.
We miss our brilliant, vibrant, crazy sense of humour, precious Shannon. Sweet dreams my Sweetpea / Monkey. La la salamma. 💕
“And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” Abraham Lincoln
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to support the GF Strong Rehab Centre/Spinal Cord program , in memory of Shannon Elmer at VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation. Donate at vghfoundation.ca/shannon-elmer, by calling 604-875-4676, or by mail to VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation, 190-855 West 12 Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9.
DONATIONS
- GF Strong Rehab Centre/Spinal Cord
Memories
Shannon Nicole Elmer
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYSherena Cheraki
January 22, 2021
Shan and I became friends during her travel and stay in Egypt. We had an instant connection. We traveled together , ate together and just enjoyed eachothers company. She loved the sea and diving, so we went to Sharm El Sheikh, where she and my husband spent hours diving the red sea. We always stayed intouch and always had plans to see one another but sadly could never get to it,. I will truly miss her and miss her fun and adventurous spirit, nothing slowed her down.. Not only was she fun to be around but also she had a beautiful heart! You will be truly missed my dear friend. Till we meet again and I promise I will try to at least snorkel with you!
Natasha Nassiroghli
January 22, 2021
My sweet Shannon came to my life when we were working at Moxies. She was the most energetic, outgoing and loving coworker. We became friends right away and she pushed for me to work at RedBull which she had just started too. She set up an interview for me and next thing you know we were working two jobs together! We had a blast at both places but RedBull is really where we had the best memories and fun moments.
We both loved to travel and share stories ( she was a much better writer than I am) so she would write me letters everywhere she went and I would just share stories on the phone.
A very vivid memory is when my ex went traveling (Feb 2007) and Shannon knew I don’t like being home alone so she’d invite me over and make me the best soup and salad; I can still taste both. I went back almost everyday and she cooked lovingly and happily every time. That’s when we became much closer. Spending all those days together.
In the recent years, she was the source of positivity and grace in my life. She was on my mind everyday and anytime I felt down or wanted to complain I would think of her strength and positivity. I remember telling her that once. I remember telling her that when her friends complain to her she must feel some level of annoyance over how minor their issues are ( me included) and she looked at me and said, “I never feel that way because everyone’s minor problem is big to them”. I just nodded and went home and cried for hours that I can’t fix her problem.
Shannon is the most loved person and her strength, positivity and love for everyone will live forever. Love you Shan!
Siana Mills
January 21, 2021
I don’t actually recall when Shannon and I became friends, but I look back on that time and she was always there. Whether it was on the playground, soccer field or in the principals office.
One thing I do know was Shannon was one of my best friends. We shared so many memories together, from track meets to weekends at her cabin floating down the Bonnie River on tubes, skinny dipping at night or running away from security guards when you take a short cut through a golf course. There was never a dull moment when you were in her company.
After graduation I moved North and we lost touch. It wasn’t until after her accident when we reconnected and I got see how brilliant she really was.
Her indomitable spirit was such an inspiration. She showed me the true meaning of living completely with love, laughter and good friends.
In true Shannon fashion she has brought people together. I hope to honour her memory and all ways keep people close and value friendship as she did.
I will miss you my darling friend.
Susan Northey
January 19, 2021
I know Shannon via the track & field / cross country world. Shannon was an incredible athlete. Shannon’s beauty, fluid stride, and tenacity made her a favorite of mine to watch in action. Shannon was on a few teams that I coached including the NACAC 2006 Dominican Republic. Shannon was racing in the 10km when part way through the race the sky opened and there was a torrential downpour. Shannon had her game face on and won the silver medal. After the race she entertained us telling a tale of how the pounding rain had caused the cockroaches to scramble to the surface of the grassy infield. A few of them had jumped up and hitched a ride on Shannon’s legs for a lap or two…not something she enjoyed. Funny, none of us watching had any idea this was happening, all we could see was a focused, determined Shannon racing for a medal.
Shannon inspired. Shannon made a difference. Shannon will forever be remembered.
Lexie Karn
January 18, 2021
Shan, I will miss your fun loving spirit. I loved seeing photos of Pickle and bonding over our crazy cat lady status and sharing stories about what shenanigans the fur kids got into . You truly touched so many lives all around the world and will be very sorely missed. Sending love to your family, you are in our thoughts.
Love,
Lexie, Sean & Gumbo
Piper Hayes
January 18, 2021
Shannon made the world a brighter more vibrant place. Times spent with her meant taking risks and extreme silliness. She never balked at an opportunity to stretch a boundary or try something her way. She was the loyalist of friends and when I think of her I think of laughter and joy.
I got to train with Shannon for two years on the UBC track and X teams. We've stayed in touch since and share 16 years of friendship. When together we were inseparable, gettin up to the most ridiculous things. I have many unforgettable memories with Shan, but one that stands out was in Dublin, Ireland back in 2005. We'd travelled through Europe with some of the UBC track team all organized by her Dad. We had a blast throughout, but the night we spent in Dublin we were told not to take the night bus home. Well I don't remember the exact reasoning, but I do remember that if Shan was told she shouldn't or couldn't do something it became a strong likelihood that she would. And I pretty much was always game for these kind of shenanigans. We sung and danced down the midnight streets, pub hopping. Getting men to buy us drinks and then disappearing into the crowd. Two young up to no good wild travellers.
When the time came to head home we didn't take a cab or call our hosts we took the night bus. We had no map, no cell phones as you might today, we just followed our noses. I remember getting off at a stop and crossing a stone fence and then a large grassy field to finally miraculously reach our destination. I don't know how but with Shan we always found our way home...and to cereal. I remember eating chocolate squares with nutella inside. Some brand we didn't have back home. Which reminds me of a NYE in San Diego whereby the next day our entire hotel room floor was covered in cereal.
Shan you brought so much love to so many people. You continually reminded us how we can live, full of life. Thanks for being my friend in this time round the universe. I love you with all my heart.
Courtney Naesgaard
January 18, 2021
Shan I will miss your crazy stories, sense of humor, and super human powers. I will always look up to your strength and lust for life. Sending love ❤
Mila Coad (Zvijerac)
January 17, 2021
Shannon and I first became friends in elementary school at Herbert Spencer. I can’t remember when we first met but what I do remember is that we were inseparable all throughout school and she was one of my best friends. In elementary school, we participated in every sport that we could at our school, including volleyball, basketball and track and field. Some of my fondest memories were being a part of our amazing 4x100m track team (pictured below) with Shannon being our anchor, along with Mollie and Siana being the other key players. She was a natural athlete and was always the one to bear especially when it came to running.
When we weren’t at school or playing sports, we spent the weekends together with our other friends, or going to each others cabins. At Cultus we were either playing in the water on the jetskis and tubing or bugging Jonathan. At Sun Peaks we were either watching movies in our basement or skiing in the trees. We had a lot of fun together.
Our friendship carried on through highschool and University where we both attended UBC. Although we grew apart over the years, we always had a special place in our hearts for each other.
Shannom was such a special person to me and many others. Since learning the unfortunate news of her passing, I have been visiting old photos and memories, and reconnecting with old friends. I know that wherever Shannon is, she is smiling and doing backflips over the fact that her light continues to shine in us all. Rest well, Sweet Shan.
Grace Wong
January 17, 2021
I met Shannon a few years ago, she was a member of our Polar Plunge team, when she arrived at the beach on those wintery chilly mornings, the sun would shine brighter. Her smile, charisma and energy could light up the world, Shannon was beautiful inside and out. Rest in peace beautiful angel.
Christy Smith
January 17, 2021
As kids, Shan and I were close in the way cousins were. As we grew up, though, we truly got to know each other. Shan was travelling the world and would email me about her adventures, and I would tell her about my classes, knowing she had plans to come back and do teacher training. I remember being envious - and proud - of her travels: she had the courage and the passion to go anywhere and everywhere, and she made friends easily.
She was also up for anything. When Uncle Ken was teaching in Egypt, my sister Tila and I decided that it would be a perfect time for a visit. When I heard that Uncle Ken was making plans for us to spend Christmas in Dahab, I decided that I really wanted to climb Mount Sinai to watch the sunrise.
Tila had less than no interest in that, and I wasn’t going to do it on my own, so I reached out to Shannon. She didn’t hesitate.
We were so excited to go that we went over the plans and checked the contents of our backpacks multiple times. Water, check. Snacks, check. Blankets, check. Camera, check. Confident we had everything we would need, we climbed on the bus.
And then we climbed off the bus and looked at the very dark, unlit mountain we were going to climb TO SEE THE SUNRISE and looked at each other, equal parts embarrassed and freaking out ... it hadn’t occurred to us that FLASHLIGHTS might also be useful.
Luckily, Shan had made friends on the bus with very kind travellers from the UK and Syria, who offered to share their light with us. (This was especially kind because although Shan ran up mountains for fun, I was not particularly in mountain-climbing shape, so they had to hold their pace to mine.)
That experience remains one of the best (and most amusing) of my life - though travelling to Austria (again, with Shannon - she features in some of my most entertaining travel stories) is a close second. But that’s a story for another time.
I miss you, Shan. Thank you for being an amazing cousin and a incredible friend.
Carly Naesgaard
January 16, 2021
When I was 14 my dad asked me if I wanted to go to Japan in two weeks to play basketball with a a girls team from Vancouver. Of course I said yes! I went and stayed at one of the girls families house in New Westminster. It was the Elmers! Shannon and her family were soo welcoming! From then on we became two peas in a pod. The next summer she would come to Port Alberni and I introduced her to my friends, family and Pit Parties!! Shannon became part of the Naesgaard’s! I have soo many good memories of my Shan at Sproat, in Vancouver and travelling through South East Asia together.
We decided to get angel wing tattoos together after a full moon party in Thailand. We thought if we took shots rite before the tattoo it would make us feel better! Hahaha we were wrong! And of course our tattoos weren’t actually matching and did not look like the picture we showed the guy!! And then rite after Shannon called her dad crying about the tattoo! I thought “Oh no!”But then we got over it and we always had a good laugh about it!
She was such a good friend! She was very smart and a very good writer! My family and my self always enjoyed reading her emails of her travels and hilarious stories!
I’m soo glad Shannon got to come to the hospital when my son Carter was born. I will always cherish those moments I have with her meeting my son. I will make sure Carter my son will hear endless stories of her when he grows up.
I love you and miss you soo much my Shancore!! I know you are in a better place! I know you are loving your real Angel wings and dancing and running around up in Paradise!!
Love your Carly Core ❤️❤️❤️
Meghan Jackman
January 15, 2021
Shan and I first met on the soccer field when we were little tykes. Our team’s name was the “Wildcats” and we most definitely lived up to that title. Little did I know the cute pixie sitting beside me on photo day would get me into so much trouble. We spent most of our practices running laps around the field, meant as disciplinary action. It didn’t bother Shan one bit; she loved running. I, on the other hand, felt quite the opposite. Let’s just say I did not choose the keeper position, it chose me.
One day, while walking home up 20th Street, I peered through the dining room window from the street to witness a blond haired girl sitting at my seat at our family dinner table. It was Shan! My initial reaction was jealousy; “Hey! That’s my family.” But, those feelings quickly dissipated as I realised she is family and I found a smile on my face. Shan infiltrated my life. She ensured her presence was seen, heard, felt and known.
During one of our last conversations, she mentioned she had a dream about us. She emphasized it was “so realistic too”. I asked her if it was a happy dream, and she said “Yesssss! We were playing soccer at Swangard Stadium and then dad took us for perogies.” Play, food and love were the fundamentals of our friendship.
I am saddened to say bye to my longest friend. Shan taught me through her actions how to live with “uninhibited inhibition”. I observed her exploring the world and welcoming challenges. She cooked with passion; she played with vigor; she taught with enthusiasm; and she loved wholeheartedly.
Shan, I will miss you. However, your legacy does not end here. I will continue to tell stories about you and the fun we had together. I will share memories of our crazy adventures with my kids and hope they learn to live life with the same excitement with which you lived yours.
All my love!
Meggie
Rob Van Duin
January 15, 2021
I first met Shan back in 2012 after my buddy Caleb invited me to play on a Volleyball team... The Shockers. It was an amazing team with a massive energy that I think was harnessed from Shannon. That team was unique, we were all there to have fun, most of the time not keeping score. A tactical manoeuvre of playing with drink-in-hand, or in Shan’s and Alicia’s case, wine-in-hand was also used in most of the games we played. Shan and me became friends quickly, as did most of the Shockers. A few years later we actually met up in the Netherlands where Shan met my extended dutchy family. We made a surprise trip to Ibiza together, where Shan found a floaty Salamander to float upon and enjoy some Don Simon sangria while the sunset!Everywhere we went together she seemed to make friends quickly and always had a good time. I will always remember how much fun we had together, from shocking the pole on the volleyball courts, to fishing in Mexico. Shannon, you will be missed dearly, but we know you’re shredding up some light fluffy powder somewhere now. Ken, Janet, Jonathan, and Pickle you have our deepest sympathies. This photo below is from when we went to the Heineken House in Amsterdam.... Shannon had to get on the roof for a pic.
Nigel Hole
January 15, 2021
I only overlapped with Shannon on the UBC team for a few months in my first year as she finished up XC eligibility. I was injured for part of that season and didn't travel on all of the trips.
So I unfortunately didn't get to know her too well, but in reading the obituary (and news articles of her accident a few years ago) it's clear we shared more than just a high school coach (Besnik) in common.
It also sounds like she showed a tremendous amount of grit since her accident, and committed herself to teaching and inspiring kids. I'm sure she had a lot to teach all of us, and I'm truly saddened to know now that that ship has sailed.
Patty and Bruce Kiloh
January 15, 2021
Shannon, your life was woven in and out of ours from the time you were born. We remember seeing your tiny new face and we followed your life as it unfolded. You were always sparkly, full of fun and adventure. We will never forget the great times we spent with you, whether it was in the ski hill or watching a Chilliwack Chief’s hockey game, or watching you play basketball or run a race. We only wish there could have been more. When life threw you a debilitating injury, your true self rose to the very top. You showed your grit and your spirit. You never gave up. You inspired us and many others with the way you continued to have adventures, like kayaking, pub-crawls, big birthday parties at restaurants, trips to your beloved Cultus Lake and travels to Europe . Your career as a teacher was so important to you and you loved your students and thus you continued to travel by public transit to your school and make such a difference to those around you. We remember when you came to our grand-daughter’s Christmas concert, by bus, and spread your joy for life. Shannon, you will never be forgotten. May your angel wings take you soaring! May your bright light shine on.
Alison Ringwald
January 14, 2021
Ken, Janet and Jonathan,
We are so sorry to hear of Shannon's sudden passing. While we only met her a few times we fondly remember the first time we met. Shannon had just completed her journey from her condo to the family home and we were greeted by a bubbly, beautiful young woman as we passed by on our daily walk. Immediately after being introduced Shannon had Rob on the ground doing push-ups and sit-ups on the lawn. We all were in hysterics laughing. Who could refuse this special young lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Shannon is the brightest star shining in the sky.
Stephanie Carlton
January 14, 2021
My condolences go out to you Janet, Ken and Jonathan. We remember Shannon when she played soccer with Samantha and they attended NWSS high school together. They had such good times(sleepovers at the house on 1st St. and made a lot of memories. She was a lovely girl, very upbeat and you knew she was going to make her mark on life. Even with the curve balls she was thrown she still carried on and never stopped doing things she loved. She will be missed very much by all who knew her.
I am sure she is running miles up in the heavens and going everywhere she can. She will be the breeze on your faces and the wind in your hair. We will smile when we think of her as I am sure she wouldn't want it any other way.
Our thoughts are with you, Stephanie & Phil Carlton
Sam Collier
January 14, 2021
Remembering her lovely smile and bright eyes. She will be so missed by everyone and my heart goes out to the family. We will keep her in our hearts and remember the happy times - that way she will never really be away from us.
Heidi Iro
January 14, 2021
Skipper Shannon! My fierce, hilarious, caring, loving friend. Thank you for all the times, you made me smile, laugh and also let me cry. You made such an impact in my life, from the time we worked together at Red Bull, to your visit with Christie in Austria. I will never forget zooming through Salzburg on you chair, trying to get away from a crazy rainstorm, only to land at a small party in a record shop, listening to Austrian pop music and laughing at the paper-bags, trees and leafs flying by.
I will always carry you in my heart. Love you Shanikins! Come visit me sometime in my dreams please.
Deb Scott
January 13, 2021
I am so sorry for the loss of your dear daughter and sister Shannon.❤️I did not know Shannon as an adult, but I saw her grow up with a zest for life, a sparkle in her eyes, and always with a big smile. The apple did not fall far from the tree as her adventurous personality and enthusiasm for life, was deeply embedded in her family life. She was a role model, for all, in her perseverance and determination for life before and after the accident. I am so sorry for your loss. Big hug Ken, Janet, and Jonathon. Condolences to all family and friends.💐
Janine Okeefe
January 13, 2021
Shannon’s big heart, bubbly personality and zest for life and adventure were contagious. Take comfort with the friends and family that surround you. We share in your sadness and are keeping you in our prayers. Janine, Robert, Adam, Ryan and Sara.
Darcey Sudeyko
January 13, 2021
Shannon was a gift to us all. Her bright smile and positive attitude toward life were infectious and brought joy to anyone who crossed her path. She was taken from us far too soon.
I got to know Shannon when she was a student teacher in my Kindergarten class in 2010. I knew immediately that Shannon had pursued the right profession; she jumped in with both feet and was eager to take on full responsibility for teaching the class. As I got to know her better and learned of her many accomplishments, I knew that this was how she tackled all aspects of her life.
Shannon was not a sit-back-and-watch type of person. She was eager to learn and willing to try new or innovative teaching methods. She understood the value of taking risks, both with her own and her students' learning. Shannon set high standards for herself and would get upset when things did not work out as she had planned (which is inevitable in a kindergarten class). But she used these experiences to hone her skills and saw them merely as setbacks. There was no such thing as failure for Shannon.
Shannon was not just loved by the kids - they adored her. She had an innate sense of knowing how to reach the wide variety of learners that are present in any classroom, and made even the most reluctant learner feel special.
I was not surprised to hear of Shannon's success in overcoming her accident; I knew that she would see it as just another huge challenge. I will miss her warm smile, her laughter, and her sense of humour. We often spoke of catching up over dinner at Taverna Greka; I wish we had had the chance.
I am honoured to have known and worked with Shannon and I am glad she had the chance to leave her mark on so many young lives. The teaching profession has lost a superstar.
Condolences and love to Janet, Ken, Jonathan, and the extended family.
Lynn Kanuka
January 13, 2021
Dear Shan... I was so happy to follow your adventures through your Mom and Dad as you were growing up... we were all connected through the world of track and field and athletics. It was lovely to get to know you a little better each time at many fun family gatherings over the years through Sun Run and The Jerome and Christmas and summertime visits to The Cottage. I always felt a special connection to you with your energy and zest for life... your quick smile and interest and excitement for everything and anyone around you. All of us who were lucky to spend time with you experienced this special connection.
It’s impossible to explain the circle of life ... and how I wish you’d been on this planet longer...but your kind of energy lives forever... It was your gift here in this world and it lives in us all forever. Thinking of you now I see those bright vibrant eyes and big smile:) I feel instantly inspired to try to live every day as an adventure in the best way possible.. just like you. Even now we know you are spreading those wings and flying high as always. Big hugs Shan:)
Rochelle Holmes
January 13, 2021
Shannon Elmer was one of my very first friends in life. We met when we were 6 years old and immediately started getting into trouble when Shannon started cutting my hair over the garbage can. From that point on Shannon an I became more like sisters than friends. Whenever Janet and Ken would travel without Shannon and Jonathan Shannon would stay with my mom and I. My mom loved Shannon like a second daughter.
Growing up together in New Westminster we spent every Halloween trick or treating together and carving pumpkins. We spent every Boxing Day waking up at 5am and heading to Metrotown for shopping. We spent thanksgivings together at my moms house when her parents were away. I was always thankful to have a friend like Shannon.
As we grew older Shannon went on to experience many adventures abroad, but every time she came back we would just pick up where we left off never skipping a beat. Some of our best memories together were sharing time together at her families cabin at Lindell Beach at Cultus Lake. From swimming, the pig roasts, karaoke at the Cultus lake pub, riding bikes, and tanning for hours on the dock just laughing, talking, and eating. Man did Shannon love to eat from her dad’s burgers that we would always make him cook at the cabin, to popcorn with lots of butter, to mushrooms and garlic (which we would cook for pasta but always ended up eating before actually cooking the pasta) and all the sauces you could imagine. She was obsessed with having sauces with her food.
Shannon and I always talked about growing into old ladies together and I’m sad that we won’t be able to do that in the physical life but I know that she will always be by my side in life wherever I go.
Shannon got to experience more in life than most people do and I am soooo happy for that. I will miss you forever my panhead and our memories will stay in my heart forever.
Love Always,
Your Roachie xoxo
Sandra/Marcel Beausoleil
January 12, 2021
You truly lived an adventuress life full of excitement and brought your “ joi de vie” to everyone who knew you . I know you’ll take that same spirit to the next level.
Kirsten Ratzlaff
January 12, 2021
Shan was my sisters best friend, so she was like a second sister to me. My sister Alicia and her were absolute dynamite together, always the most captivating people to be around! Shan, Alicia, my best friend Jen and I had countless double dates together, laughing until we cried most nights. If we weren’t grabbing dinner & drinks together we were often shopping, rollerblading or snowboarding
Shan was the queen of inside jokes and nicknames: Peaches, Hollywood, Hammy & Pookie for life ❤️ I will always “loft you” for that. All the best memories with her range from Shocker volleyball games, seawall/beach & pool parties, so many special Bdays together, Halloween’s, Cultas lake, Whistler, Calgary and Golden trips.
I couldn’t believe how quickly she picked up snowboarding! Alicia & I thought we’d still be better than her since she started so late in life. But nope, her crazy athleticism, determination and love for the sport had her taking bigger jumps than us in no time. She was the most athletic girl I knew, and also the most travelled!
She had some insane travel stories that I couldn’t get enough of, especially laughing with her about the cheap tattoo from Thailand 😂 She golfed in front of the Pyramids, cooked all types of weird seafood in Portugal, backpacked South America alone after competing in Wipe Out, won a free trip for the Groove cruise in the Caribbean with her best friend! Snowboarded a volcano in Chile, scuba dived in the Red Sea (she’s seen more Middle East countries than anyone I know) and travelled most of Asia as well. She lived one action packed life, more than most of us will ever experience!
I could go on forever, lord knows my sis & I could write an epic book on all her adventures. And how very loved she was, for her endless positivity and energy
Love you Shanny. I picture you snowboarding those champagne clouds in the sky now beautiful
Dawn Titus
January 12, 2021
Sweet Shannon ~ I will never forget meeting you when Morgan brought you home to visit in Whistler. You Fit Right In and made a lasting impression. Then you travelled to Turkey together and made Canada proud. As a young teacher in training you shared your ideas with me, while it should have been the other way around. The Mother's Day that my students went home with cookbooks and Chef's hats that you had inspired was something to behold. I know in my heart that you are now sharing your love for Adventure in a Safe Place. I will always think of you when I look up to the sunny skies and the starry nights xoxo Love to the Elmer Family xoxo