Shawn Won Kwak

He is survived by his spouse, Edna de los Santos Kwak, son Matthew, father Young Ho Kwak, and step mother, Moon Ja, siblings, Tiffany, stepsister Judy, adopted siblings Bea and Kathy.

In 1972, Shawn and his family immigrated to the US. Growing up all across the United States he moved around across many states including Maryland, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Mississippi, Iowa, and Arkansas. Never really staying in one place for long but collecting memories and leaving lasting impressions along the way.

After graduating Springdale High School in 1986 he joined the military and became a Navy Corpsman. After serving actively for 4 years he remained a reservist until after operation Desert Storm. As a civilian, he worked as an OR tech at Anaheim Memorial Hospital where he met the love of his life, Edna de los Santos who worked as an OR nurse there. They got married on Nov 28, 1992 and consequently had their son Matthew born on Jan 31, 1996.

Wanting to be closer to open nature and wider space, Shawn moved his family to Woodstock, GA. Since then, he served as a commissioner of the Boy Scouts and volunteered at various events in his community. While devoting his time to Boy Scouting he used his many talents and experiences to raise both youth and adult leaders through the National Youth Leadership Training and Woodbadge programs. His favorite method of recharging was by “getting lost in the woods” even if the one time his son got lost in the woods he called in everything short of the National Guard to find Matthew and the rest of his Boy Scout patrol.

An avid fan of sci-fi movies like Star Trek, Star Wars, and fantasy classics such as the Lord of the Rings, Shawn would claim to know the lines to many movies. Yet somehow he always seemed to get them wrong. He also enjoyed reading many different genres of literature. Though his favorite topics revolved around history and more specifically the pacific theater of WWII. His love of history showed in many of his other hobbies like model kits and even video games.

As with many things Shawn was also vocal about things he didn’t agree with. Never the type to be a bystander he would speak out against injustices and inequalities. One of his pastimes was putting himself mentally in the scenarios of the TV show “What Would You Do?” and voicing how he would respond differently.

Although registered as a Republican, he was a staunch supporter for Democratic advocacy and campaigns. Unabashed by the principles that he believes in and guide him, he got to know a lot of people within his community. He is a walking encyclopedia and would volunteer historical trivia information albeit unsolicited at times.

Shawn touched many hearts in his lifetime from growing up all across the US, serving in the Navy, volunteering with the Boy Scouts, serving as an active member of the community, being a good neighbor, an amazing family man, and father. Seeing all those he touched return the love and kindness tenfold has helped ease the transition for his family, who thanks you for everything.

Visitation will be held at Poole Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1970 Eagle Drive, Woodstock, GA 30189, US, on August 18, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, followed by a Celebration of Life at the same location on August 18, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 12:45 pm.

A Committal Service will take place at Georgia National Cemetery -Canton GA, 1080 Scott Hudgens Dr, Canton, GA 30114, US, on August 18, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 2:15 pm.