Shawn David Nichols, our beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away in Mesa, Arizona, on January 11, 2019. Shawn will be forever remembered by his parents, David and Sandra, as well as his siblings, Tracie Haddock (Darren), Terra, Cassie Kreyling (Daniel), Justin (Kayli), Natalie Williams (Parker), Hannah Nielsen (Gary), and Dallin. He is also survived by his nephews and nieces, Porter, Mason, Lindsay, Spencer, and Tanner Haddock; Lacey and Payson Lee; Rylee, Lucie, Walker, and Owen Nichols; and Wesley and Hazel Williams.
The second of eight children, Shawn was born on November 8, 1974, in Mesa, Arizona. Starting at a young age, Shawn was an avid outdoorsman. He grew up going hunting, fishing, camping, boating, hiking, four-wheeling, and horse riding with his family and friends. He started playing the drums in 5th grade, which led to his participation in elementary, junior high, and high school band, summer band camp at NAU, and a rock band in his twenties. Shawn was also a Cub and Boy Scout, earning his Eagle Award in 1992. While in high school, he participated in marching band, seminary, and many outdoor social activities. He graduated from Westwood High School in 1993. Shawn then served a mission in Toronto, Canada, from 1994 to 1996. He received his BS in Fire Administration from Arizona State University in 2007.
Shawn spent the bulk of his working years in the behavioral health field, helping at-risk young men. But he also had a wide variety of other jobs, including bus driver, Uber and Lyft driver, ski patroller, boat inspector, ramp agent at Sky Harbor Airport, limousine driver, parking valet, and security guard.
Shawn was kind to everyone he met, and he was known to meet and befriend just about anyone. He was a delightful traveling companion and went on many trips with siblings and friends to different places in Arizona, the west, and other countries. He was always up for a new adventure. Shawn loved talking and storytelling with his family and friends. He loved to play pranks; his sense of humor was contagious. He had a knack for helping people feel at ease. Shawn’s openness to strangers and sincere interest in people from all walks of life is the legacy he leaves for his loved ones.
A funeral service in memory of Shawn will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, January 19, 2019 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 830 East Lehi Road, Mesa, Arizona 85203, with a viewing one hour prior to service, at 9:00am, at the same location. An additional viewing will be held on Friday, January 18, 2019 from 6:00 to 8:00pm at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 East University Drive, Mesa, Arizona 85213.
Dave, Sandra, and family, my heart breaks and weeps for you as you suffer the loss of your beloved Shawn. May the God of peace and comfort sustain you and lift you up. Please know that all of Wyoming is here to support you and your family.
So very sorry for your loss
Dave, Sandra and Family Members, my deepest condolences on the loss of your son Shawn. There is nothing I can say that will take away your pain or fill the hole in your hearts left by Shawn’s departure from this world. Time will help you learn to live with the grief you feel but your hearts and minds will always remember and hold him forever present in your lives. May God give you peace and comfort and help you through your loss. Your friends and colleagues at ICC are thinking about you and holding you in our prayers and hearts.
Dave and family I am sorry to hear of your loss. My prayer are with you at this time of need.
Dave and Sandy, Donna and I are saddened by your loss. The time that we spent with you, Sandy and Dallin at your cabin produced some great memories. Our prayers are with you.
Dave and family:
I want to convey my sincerest condolences to you. My thoughts are with you. Wishing you peace and serenity during this difficult time.
Dave and Sandy, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I see by the write up about Shawn above, you have many wonderful memories. So sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.
Dave and family,
My sincerest condolences to you and your family. I cannot imagine what you are all experiencing now, therefore, I will pray that you all are able to remember the good times and heal as best that you can.
My thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences go out to the Nichols family. Some of my most cherished memories traveling in Mexico and Costa Rica were shared with Shawn. He was the best travel buddy anyone could ever ask for. I loved him like a brother and pray the Lord will comfort you all at this time.
To Tracie and the entire family and friends I am very sorry for your loss. God Bless you all.
Sending love, prayers and hugs to the Nichols family during this difficult time. The summers spent at Lake Powell with Shawn and the family are some of my fondest childhood memories. Whether it was hiking, skiing, or cliff diving, Shawn was always up for an adventure and I looked up to him on those trips. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Jason and Mary Ann
I just learned of Shawn’s death, and I am absolutely heartbroken. He and I spent many happy years as friends when I was single. I truly admired him, and his love for adventure. I’m so very sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Amy M.
Dear Nichols Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Shawn was a co-worker of mine for many years and I only recently heard of his passing. We had lost touch over the last few years. I want to send my condolences and share that your son was an amazing guy. I witnessed the impact he had on his community, his love for adventure and teaching others about the outdoors. He was quite the storyteller and jokester. I spent many days laughing and learning with Shawn. May he rest peacefully. My prayers will continue to be with the family .