Ivan Shehan

Ivan N. Shehan

Resident of San Jose

64, passed away Saturday, October 23, 2010 in his home surrounded by his family after a six month battle with Primary Amyloidosis.

Ivan was born December 19, 1945 in Modesto, CA to George W. and Della M. Shehan (Keeney). Ivan's family moved to the Bay Area in 1953 where he has resided ever since. He graduated from Samuel Ayer High School in Milpitas in 1964.

Ivan was a contractor by trade. He was the Superintendent for TBI Construction until his illness forced him to stop working earlier this year. He had a love of wood working and always had several projects in the works. He made beautiful hand crafted furniture and also constructed beehives for his beloved bees that he watched over protectively. Neighbors could often find Ivan sitting in his chair in the garage puffing away on one of his cigars.

Ivan was preceded in death by his parents, George and Della Shehan, and sister Elzora Swafford. Ivan's real joy came from his relationships. He is survived by the love of his life, Diane Shehan, to whom he was married for 25 years. This union brought Ivan immense happiness. He has served as father to Michael and Kimberley Shehan of Van Buren, AR; daughters, Christine Shehan Ebbinghaus of Austin, TX; Karen and Brian Boysen of Rio Rancho, NM; and Katie and Michael Powell of San Jose. He has 6 grandchildren: Katherine Ebbinghaus of Austin, TX, Courtney Estevez, Michael Ebbinghaus II of Kyle, TX, Laura Shehan, Zechariah Shehan, Jarred Shehan, and Coleman Shehan of Van Buren, AR. To him he was, and will always be, Papa Ivan. He is also survived by his brothers; Donald and Phillip Shehan, and sisters Kay Thayer, Anna Goncalves and Betty Shehan, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Ivan had a special bond with his nephew Nick, whom he lovingly referred to as FD.

It is challenging to surmise a man's existence in a few short paragraphs. Ivan welcomed everyone into his life, no matter who they were, or what their background. He never met a stranger. He always had a smile, a hug, and an encouraging word. Ivan had many people in his life that enjoyed his company, and although he had 4 children of his own, many looked upon him as a role model and often sought his counsel, especially Courtney and Keith Adamo of San Jose.

A memorial service will be held in the home of Ivan and Diane Shehan on Tuesday, October 26, 2010 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following: Stanford University Amyloid Center Attn: Terra Coakley Falk CV Research Center 300 Pasteur Dr., Stanford, CA 94305-5406; Hospice of the Valley, 4850 Union Ave., San Jose, CA 95124, or your favorite charity.