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Michael Shanahan Obituary
Michael G. SHANAHAN Age 69, of Seattle, Washington, passed away on March 18, 2010, surrounded by family and friends. He died of heart complications and had lived with Parkinson's disease for more than 18 years. Michael was born on October 14, 1940 in Seattle, Washington, the son of the late George O. Rockholtz and step-mother, Maria Rockholtz, and the late Carletta (Anderson) Shanahan and step-father, Raymond Shanahan. He was preceded in death by his older sister, Karina Anderson. On September 16, 1961 he married Jo-Anne (David) Shanahan, and was the father of three sons, Patrick, Matthew, and Raymond. Michael graduated from Lakeside High School in Seattle, attended Gonzaga University, and graduated from Stanford University. He served as a Major in the U.S. Army in the 1960's and was a Vietnam veteran. His career was in law enforcement and for a 25 year span he was the Chief of Police for the University of Washington, retiring in 1995. Believing greatly in public service, Michael served on many community boards, including the local American Parkinson's Disease Association. In 1982 he co-founded Rotary First Harvest, a non-profit organization that helps to feed the hungry. Michael is survived by his wife, Jo-Anne; son and daughter-in-law, Patrick and Kim Shanahan; son and daughter-in-law, Matthew and Ann Shanahan; son and daughter-in-law, Raymond and Cheri Shanahan; and many grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, March 22, 2010 at 2:00p.m. at St. Bridget Catholic Church located at 4900 N. E. 50th St., Seattle. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial gifts to the APDA at www.apdaparkinson.org or Rotary First Harvest at www.firstharvest.org. Please sign the on-line Guest Book at www.Legacy.com Hoffner Fisher & HarveyTo plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Shanahan
April 11, 2010
Dear Jo-Anne.
Our daughter Sandra said she thought she had seen Mike's obituary and just sent it. We were in Palm Desert at the time. It was such a shock as I think of Mike as so young. I remember going to your beach place when our kids were all little. Time goes so fast. We are so sorry for your loss and you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. love, Dick and Judy Smith
April 6, 2010
Dear Jo-Anne and Family,
George and I returned from a two week trip the evening of Mike's service. My sister and Dad somehow missed the news. We all regret not being there for what was probably a wonderful celebration of a fine man's life. We share in your sadness and hope the joy of cherished memories see you through this difficult and sad time. He was a wonderful man...and a very good Santa Claus! Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. With love, Laurie & George Schuchart
Sheila Hill
April 2, 2010
Dear Jo-Anne,
I was out of town and just heard today of Mike's passing. I send you and your loving family heartfelt prayers.
With deep sympathy,
Mimi Prokop
April 1, 2010
Dear Jo-Anne,
I'm so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts have been with you all. Your angel Mike is now in Heaven in the presence of God's glory. Peace be
with you all.
March 31, 2010
I just received word of Mike's passing. i send you and your family my prayers and know he is at peace now. Love to you,
Cathy Quigley
Co. Cork
Ireland
Mary Horton
March 30, 2010
To the Shanahan Family,
We share your sorrow. Much love and prayers to you at this difficult time.
Mary Horton
Kathy Ely
March 26, 2010
JoAnne, Pat and Family - A candle in remembrance of a very impressive man.
Frank Moore
March 24, 2010
For 25 years as Chief of the University of Washington Police Department Mike Shanahan was a steady leader and guide. He gave us order, structure and stability through good times and bad. He kept us safe. His innovations in training, community responsibility and other areas were examples that were emulated by many agencies. It is an honor to have known him.
Frank Moore
Rick, Jo, and Will Robertson
March 24, 2010
Dear Jo-Anne,
Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Mike was our neighbor for seven years and was always kind, cheerful, and thoughtful. His leadership and generosity in the community is inspirational, and it was truly a privilege to know him. We will keep you in our prayers and thoughts.
Randy Stegmeier
March 24, 2010
Dear Joanne and family,
Thank you for sharing Mike with all of us for so many years! He was my mentor and coach, professionally and personally. He is the reason I proudly wear a chief's uniform today.
Mike gave me my first job as a police officer and guided me through what has been a most fulfilling and rewarding career. Not a day goes by that I don't draw upon his wisdom and counsel.
In my current role as Chief of Police at Western Washington University, I strive to continue his legacy of honor and professionalism. I was deeply honored to carry him as he departed on his final journey! Michael lives on in the hearts of many like myself, who owe him so much.
Farewell "Charlie-5!" Out of service, but not forgotten. Thank you for your exemplary life.
Chief Randy Stegmeier
Western Washington University Police
March 23, 2010
Dear Joanne,
My deepest Sympathies to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during such a difficult time in your life..In case you do not remember me, I am a friend of Eva Kenly.
sincerely, Sharon McConville
Marene Allison
March 23, 2010
Jo-Anne and Family, Please accept my deepest condolances. Mike was avery special individual who had a vision and lived it every day of his life. I met Mike through the Ineternational Association of Police and his work as chair of the PSLC. He has inspired me as well as many others to securing the US through a combined effort of law enforcement and private security. Mike was a true patriot, gentleman and mentor. May he rest in Peace.
Marni Moore and family
March 22, 2010
So sorry to hear of Mikes' passing. Had I known earlier about the service, I would have liked to attend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Chip & Teresa Holland
March 22, 2010
Jo-Anne & family:
We just heard of Mike's passing today. Sorry to have missed the service. We will be keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers. May your most cherished memories be held in your hearts forever.
Rick & Debbie Clement
March 22, 2010
Dear JoAnne and Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathy on Mike's passing. His charm and debonair style were memorable. He had a great ability of lifting spirits, and capturing the attention of all with his charismatic personality. He had a remarkable presence and left an unforgettable impression on those he met. He touched peoples lives with countless acts of kindness & gained the respect and friendship of many. He believed in hard work, the truth and always being a gentleman. This code of behavior was his high standard for everything. In business, he was known as a man of honor, and
he was a visionary, who lived for his work... law enforcement.
His death marked a very tragic day, and those who loved him will never completely recover from losing him. His memory will always be cherished in our hearts & minds.
Rick & Debbie Clement
Toms River, NJ
Brian Wright
March 22, 2010
Mike came to every Rotary meeting wearing that warm and welcome smile. Always a gentleman and generous with his friendship, he was a wonderful leader, a genuinely great guy!
March 22, 2010
Dear Jo-Anne and Family,
Nolette and I want to express our deepest condolences on Mike's passing. Mike was a very special person in my life whom I will miss with great sadness. Having worked with Mike for 30 years, I witnessed his many talents for helping individuals bring out the best in themselves. He was a leader in both law enforcement and in Rotary International for which our society is grateful. He was a genuine mentor who influenced many lives and it was my privilege to have been one of his many students.
Our family's relationship will always be remembered with fondness and at this time of sadness we send our blessings to you and your family.
This is Charlie 4 saying Good Bye to Charlie 5. You were and still an inspiration. God Bless.
Roger and Nolette Serra, Seattle Washington
Kaye Shea
March 22, 2010
My deepest condolences to the Shanahan family. As my former Chief of Police at the UWPD, he inspired many of us by his fairness, wisdom, and kindness. Retired UWPD Sergeant Kaye Shea
March 22, 2010
Jo-Anne
I'm so sorry for your loss. Your
world is certainly going to be a
different place with Mike's passing.
Sincerely,
Bill Baum
March 22, 2010
Dear Jo-Anne and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you today as we prepare to celebrate Mike's life and mourn his passing. He was an inspiration to us, a great example of character and integrity, a mentor, and a very dear friend. If we are a fraction as generous and steadfast in our lives as Mike was in his we will have done very well. We feel incredibly blessed to have known Mike all these years. Love, Mike, Vicki, Alex, Jordan and Eleana Stevens.
John & Mitzi Whetsel
March 22, 2010
Dear Jo-Anne and family,
I had the great privilege of working with Mike through IACP. I also served as a SACOP General Chair. I will never forget the lovely time we had during a SACOP meeting Mike hosted in Seattle. Mike was a true law enforcement professional who gained the respect of law enforcement executives world wide by his work within IACP. Thank you for sharing Mike with us these many years. We will miss Mike and keep you and your family in our prayers.
Robert & Jodie Lucas
March 22, 2010
Jo-Anne and Family,
We received word this morning about Mike. I am so grateful to have known him for this short while, and for the opportunities to hear him share bits and pieces of his amazing life. The best part was seeing him on those several occassions when "the boys" were all "home" with you both, and how much he beamed in those moments. It was so evident that he loved his family dearly and above everything that he was involved in. We are remembering all of you at this time and praying for God's comfort and peace.
March 22, 2010
Dear Pat and family,
We wish to send our most sincere condolances to you and your family. Our hearts reach out to you at this special time.
Best regards,
Neil, Wyoma, and Tovi Standal
March 22, 2010
JoAnne and Family,
We feel honored to have known Mike and are saddened at his loss. He was always a quiet, gracious leader and an honorable man; an inspiration to all of us. We will miss him, as will all of his friends and family. We will remember his guiding light, his honesty and compassion. He will be with us always.
You are not alone.
Louise and Alan Leader
March 22, 2010
Jo-Anne & Family,
Our sincere condolences on Mike's passing. He was a true leader who always saw opportunities to do well for his fellow man. He truly proves that GOOD GUYS CAN FINISH FIRST! As a mentor to all of us who met him via the IACP's Private Sector Liaison Committee he was a great mentor who first visioned the potential of Public/Private Partnerships.
We are keeping him in our prayers.
Mike & Bernadette Gambrill
Sabah and Liesel Al-Haddad
March 21, 2010
Dear Jo-Anne and family
Mike was very special man who always had a smile and a kind word for every one he met. His memory will live on within the hearts of those who new and loved him. We are so grateful for the opportunity to have seen him recently. He was very proud and wanted to bring us up to date about his family.
As you battle for strength and courage. Remember there are people all around you to lend a hand.
Sabah and Liesel Al-Haddad
Ray Rikansrud
March 21, 2010
Joanne,
It has been so many years since we last saw you. Mike was about the best of the best in my book. He transformed the University of Wa police force from what it was to something to be very proud of. I always thought he was the best of the best in every way one could think of. I am sorry we didn't keep in touch (at least not directly) after he retired. But I have never forgotten him and so surprising, was just thinking about asking about him last week. Great guy! Could not ask for anyone better.
Ray Rikansrud
University of Washington
From 1970 - through hell and back at times, especially the early years.
John Wasberg
March 21, 2010
Jo-Anne and family
Deepest sympathies from Gail and me.
I worked a number of years with Mike. He was a charismatic man whose integrity, selflessness and work ethic was a wonderful example for everyone in the vast network of Mike Shanahan's world (his law enforcement world and well beyond). In his law enforcement work, Mike was a visionary. He always sought to see the big picture, and he fully embraced the challenge of helping others see his vision. Mike was relentless - - though always open, gracious, good-humored, and inclusive - - in his efforts. As you well know and as I witnessed with admiration, during Mike's long law enforcement career, he was a central player, if not the driving force (Mike did not care about the credit), in many good things that happened for the UW Police Department and for law enforcement generally in the State of Washington and the nation.
But always paramount in Mike's life, as I learned shortly after meeting Mike (and was reminded often over the years), was his beloved Jo-Anne and his family.
I feel blessed to have known and worked with such a centered, inspiring man.
Susan and Bill Holliday
March 21, 2010
Joanne,
We were deeply saddened to hear of Michael's passing. He was always so kind, cheerful, and friendly to us. He was a great host (St. Patrick's Day parties); a willing mentor (His knowledge and insight about the police was valued by Bill and Dave Smith.);an amiable neighbor; and a tireless crusader for causes big and small (Rotary, Parkinsons, milfoil). We have missed him (and you!) since you moved. Our warm memories of him- his smile and laughter- will last through our lives.
March 21, 2010
JoAnne and Family: I am sorry for your trouble and your sadness.
Mike brought strength and energy and also a deep decency to things that he touched. He influenced and blessed many lives and careers through vision and encouragement, counsel and strong support. He had a profound capacity to change things for the better.
You are in prayers: prayers of gratefulness for Mike's life and prayers for support of you in your loss.
Paul Pastor
Stan (& son John) Martin
March 21, 2010
Jo-Anne, My prayers are with you and the family during this time of loss. Not only was Mike a mentor to me, especially during the during the early days of the PSLC, but also a truly fine example of what God created us to be - kind and loving to all we meet, giving more than receiving, sowing seeds of grace and mercy always.
I will always remember the enjoyable weekend my son & I had with you and Mike (Dinner & salmon fishing) many years ago...
Jillian Berrios
March 21, 2010
The most honorable of men...Mr. Shanahan's memory will live through the lives of all he has touched. I'm honored and proud to be one of those individuals. My heartfelt and deepest sympathies to Jo-Anne and the entire Shanahan family. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
March 21, 2010
Mike was a great man, and colleague in the Washington Sheriff's and Chiefs Assoc. I always admired his wit and wisdom, he was a great leader in the law enforcement community of Washington State. May God bless his family.
Dan LaRoche
East Wenatchee
March 21, 2010
To Jo-Anne,Pat and Kim, Matt and Ann, Ray and Cheri, I was very sorry to hear of the death of Mike. He surely was the man of deep faith. I was his Pastor for many years and he inspired all of us with his career in law enforcement and by his love for the poor and hungry - cofounding First Harvest. I shall offer the Holy Mass asking the Lord to take this good man to Himself and reward his faith. Know that you are all in my prayers at this sad time.
Father Quigg
Tom & Tina Seamon
March 21, 2010
Our most sincere condolences to you, Jo-Anne, and your entire family. Mike was a friend and mentor to me for many years. He was a great example for all of us, always trying to help his fellow man. We will miss him.
March 21, 2010
Tears of sadness are overwhelming as I read about the passing of gentle Mike
Knowing Mike since childhood, golden memories bring a smile to my face
Mike's delightful sense of humor and ability to make everyone feel good about themselves was highly valued
I feel blessed by the brief years shared
Mike was a "mensch" a fine human being a huge inspiration a treasured gift to all
He will never be forgotten as his light of love passes on through his family and enormous circle of friends
with sympathy and love dear Joanne and family
may precious memories bring you comfort
Bobbie and Michel Stern
Bill& Terri Cunninghamn
March 21, 2010
Sincere condolences to you, Jo-Anne, and to all members of the Shanahan family. Mike was a friend and inspiration to me for nearly 30 years. He'll be missed by all who knew him.
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