Michael McShane

Michael Brian Mc Shane: May 29, 1942- March 18, 2024
It was said by many, that when Mike entered this World on May 29, 1942, the age-old Irish mold got busted. Mike was one of a kind. Mike's loving parents, both deceased, were Lt. Col. Patrick I. McShane, M.D. and Margaret Louise (Crum) McShane.
Survivors include wife, Joan, her step-children Heather Kelly and Michael(Mick)Jr., sisters Patricia and Peggy. Mike also is grieved by many cousins, the in-laws, nieces, nephews and life-long friends.
Mike had a very adventurous life. He and family moved to Berlin, Germany in 1949 where Mike's dad, an Army doctor, and mom, an extremely talented RN, responded to John Marshall's post-WW2 plan to rejuvenate the European war zones. It was very dangerous and challenging for this young family, but Mike said that he really loved exploring bombed- out buildings and playing in left over burnt up tanks. That was Mike McShane.
Later in 1956, Mike was enrolled in all-boy St. Edward High School, then a boarding school, where he made many life-long friends. Reunions and travels together were often planned. The last reunion was celebrating 60+ years of friendships since their 1960 graduation from St. Ed's H.S. These men are hilarious, and they loved Mike. Oh, the stories they could tell.
Mike was forever a talented athlete. Didn't matter, if it involved a ball or any goal to win, he was there. Mike excelled in all sports, he was an inspiration to many throughout his life. After graduation from H.S.,Mike had to make major life decisions. He had just turned 18. The military again was calling, Vietnam was a reality. Mike and two buddies joined the Marines, see the world, have another adventure. Mike was heavily involved in aerial reconnaissance during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962.He and pilot buddies flew 7 missions, at low altitudes and photographed placement and data of Russian ships that were attempting to place nukes and other armaments near Florida. He was shot at, had good friends who did not get back to Base. This was not a fun adventure.
Thank God for basketball. Not only did Mike play all sports from the time he could walk, he also found his true niche on the BB court. Mike played for the Marine Corps, was the point guard, and was named "All Marine". They won a lot.
Having served for 4 years in the Marines, Mike turned toward educating himself, in a more peaceful setting. The University of Texas offered Mike a basketball scholarship. He jumped at the offer and played roundball for the Longhorns for 2 years, until he was probably showing off and tore the right AC ligament, not once, but twice. Surgery time.
So Mike completed his studies at UT in 1969 with an B.S. degree in History, Phys. Ed. and Education. Now, Mike wanted to become the best Coach possible. His first "big" job was coaching and teaching at Del Valle H.S. He was only 15 years older than most of his players. They had really goods teams, and he helped young men to develop not only BB skills, but also a true love for the game and for each other. This positive characteristic was duly noted throughout his coaching career of 31 years. Mike coached, taught, and served as an administrative assistant at Porter Middle School for 7 years. The football team won 1 City Championship, and basketball team had 3 City Championship during his tenure. From 1977-1984, Mike was the Assistant Basketball Coach under Head Coach B.J. Wolf. at W.B. Travis H.S. During those years, the Travis BB team's record was 104-36, with many wins at the District, Bi-district, Area Levels. Twice the team was a Regional participant. Mike had such great rapport with faculty and his students, he really loved the job. Then it was from 1984-1999 that Mike had another big opportunity for success. He earned the head basketball job at Lyndon B. Johnson H.S. It was some wild and crazy times, but always entertaining. We watched as Mike's teams grew from boys to really smart, dedicated power-basketball players. The teams' records soared, gyms were filled to capacity. It was electric. So many of Mike's team players have stayed in touch with him, thanking him for being there, being fair, coaching the game of Basketball, and teaching important lessons of Life.
Mike retired from coaching and teaching in 1998, but was not finished with "games". He and wife Joanie, joined golfing groups at many local courses. Mike was really good at this. He made many, many friends in the Berry Creek community, and enjoyed golf with family and friends, but, watch-out, Mike was still a fierce competitor and you may have wished that you had not bet on that round. It was a wonderful way to enjoy retirement.
Mike and his family also somewhat learned the art of travel. Many trains to catch, planes to figure, cars to rent, tours to take, hotels, and cruises to confirm, allowed Mike and family to see much of the world. Too many to count, but we visited and enjoyed seeing the sights. Mike loved History, especially WW1 andWW2, and so we usually took in a great battleground or two. Now, that was an adventure.
Mike McShane did have a thrilling life of family, friendships, sports, teaching coaching, golf, even dominos, and traveling. He was strong, dedicated, and wanting to reach out to all of us. I know that's why we are here today. He will be missed.