Mick Shannon

1949 - 2025

Milton "Mick" Paul Shannon

January 27, 1949 – October 7, 2025

- Milton "Mick" Paul Shannon, a beloved father, grandfather, leader, visionary, and friend, passed away peacefully of natural causes on October 7, 2025, in South Jordan, Utah, surrounded by his loving family. He was 76 years old.

Born in Sioux City, Iowa, to Paul Shannon, Jr. and Marjorie Ellen Barnes, Mick's life was marked by a deep commitment to service, family, faith, and football. A proud member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mick lived his life with purpose, compassion, and an unwavering belief in the power of community.

Mick's journey began in Sioux City, Iowa where he spent his childhood and formative years. His family later moved to Big Spring, Texas, where he attended Big Spring High School and discovered his passion for football as a member of the Steers varsity football team. The lessons he learned on the field-teamwork, sacrifice, hard work, perseverance, and never giving up-became guiding principles throughout his life.

Mick was not averse to hard work. After high school, he left Texas and moved to Seattle, where he learned the construction trade, and worked tirelessly framing houses to save money for college. He worked continuously throughout his college years to put himself through school, working both in construction and as a laborer on a potato farm.

He earned an associate degree from Ricks College in 1970 and graduated from Brigham Young University in 1973 with a degree in history and political science. A true-blue Cougar, Mick was a devoted BYU fan and a proud member of the Cougar Club. He held season tickets for over 30 years and rarely missed a game, even traveling across the country in support of the team.

Mick married his high school sweetheart, Mary Francis, in 1968, and together they raised four children: Merrilee, Amy, RJ, and Matthew. He later married Karen Baird, and they had four children together: Riley, Sheridan, Kyle, and Ryan. Though both marriages eventually ended, Mick cherished the families and memories they created.

More than any title or achievement, Mick cherished his role as a father and grandfather. He was a constant presence in the lives of his children and grandchildren-a source of quiet strength and unwavering support. He expressed love through teasing, often poking fun at those he cared about with a dry, fun-loving wit that became a hallmark of his personality. He valued tradition, togetherness, and the importance of building lasting memories.

Professionally, Mick's life was defined by his passion for helping others. After college, he spent nine years with the March of Dimes, leading both the Idaho and Utah branches. It was during this time that he discovered his calling in nonprofit work, where his talent for fundraising, strategy, leadership, and big ideas flourished.

In 1983, Mick co-founded Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, a national children's charity that has since raised over $9 billion for children's healthcare. As the organization's first President and CEO, Mick led CMN Hospitals for 25 years, transforming a dream scribbled on a yellow legal pad into a nationwide movement. His bold vision-putting kids first, keeping funds local, and leading with dignity and class-continues to define the organization today.

Mick's legacy includes building a powerful coalition of children's hospitals, corporate partners, celebrities, media partners, and communities united around the cause of children's healthcare. He helped pioneer innovative fundraising campaigns that inspired millions to give and helped shape a sustainable model that remains central to CMN Hospitals' success. Through strategic partnerships and heartfelt advocacy, he ensured that the stories of patients and families were always at the heart of the mission. His leadership and vision laid the foundation for a movement that continues to impact lives across generations.

Mick was preceded in death by his parents and two beloved brothers, Tim and Leonard. He is survived by his eight children: Merrilee Shannon (Kent Reed), Amy (Dave) Hurst, RJ (Eiko) Shannon, Matt (Lena) Shannon, Riley (McKenna) Shannon, Sheridan (Nathan) Mullen, Kyle (Kase) Shannon, and Ryan (Brennen) Jones; his siblings Debra Wortman and Dennis Shannon; 16 grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mick Shannon's life was a testament to the power of vision, heart, and perseverance. He was truly one of a kind-brilliant, thoughtful, passionate, and deeply caring. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the causes he championed, and the family he loved so dearly.

Celebration of Life:

Family, friends, and loved ones are invited to honor Mick's life and legacy through a gathering of remembrance and farewell.

A public viewing will be held on Thursday, October 16th, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Home (1007 W South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan, Utah).

On Friday, October 17th, an additional viewing will take place from 9:30 to 10:30 AM at the LDS Chapel located at 2030 W Chapel Ridge Road, Lehi, Utah, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM at the same location. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live-streamed, allowing extended family and friends to join in remembrance from afar. To view the service, or to leave online condolences, please visit www.jenkins-soffe.com.

Following the service, all are welcome to accompany the family to Lehi City Cemetery (1525 North 600 East, Lehi, Utah) for a graveside service and interment, where Mick will be laid to rest.