Sheldon Joseph Shalett

Sheldon grew up in Chicago, IL. He graduated from Hyde Park H.S. and the University of Chicago with a degree in Philosophy. He served with the Army Combat Engineers in the pacific during WWII. Sheldon worked as a ship owner and agent, hobbies included Ham Radio, railroading and skiing.

He is survived by son Larry Shalett of Buena Vista, CO and daughter Rachel Shalett of Atlanta, GA, Grandson David Shalett and great grandchildren Jocelyn and Harrison Shalett as well as his longtime companion, Frieda Schweinle.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 pm, Thursday March 17 at Callahan Edfast Mortuary in Grand Junction. Graveside services will be at the Mesa, CO cemetery Friday March 18 at 10:00 am.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Humane Society and the Alzheimer's Association.

Eulogy for Dad

My father Sheldon Shalett embraced life and was full of energy. He

was one of the smartest people I ever knew and was a wonderful

companion to those that came to know him.

Dad was born in Winnipeg, Canada and raised in Chicago. Dad was a

Ham radio operator as a boy which became a lifelong hobby. Dad started

University at the age of 16 leaving his studies to serve with the Army Combat

Engineers in the pacific theater during WWII. Shortly after enlistment the

Army made him a Technical Sargent, instructing other recruits in Morse Code

And radio operations. Dad played Santa Claus on the radio for Toys for Tots

And other charitable organization during the holidays. Dad came home from

the war and completed his bachelor degree in philosophy at the University

of Chicago.

Prior to his career as a ship owner and agent Dad worked in radio and early

Television broadcasting, winning may awards for his work. One of his first

Jobs was a all around station manager/DJ for a radio station in Caldwell, ID

In the late 40s. One of his favorite introductions to his show was “ Hop on

The stove Grandma, were riding the range tonight!”

I grew up around his radios, helping him erect antennas. Often, when broadcasting, his transmissions would knock out the neighbors TV reception,

Always it seemed during an important football game I was later informed!

Dad taught me to ski and I learned to love Colorado and the west, as he did;

Both of us eventually settling here later in life.

Dad started his own business as a ship agent and later, vessel owner when

The St Lawrence Seaway opened. He travelled the world for his business

And always returned with interesting gifts for everyone.

Dad was very open minded and tolerant of others but never fearing to

Express his own opinions! He had a quick wit and wonderful sense of humor

Which I learned from him and has always helped me keep perspective when

Circumstances became tough.

Dads mother, Goldie, was an English teacher and professional book reviewer.

She passed along a quest for knowledge and love of literature to me through

my Dad. Dad had an extensive personal library, reading and collecting books

All his life. I grew up around this and became an avid reader as a result.

Dad got me a horse for a Bar Mitzvah present and we soon acquired a pony

To go with the horse, allowing us go riding together in our neighborhood.

Dad was a small plane pilot, owning several different planes in partnership

With an aviation buddy or two. He was a member of the Civil Air Patrol

At one time donating his time with search and rescue operations. A typical

Childhood weekend involved taking the plane out for a sightseeing day

And hanging around with mechanics working on planes and his other aviation

Buddies. When we moved to Florida, dad traded the planes for boats to take

The family out on.

I always remember him as a caring, sharing and generous individual who

Was interested in others and wanting to help out when someone had a

Problem in life. Dad embodied the Yiddish expression “to be a Mench”; or

A gentleman of good character. Something I understood him to be and

What he taught me to aspire to.

Dad developed some physical and mental challenges in his advanced years.

He was very appreciative and grateful as am I for the ability to have him

Live out his days at home in Mesa, his adopted community that he loved.

This was possible thanks to the loving caregivers, Trish, Dawn, Dari and

Others, made possible by his long term companion Frieda.

Thank you for being here on this day and God Bless all of you.