Patrick Michael Shannon Sr.

Templeton surrounded by his loved ones. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Moselle, as

well as 3 children: Mike (Antoinette) Shannon, Damon Shannon, and Deborah (Shane)Shriver,

10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by siblings Joann Johnson, Art

Sarmento, Ernie Sarmento, and Ron Shannon.

Mike was born in the spring of 1940 to Dorothy and James Shannon in San Luis Obispo.

He attended elementary school in Santa Margarita followed by a move to Templeton for middle

and high school which is where he met and fell in love with his high school sweetheart, Moselle

Atkins. The two married while he was home on leave from the Navy. His first born son, Patrick

Michael Jr. was born the next year, followed by Damon Mitchell two years later. Taking her

sweet time, his daughter, Deborah, who he lovingly referred to as “Sis” arrived six years after

Damon. Patrick (Mike) Jr. blessed him with 7 grandchildren: Patrick, Aubree, Michaela, Aidan,

Aaron, Sam, and Liam. Damon blessed him with Damon II and Deborah blessed him with

Marissa and Kyuss. His “great” grandchildren are Conner, born to Aubree and Lilliana, born to

Marissa.

Mike joined the Navy in 1957 and was stationed on the USS Seminole. While enlisted

for four years he travelled to Alaska, Japan, Formosa, Korea, Philippines, Okinawa, and Hong

Kong. It was aboard the ship where he developed his love for cooking. He went on to become a

chef for approximately 10 years. It was during this time that he had the unique experience of

cooking for “Lassi” and later the crew of “Wagon Train”. While the General Manager and chef

for the Ramada Inn Steakhouse he created weekly unique ice sculptures for display on the

Sunday buffet. Upon leaving the restaurant business he began a career in the oil fields. This

career gave him the unique opportunity to work in the jungles of Peru. The grandkids thoroughly

enjoy the jungle “stories” of a Monkey named Felix who got a bath on Sundays and the rescued

turtle that pooped in his hat. That turtle may or may not have become turtle soup, because after

all, one never knows how embellished Grandpa’s stories are. Mike’s final career was as a

Correctional Officer from 1986-2000. He wasn’t a C/O for long before being regarded as a

Guard. Those in “Corrections and Rehabilitation” will understand the difference. While at CMC

he became affectionately referred to as “Pop Shannon” as he was a kind and supportive mentor

to his fellow staff.

In his early twenties Mike enjoyed raising his young family and coaching youth sports as

well as adult fast-pitch softball. He enjoyed hunting trips with his “buddies” and there’s a deer

named Henry hanging on the wall above his chair to prove it. He also enjoyed spending many

weekends boating and skiing at Lake Nacimiento with his family. His all time favorite past time

was doting on his grandchildren, sometimes to their parents exasperation, with soda pop and

Snickers. Time with his grandkids made his life “sweeter, neater, and more completer.”

Grandpa’s approach to discipline included Whisker Burns that brought loads of giggles.

Throughout his life, nothing gave him more pleasure than cheering on his kids and later his

grandkids at their sporting events from the West Coast of California to the East Coast of Maine.

Not only did he cheer for the kids, but he was a devoted fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers and

the Oakland Raiders...yes, even during their terrible losing streaks. His final wish was to see

the Dodgers beat the Giants in last week’s series. Sorry Giants fans but he got his wish. Go

Dodger Blue!

The family invites you to join them on Friday June 22, 2018 from 12-3 at the Templeton Community

Center on 6th and Main in Templeton to share a meal and swap stories.