Nathan Samuel Shannon

By this definition, the last posting from Nathan before he left, he was The Man. Family was everything to Nathan. Including the infinite number of members of his giant German American Family, his Millwright family, his high school and football family, his friend’s that became family, and so many others. He was the man that would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He was the man that picked up his sisters and spun them around making a big scene whether he hadn’t seen them in six months or six hours. He was the man that would put his own wellbeing at risk in order to defend another. The Man that could instill a loving fear into his sisters’ partners when they brought them home while immediately accepting them into the family, swatting away any attempt at a handshake saying, “No bro, we hug in this family, but take care of my sister”. When you were with Nathan, you were family.

While also being The Man, he was also the gentlest of giants. The largest teddy bear giving the best bear hugs. The giant baby brother that told you stories where you said “dude, don’t do that again” which resulted in that chuckle laugh and smile that made you know he would do that again. The big brother that was so proud making all of his colleagues watch ESPN 8 to watch his sister play basketball or listen to him brag about the something the twins did. The fun uncle that sat on the ground building Lego Star Wars ships. The friend that would say “BURRITO!!” resulting in everyone climbing into their cars to go to Albert Tacos for a midnight meal. The adored son where it was basically a full-time job keeping him fed from the moment he was born, through puberty, up until his last visit. The Grandson that climbed into Omi’s arms at every opportunity wanting every moment he could absorb between visits. The Little Buddy with the most beautiful blond curls that no one wanted to cut, resulting in the cutest mullet ever when he was in kindergarten climbing every tree he could find. That mischievous laugh he had, with the twinkle in his eye, stroking his beard thinking about the next adventure, no matter how big, or how small. Nathan was always bigger than life, figuratively and literally, seeking to celebrate every moment he had and share his love with all those around him. His cousin said that she always loved it when Nathan was at a party because that meant she wasn’t the loudest one there. Nathan never met a stranger, seeking everyone to join the party that was his life; everyone has a Nathan story.

Nathan’s boss/work brother said it perfectly. That on every job, whether Nathan was there or not, a day didn’t go by that they didn’t tell a Nathan story or repeat some of the things he says. He promised that while sometimes when people pass it hurts, then as time goes by you talk about it less and less until it’s a distant thought. He assured us that this would not be the case with Nathan, or Grady as he was affectionately known as. He said that there won’t be a day that goes by where they won’t be talking about Nathan forever. He guaranteed that Nathan will be talked about every day until we meet again. Nathan had that much of an impact on everyone.

On May 3rd, 2020, we lost our sweet boy.

Since then, his family has been flooded with messages of love, and support. Messages of how much Nathan made an impact in each individual’s life; how much love they had for him. Friends say that Nathan was a larger than life character. Intimidating to look at first, but the biggest, hairiest, teddy bear you ever met. If you were Nathan’s friend, he would do anything for you. He was people’s comfort-zones. No matter how rough the day was, he would make light of the situation and it would turn into a bunch of guys joking around and felt less like work or would turn a bad day to one that left you smiling.

A chocolate bunny still sits upon his Mom’s refrigerator for him anticipating his visit on Mother’s Day. Life was good when Nathan passed, constantly surrounded by friends and family. Work was busy in a good way and he was moving into a new apartment that he was so excited about. Each of us received selfies of him on his new porch and invitations to visit as soon as he was fully moved in. Upon reflection, the last thing we all heard from him was “Love you”.

It was easy to fall in love with Nathan. He was the most positive person you’ve ever met; just the most genuine, and honest individual (sometimes making you respond, dude, you don’t need to share ALL of that 😊 which again resulted in that laugh and him continuing with the story).

He will live on through the endless amount of lives he’s touched throughout his life. Not a day will go by where someone won’t use one of his catchphrases, share a memory with him, or replay that video of him with at bunny on his shoulder in Germany.

There are some who bring a light so great to the world, that even after they have gone the light will always remain. We are eternally thankful for having the light Nathan gave us, reminding us to enjoy life, love one another, and always put family first. Love you.