Gerald Wesley Shanahan

GERALD "JERRY" WESLEY SHANAHAN January 25, 1956 ~ February 6, 2016 Gerald "Jerry" Wesley Shanahan, age 60, of Vancouver, WA, passed away on Feb. 6, 2016 at Community Hospice after a courageous 2-year battle with cancer. He was a beloved father, son, and brother; and, a tremendous athlete, man of God, and friend to all. His strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers of family, friends, and many supporters carried him through until his final days. Jerry was born in Vancouver, WA on Jan. 25, 1956. He was the son of Betty and the late Robert Shanahan. Jerry graduated from Evergreen High School in 1974 and worked for Clark County Road department for 15 years; both places he made countless lifelong friends. He was the infamous drummer for the band Eldorado, was the owner/proprietor of West Cascade Transport, and a baseball enthusiast who loved the Seattle Mariners. Jerry was an avid golfer who spent many years trying to find that perfect golf swing, which he will tell you was always just out of reach; and all that practice lead him to 3 coveted hole-in-ones. He was also the coach for his daughter's softball teams over many seasons, where he coached them to countless wins and two state championships. Jerry was well known for his ease in frequent conversation, his contagious smile, and characteristically dry sense of humor. Throughout his life he maintained a trustworthy and simple demeanor that won the hearts of many, who even now are being changed by his witness of constant love and faith. His signature gifts of laughter, joking around, compassion, and selflessness will never be forgotten. Besides his mother, Betty Shanahan, Jerry is survived by his two daughters, Erika and Alexandra Shanahan; and his brothers, Denny, Mike, and Bob Shanahan. Jerry also leaves behind his sisters-in-law, Laurie and Terri Shanahan; former wife, Calleen Shanahan; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support in many heart-felt forms from too many people to name individually. The family would like to especially thank the amazing team at Community Hospice - they have shown us, and Jerry, more acts of kindness and compassion then we could ever begin to say thank you for. A funeral service will be held at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Vancouver, WA, Sat., Feb. 13, 2016, 12:30p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Salvation Army. Please sign his guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.

Gerald Wesley Shanahan

January 25, 1956 - February 6, 2016