Obituary of Shawn Dennis Owen Francis de Delley

Shawn Dennis Owen Francis de Delley It is with heavy hearts and great sadness the family of Shawn Dennis Owen Francis de Delley announces his passing on Friday, September 6, 2013 after a courageous battle with cancer. We lost a loving husband, devoted father, brother, son-in-law, brother-in-law, uncle and friend. Shawn was born on March 7, 1969 in Brandon, the 3rd child of Dennis and Dianne de Delley. He was raised with his two older sisters Dodie and Sonya in Spruce Woods, Manitoba and attended school in Shilo, graduating from Princess Elizabeth High School as a member of the Class of 1987. Shawn was an active young man, an excellent athlete playing minor hockey, baseball, bowling and as he got older, he became a referee for minor hockey. Following his graduation from high school, Shawn worked at a variety of jobs before entering Brandon University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree. In 1996, he joined MNP and in 1999 received his designation as a Chartered Accountant. Shawn was made partner with MNP in 2007 and became Regional Tax Partner in 2008. Shawn also enjoyed the educational side of the profession as a UFE Marker from 2000 – 2005 and as assistant team leader for the UFE Marking Centre in 2006 and teaching numerous tax courses for MNP. Shawn was a beloved co-worker and partner at MNP. He was a trusted advisor to many businesses in the Brandon area and his great advice, expertise and down to earth personality endeared him to many of his clients leading to life long friendships. Shawn was involved in the community serving as treasurer of the Brandon University Foundation, Chair of the Brandon University Investment Committee, a member of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, board member of the Brandon United Way as well as the Brandon Rotary Club. He also found time to coach youth soccer and bowling. He pursued a wide variety of hobbies and activities. Shawn enjoyed all things hockey especially when they involved # 11 Mark Messier. He was a longtime season ticket holder for the Brandon Wheat Kings and could be found on long winter nights in the recliner watching any number of NHL games. Shawn enjoyed golfing in the summer and spending time at the cabin near Clear Lake with family and friends was always a highlight. The boat and tubing equipment provided many hours of enjoyment. Shawn was a jack of all trades and was able to take care of most household renovations with minimal trouble and if you ever had the privilege of a long ride in a vehicle with Shawn, the station remained on Ozzy's Boneyard and Hair Nation for all of his hair metal favorites. As well, you could be assured that all purchases made in the de Delley house were of quality as Shawn thoroughly researched all products in his "Bible", Consumer Reports Magazine. While Shawn enjoyed his work and his hobbies, he had one true love and that was his family, his wife Kari and his daughters Kristen born February 28, 1996 and Laura born September 14, 2012. Kristen was the apple of her father's eye and he was so proud of her and her accomplishments. Laura was his little princess who had her dad wrapped around her little fingers. Shawn and Kari were married on June 5, 2010 and their happiness was completed with the birth of Laura on September 14, 2012. They enjoyed numerous trips, Canada's Wonderland, NHL Hockey games, Hawaii, Arizona, and Las Vegas. Anything Shawn could do to ensure Kari, Kristen and Laura's happiness, he would do. Shawn was looking forward to many years of happiness with Kari and the girls. But this was not to be. On July 5, 2013, Shawn was diagnosed with cancer. Despite his determination that cancer was not going to beat him and that it couldn't be his time because he needed to be here for Kari and his daughters, Shawn passed away with Kari at his side at the age of 44 years. Shawn was predeceased by his heroes, his parents Dennis in 2006 and Dianne in 2008. It must have been a beautiful sight when they greeted him at the gates of Heaven. Shawn will be missed by all who knew him and lovingly remembered by his wife Kari and amazing daughters Kristen and Laura, his sisters Dodie de Delley , Sonya and husband Ralf Kampe , his uncle Norm Funk and Trina, his in-laws Paul and Karen Raffray, his brother-in-law Ryan and wife Michelle Raffray, his nieces and nephews Greg, Shae-Lynne, Emilie, Matthieu, Isabelle, Mireille and Sarah along with numerous extended family members, colleagues and many many friends. A Celebration of Shawn's life was held at McDiarmid Drive Alliance Church, 635 McDiarmid Drive, on Wednesday, September 11, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. with Funeral Celebrant, Kim Lewarne officiating. A private family interment followed at the Brandon Cemetery Columbarium. In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, donations in memory of Shawn may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 415-1st Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 2W8. We love you so very much Shawn and there are no words that can express how much you will be missed. This isn't goodbye; it's just see you later. To view or print a copy of the Eulogy, please click on the link below: http://www.brockiedonovan.com/layout/pdf/shawn-eulogy.pdf