Words from Steve Proeschel

Dear Joanie,

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Shawn. While I know words can’t heal your pain, I wanted to offer my condolences and prayers. While you probably don’t remember, we met a few times when Shawn was at Piper. I work in Public Finance and frequently interacted with Shawn on debt issues for our clients.

I wanted to share a brief memory of Shawn with you. I always enjoyed his professionalism, humor and smile. However, my deepest memory is during the financial meltdown in 2008 when the action market collapsed. It was a time of enormous pressure and stress and Shawn was at the epicenter as auction debt became unmarketable. During this incredibly difficult time, Shawn handled himself with grace and poise. I was always in awe of how he could handle the anxiety, multiple demands and sheer difficulty of the times. Through it all, he maintained perspective and even a sense of humor. In the words of a colleague, he was “a true warrior”. I wanted to share this with you and maybe you can share it with your children as a story about their dad.

I’m so sorry for you. I hope that you can find some peace in the months ahead. There are many of us here in Minneapolis who are thinking of, and praying, for you. You are not alone.

Steve Proeschel

Words from Bill Henderson

Joanie,

I want to express my deepest condolences to you and your family. I was privileged to have interviewed Shawn before he joined Piper Jaffray and worked closely with him during his time with the firm.

At Parker and Carly’s young age, they will have fond and happy memories of their dad with their mom, relatives and friends further filling their memory banks with stories of Shawn. In addition to being their dad, I want them to know Shawn was an intelligent, talented and well-respected securities professional.

To understand this side of their dad, at some point later in life, I hope they have the opportunity to read about the financial crisis of 2007-2008, the liquidity issues the financial markets ere facing and demise of the municipal bond insurance industry. As you are well aware, the short-term variable rate world Shawn worked in was the most impacted and Piper Jaffray, like all financial services firms, had its financial stability threatened.

Many of us during that period had trouble getting out of bed each day knowing that when we hit the office it was going to be another day of dealing with more crisis. As I am sure you witnessed first hand, Shawn was incredibly strong and courageous throughout the whole period. His professionalism, knowledge and integrity were a source of personal comfort and assurance that our firm would navigate a very tenuous time. Because Shawn carried so much of the burden for our firm, I prayed for him daily during that time.

No man is defined by his job. Rather, we are defined by our legacy as a spouse, a father and a friend. However, I share these thoughts so that at some point Parker and Carly will have a better knowledge of their dad’s history and appreciation for what a talented, gifted and intelligent human being with whom we were blessed to work.

Grief is a long journey you and the children are just beginning. I ache for you, Parker and Carly and am keeping your family in my prayers, as I will for months to come. I hope you are sustained by the thoughts and prayers of so many people who were fond of Shawn.

God bless,

Bill Henderson

Words from Laura Davis

I first met Shawn in 1982! I was at St. Kates and we had a “brother floor” at St. Thomas. 20 Katies hopped on the intercampus bus (hair feathered, lip gloss layered on and I assume some type of cool Levi cords) and headed to St. Thomas to a party our brother floor was hosting. There I met Shawn, who was the Resident Advisor for the floor…his hair feathered finer than any of the Katies. We had several outings as brother/sister floors and I remember Shawn being charming, welcoming and making sure everyone was included.

Fast forward several years to 2003… first child in tow, I joined an ECFE class. There was a boy named Somerville, and when I looked at him I saw Shawn all over again. I asked if they were related and related they were. That is how we met Joanie and Parker. A few years later Joanie (and Shawn) and (Eric and) I delivered baby girls (Carly and Zoe) on the same day, November 4th. Carly’s delivery took no time at all; Zoe’s was another story. Shawn joked about his “good girls” and how they were stars even in delivery.

Shawn hadn’t changed his charming, welcoming and inclusive nature in all of those years and I am sure he touched many lives from the boys on the brother floor to his own family in ways that will live on.

Words from Kim Strong

Eight years ago - I first met Joanie and Parker. What eyes! Then I met Shawn who completed the picture. The color and twinkle - always something I will remember. Then Carly followed with her own beautiful shade - a gift she and Parker will always have from their mom and dad. Shawn's twinkle was always fun, friendly and a little mischevious (who changed my stereo station back to Margaritaville?) Like others, I will always think of his generosity and his appreciation for those around him. His patience was another quality that always amazed me. No matter the chaos - whether it be at Cumberland Road, the cabin, The Dells or Grandview - he always seemed to be enjoying the moment. A lesson for us all. Love to you Joanie, Parker and Carly - we will be thinking of you often.

Words from Jack Strong (age 9)

I rember the time we went on a nature walk at the cabin with mr Somerville. In joying the view. We went in the hot tub with hats it was frosty and fun. we well miss Him. LOVE from Jack

Words from Lisa Thompson

I knew Shawn through my friendship with Joanie. Since we heard the terrible news, memories keep popping up for me. The most frequent ones go back to the cabin (pre-kids) where it always seemed that Shawn was in his element and all was right with the world. I remember him putting in the floating dock so Joanie and I could hang out and read and then keeping our drinks filled. I remember deep fried turkey, awesome risotto. Oh the food! What will you and the kids eat now Joanie? We would all hang out by the fire and chat, usually with one heated topic included. I remember the pop up camper and that jeep! Then the kids came and the fun continued, just in a different way. He always had endless energy making sure they were entertained. I admired that about him. The cabin won't be the same without energetic Shawn - getting a million things accomplished in one day- with a smile on his face the entire time.
I of course have Shawn and Joanie to thank for introducing me to my husband Bill. That blind date dinner party that you hosted at your house for the four of us is also a favorite memory. Shawn even enhanced/fabricated my reaction post dinner party during a conversation with Bill. Thus, without Shawn date number two wouldn't have happened.

During your married time in Minneapolis, we always lived a mile away from each other, so the memories are many. They will just keep popping up and bringing a smile to my face and many others. Shawn was an excellent father and a good man with a huge heart. I can't imagine what the future looks like without him. He will be greatly missed. Just know Joanie, Parker and Carly that he loved you so very much. His love for you will live on forever.

Lisa Thompson

Words from LouAnn Olson

This blog is like reading through the many chapters of Shawn's life, each one with its own unique set of characters. For me, reading these entries is like visiting with a familiar friend, but I'm sure each entry is so much more than that for Joanie, Parker and Carly.
Our eclectic group of friends found each other at a time when we were all new parents trying to figure out what we'd gotten ourselves into. Shawn's big personality, easy spirit and beaming smile were something we could count on, which makes it impossible to believe we won't experience them again. He always had great stories...and a plan for a great meal to go with them. While I enjoyed my time and conversations with Shawn, I knew him best as Joanie's husband and Parker, Carly and Indi's daddy - titles I know he was so proud to hold. While we cannot imagine a new chapter without Shawn, the warmth and laughter he brought to our cast of characters will absolutely be part of us always.

Words from Joanie's friend

Joanie and I became fast friends when we were both new transplants to MN. When Joanie met Shawn, there was a collective “ah ha” moment among her friends. This was it. We all knew it. Joanie was happy. “First came love, then came marriage, then came baby/ies in the baby carriage”…

Shawn made us laugh louder. He made the party bigger. He was the BBQ king. He loved his wife and knew he had it good. Shawn had a huge group of friends, but always included Joanie’s friends too. He said silly things and made you feel like you’d always been a part of the fun.

On the morning of Shawn’s passing, I sat in disbelief as I heard the news, and still have trouble accepting it. Joanie’s strength and resolve to keep life “normal” for Parker and Carly has me in awe once again of a dear friend that I admire and love dearly.

While Shawn no longer walks among us, he has without a doubt left a legacy of love, kindness, fun, and most importantly, he has left his imprint on all of us. God bless Joanie, Parker and Carly as they adjust to their new normal. Parker and Carly, I have some funny stories to share with you about your dad next time I see you. I’m sure I’m not the only one… cuz your daddy left us all laughing, and that is how I will always remember him.

With all my love and support,
Kristin Soracco Archbold

Words from a Camp Androscoggin Friend

I was so saddened to hear of Shawn’s death and it made me think back to the fun times we had. I met Shawn 30 years ago, when I was a travelling Aussie, and we both worked at Camp Androscoggin. We became firm friends and enjoyed many memorable adventures during the three summers I spent in Maine at camp. I remember what a genuine, sincere person he was and how people liked having him around – he was a favourite with the kids at camp too. I was also lucky enough to visit his family home and meet his lovely Mum and the rest of Shawn’s family. Since then Shawn and I have kept in touch across the globe and email has certainly helped that continue (I am sure Joanie has had a fair amount of influence there too). I am sure he will be missed by all those close to him and I will miss knowing he is there and also our email chats and Christmas news/photos. Our lives are all little less cheerful without him.

Kim (MacLaren) Wilkinson. Sydney, Australia

Words from a High School Friend

Dear Joanie,
You don't know me but I was a classmate and friend of Shawn's back in high school. I was profoundly saddened when I learned that he had passed away. Sad for you, of course, and for your children. Sad for his co-workers and friends and for his extended family. But also, I felt sad because I lost touch with Shawn only a few years after our graduation. As I see the tributes from others who knew him well as an adult, I can't help but regret that we lost touch. From the stories they tell, it sounds like he was an extraordinary man, keeping the same characteristics in adulthood that made him an extraordinary friend as a kid.

If I "squint my mind's eye" back a little more than 30 years, I can still see him as he was then, leaning on the lockers in the hallway at CHS, chatting away in his good-natured way, laughing that little laugh of his. I see him sitting in many of my classes. I see him with his tuba in the band room. I see his car, a Pacer which we called the "Pregnant Pinto". The other girls and I used to tease him about that car and periodically we would "vandalize" it with toilet paper, streamers, etc., while it sat in the high school parking lot. Shawn and I played tennis together, worked at the same golf course, went on adventures to downtown Minneapolis with a bunch of friends, and played a few harmless pranks on people.

I dug out my old yearbooks yesterday, and found myself crying as I looked at the pictures and read what Shawn had written to me on those pages. I can honestly say that every memory I have of him is a "sunny" one. He was truly a good-hearted person. I am confident that I can speak for my classmates when I say that we were privileged to know him, and he will be missed.

May God's love and comfort overwhelm you at this time of grief.

Remembering Shawn Fondly,

Janet (Kamerud) Emerson

Words from Dave Sylvester

One day on the trading desk a number of years ago, we were all talking about a Dear Abby letter where the writer was a young bride-to-be with a dilemma. Her father had offered to either pay for the wedding, or to give the young couple $25,000 towards the down payment on a house. The young lady was asking Abby what she should do. So the question went around the trading desk, "What would you take, the money or the wedding?" As we went around, everyone said the same thing. "Take the money."
Then the question came to Shawn. And his response was, "I'd take the wedding."
"The wedding? Are you crazy? Why?" everyone asked. Shawn smiled, and said, "Because the day I got married was the happiest day of my life."
You see Joanie, not only do you know how much he loved you, but everyone who knew Shawn knew that, too. He made it clear to everyone that you were the light of his life, and he loved you as much as any man can love a woman. And later, when Parker was born, then Carly, he made his delight in them clear, as well.
I admired that about Shawn. He was never afraid to show his emotions. He was a dear, dear friend, a man I truly admire, and we will not long be separated.
May God bless you, and keep you, and make his face shine upon you.
Dave

Jimbo, we are lucky men!

“Jimbo, we are lucky men.”

How often did I hear my friend Shawn Somerville say those words – on the golf course; in the backyard on a starlit summer night with our wives; in one of our houses on a freezing afternoon, watching football as the kids ran and played around us. “How awesome is this? Jimbo, we are lucky men.” Shawn said it enough to where it was practically his motto. And it wasn’t just words. Shawn was the most grateful person I have ever known. He appreciated everything that he had,and everyone around him, and it wasn’t just once in a while. It wasn’t some of the time. It was ALL the time. Constant gratitude and appreciation were the essence of Shawn Somerville.

Shawn loved the outdoors, whether up north at the cabin or in his backyard down here, the backyard that he and Joanie set up so well to bring a little of the North Woods to Wheaton. Shawn loved our neighborhood, and he loved his friends. But while he appreciated all of these things and more, it was but a drop of water to the ocean of his love for his family: his beautiful wife Joanie and his wonderful children, Parker and Carly. Shawn knew how incredible they are, and how lucky he was, and the flame of his love and gratitude never dimmed for a second.

It never could. It never will.

As we remember Shawn, we honor him by appreciating how precious are our loved ones, how precious life is. Not for a moment, but all the time. Shawn, we are so lucky to have known you. We are all so very lucky.

Words from Trapper

Joanie,
My heart goes out to you and your family during this time of such great loss. I had wanted so much to be at the service, but since it was not possible I want to take a few moments on his day to share just some of the many great memories I have of Shawn.
As a newcomer to Minnesota, I was lucky to have worked alongside Shawn in my first post graduate job at FBS Mortgage. While we had fun debating the supremacy of our rival Chicago business schools, I found him to be intellectually stimulating and receptive to helping each other; but most importantly, he was the perfect friend to help a SoCal kid learn what it meant to live in Minnesota. It was obvious he loved life and he knew how to live it right. His passions were many and I found him willing to share many of them with me. I quickly became a very knowledgeable Twins fan, learned the intricacies of fishing like how to make flies and cast correctly, and how to partake in ice fishing and even have a blast doing it! Hunting was another foreign activity for which Shawn helped explain how great it was to spend quality time training his dog and preparing for those cold early morning days in the woods. I’ll never forget how much Shawn loved his cabin, and sharing a weekend there with our families was like watching Shawn in heaven. Showing off his many toys like the mowers in the shed and the trailer parked outside made me realize how much he was just a simple guy who loved the outdoors and being in control of his own world. He had everything he needed right there.
There were many other fun times like football in the rain, playing hoops with co-workers so we had a good excuse for the post game festivities at the local pub, the basement parties at his house where Guinness would snatch goodies until she almost popped, while roaming pink bunnies would liven up the place, or sunset cruises on Turtle Lake, watching March Madness, playing golf all over town, or a good happy hour. I especially cherish the many quarterly cooking clubs we did over the years with spouses. It was then that food, family, and friends were all in full gear at every gathering. Ann and I were sad to see you two move to Illinois as we knew our get togethers would become much less frequent.
Joanie I hope you take some comfort from knowing how Shawn left his mark on so many people and I’m sure the kids have developed a solid foundation from his passion for life that will serve them well over the years. He was a treasured friend that I will dearly miss so I will step outside, breathe in some cold Minnesota air, and raise a glass in his honor knowing that is what he would have wanted.
All my best to you, Parker and Carly,
John Trapnell (aka Trapper)

Words from Dave Nolan

Joanie-

I've spent the last 5 days remembering things that had slipped to the corners of my mind. After being acquaintances at St. thomas, Shawn and I were roommates for three years in Chicago. We went to the Cubs, Bulls, Blackhawks and White Sox (the last, my bachelor party) together. We saw Jimmy Buffett, Bruce Hornsby, and Paul Cebar and the Milwaukeeans. We walked the lakefront, ran the lakefront, and rode the lakefront. We golfed in the city, in the suburbs, and in Traverse City.

In three years, I grew to be a better person because I had lived with Shawn. He taught me about loyalty, friendship, giving, and love. I could not have picked a better person to be my friend.

God Blessed me with Shawn's Love and Friendship. God has called him back much too soon. I will miss my friend and think of him always. All my memories of Shawn will end with a smile. As time moves forward, and the pain fades, the smiles will grow.

You and Parker and Carly are in our thoughts and prayers. Shawn will watch over you and smile upon you with pride and joy as you go forward.

I will miss my friend for the rest of my days.

Dave

Words from Mike Schrader

Joanie:
Have not seen you all for some time, but was saddened to hear the news of Shawn’s death. Wow. The reality of it all really hit me and Annie as well. We are both very sad. We got your Christmas card and I just found myself bawling. You are in our prayers.

I must admit that the first time I met Shawn he really ticked me off. I think Dillon said it best that he was the ultimate button pusher. I was easy game for him. We met through our common friend Brian Monssen at a “touch” football game that soon turned to tackle then nearly fights. We were all just out of college and thought we were bad. It was the typical whirlwind of emotion that always accompanied my early times with Shawn. Over the years we fashioned a respect and then a friendship. We shared many milestones: his meeting and love for you Joanie, the wedding, kids, new years eve parties and fishing openers at Mitch Olson’s cabin. I remember that first fishing opener when he showed up all geared up to the hilt. A fancy vest with the fur you keep your lures on, special sunglasses, three custom rigs and a tackle box as big as a Volkswagen. It was Zen and the Art of Fishing by Shawn Somerville. I think he was sponsored by Cabelas or something. Of course he got put in my boat. “The amateur” with a borrowed rod and no clue. At first I think it frustrated him to be out with a hack, but soon we were giggling ( and yes that was quite a giggle ) and talking about EVERYTHING. We always had great and spirited conversations. I can’t remember if we caught a fish, but I remember the good times with my friend Shawn Somerville.

Mike Schrader

Words from Matt Grimes

Shawn was a great friend, a mentor, a loyal colleague, and a great family man.

Shawn was very gregarious, very kind, and very social. He could make friends anywhere he went. I worked with Shawn for many years. He always made the office a happier place. It was a struggle to remember exactly when he started here or when he left. Shawn made such an impression and stayed in contact so much, it felt like he never did leave. His infectious optimism made him one-of-a-kind.

Shawn had a very positive demeanor and could calm most any situation. He did a great job working with clients. His smile and personality could put the biggest skeptics at ease. He's one of a few people that I've known who have worked on a trading desk and didn't have a propensity for a profanity-laced tirade, except for "Gosh All Fishhooks". Shawn had a story for any situation. For many years, Shawn's stories were about St. Thomas, Wrigley Field, hunting and fishing, and other outdoor pursuits. I have to ask, did the University of Chicago MBA require any classroom attendance & who exactly goes to a party in a rabbit suit? The focus of his stories changed after Parker and Carly were born. Shawn always had new stories about what his kids were doing. Shawn would always be beaming when talking about his kids and nothing made him happier that to share the most recent adventures of Parker and Carly. He was a very involved dad and it was obvious to everyone he met that he loved his family very much.

Shawn had a passion for the outdoors that he shared with many. He loved to fish and hunt and do anything that got him outside. He often looked like he stepped right out of an L.L. Bean catalog when fly fishing and grouse hunting. Results didn't always follow the lead of the couture, but he loved being outside regardless of how many fish or birds were coming back home. His optimistic outlook would have you assured that tomorrow you would get your limit. He would share his time, his passions, and his cabin to those interested in these pursuits. I have great memories of Shawn on trips, golfing, hunting, fishing, playing hockey, and hanging out at the cabin. Recently, outings included Twins games and museum trips with the kids.

I missed seeing Shawn more frequently when he moved to Chicago, but now I'll just miss him.

I'll sorely miss the unbiased updates on the kids and on life in Wheaton. I'll miss his big smile, big laugh, and big heart.

My prayers go out to Joanie and the kids.
God bless you Shawn.

Matt Grimes

Words from Mike Kelly

Dear Joanie –

Oh that Christmas card….we knew it was coming. We wanted to see it and at the same time, we didn’t. It came today and so did the tears.

God we’re going to miss Shawn. When we heard the news, the grave sadness was numbing…can’t think of any other way to describe it. How could it be? Here one day and then gone. The void is huge and triggers a range of emotions, questions and fond memories. The permanent smile and twinkle in his eye were contagious. Shawn was a good time happening and always inviting of another to join the fun. It’s Shawn’s optimistic passion for whatever he did that we’ll remember most: whether it was you, the kids, the dogs, hunting, fishing, cooking, St. Thomas, the house, the cabin, the yard, the Twins, the holiday parties, his work….the list goes on….that will be Shawn’s legacy for us. His passion for life: live it now, to the fullest. (I wish I could remember the full life-living quote Shawn introduced me to that contained a reference to “sliding hard into third base”, but that’s how I will forever happily remember Shawn.)

Surround yourself and the kids with your warmest memories of Shawn, Joanie. Collectively, you, Parker and Carly are Shawn’s living legacy as the lives he influenced most. His all-too-short life must be celebrated again and again in spite of his horrible departure. Our prayers are with you, Parker and Carly.

All our love,

Mike and Mary Kelly

Memories from Bob Dillon

Dearest Joanie
I cannot begin to tell you how stunned and saddened I am to hear about Shawnie’s passing. The word “shock” doesn’t seem to quite capture it. “Sadness” also seems insubstantial. The most appropriate words escape me, mostly because these feelings are new and unwelcome.
The words may not come easily but the memories sure have. They are popping into my head and are so fresh in my mind that they feel brand new. It’s amazing to think that I’ve known Shawnie for the better part of three decades. On paper, we didn’t have a lot in common. He was an outdoorsy guy and I like my controlled indoor climates. He was a people person and I’m more of an introvert. We traded good natured political barbs from his spot on the right and me, from mine on the left. But somehow we managed to forge a friendship because we just plain old liked each other. He would pontificate about something and I’d roll my eyes; he’d laugh. I’d go off on a tangent, he’d push my buttons and we’d trade barbs. We laughed some more. In fact we laughed a lot. That much we shared. Basically he’s always been a unique character, a good guy and a good friend.
Those three decades of friendship also includes listening to Shawnie’s unique man-giggle. The one that sets his shoulders shuddering and often builds to a full-on belly laugh. I keep thinking about that giggle and how, for me, it defines my memories of Shawnie.
That, and the way he used to give me a big old smack on the lips every time I saw him. At first I thought it was just plain silly but funny. Then when I knew it bugged you I thought “okay, enough.” But Shawnie kept going with it. The consummate button pusher, he met me every time with a big old exaggerated smoocharoo (with sound effects). In an odd way it was our thing.; a running joke that we shared for no particular reason other than it made us both chuckle.
There are so many other memories too: the holiday parties, the baseball box scores, road trips to Bix, the World Series, walking Guinness in Evanston…I could go on for days. But in each one of these precious memories, Shawnie is smiling and laughing…mostly giggling, but always having a good time.
It’s hard to imagine him gone. My head understands it (sort of) but my heart isn’t ready to. I’m not ready to let him go I guess. As far as characters go, he’s one of the more memorable ones in my life and even though a chapter may be ending, the story isn’t over. He’ll be with me forever and that makes me smile…and maybe giggle a little bit for good measure.
Just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you and the kids and to let you know that if there is anything you need, please let me know.
Love you
Bobby

Words to an Uncle

Not until now have I realized what it's like to feel what it's like to truly lose someone close to you. And I ask you from the bottom of my heart to never complain about someone complaining about what they're going through. Always be willing to extend a helping hand to someone you think may need it. You never know they're story until you take the time to get to know them and their story. I ask you ...to live every day like it's your last and to never take a single thing you've achieved or been given for granted. You could lose it all in the blink of an eye. Life is a gift, and sometimes its taken much too soon. All you can do is live your life in the way that brings you true happiness. Spread as much love and compassion for as many people as you can as much as you can. Be generous with your wealth, whether it be knowledge, physical currency or love. I plan to live my life like this. I hope you can find it in yourselves to do the same. Thank you Uncle Shawn, for teaching me this. It's unfortunate that your untimely death made me seriously consider these lessons. You will be missed by many, and your legacy will live on through the people you've touched. Rest in peace Shawn. Peace&Love.

A loving husband, great father and true family man

I will miss the opportunity to get to know Shawn better. I was looking forward to our relationship growing into a true friendship. I had the pleasure of serving on the vestry and finance committee with Shawn. I'm grateful for his service in both roles and I will miss him dearly on the second and third Tuesday of every month. Knowing Joanie as the dynamo behind Parish Life, Parker as a great bocce ball teammate to his dad and Carly as an attentive Sunday School student; I will remember Shawn as a loving husband, great father and true family man.

I'm not a very emotional guy. This was difficult yet spiritually nourishing to write. My keyboard is moist with tears.

-Scott Bednas

Shawn the Grill Master

Here is a memory that I want to share and keep - Shawn sporting shades and showing off his grilling skills at the 2011 St. Mark's parish picnic at Herrick Lake. Shawn, Joanie, Parker and Carly arrived at St. Mark's just two years ago and quickly became part of the core of our community. From grilling hamburgers to serving on the vestry, Shawn was committed to making St. Mark's a welcoming and caring church community. He loved to talk about baseball with my son, Geo. On Sundays, they would check in about the Sox and the Twins. Not being a baseball fan myself, I'm not sure what they talked about - but I could tell it was fun for them. A topic for us to talk about was Minnesota and the north woods of Wisconsin - when each of us would have the next chance to be going up there and how great it would be. Shawn loved Chicago and he loved the north woods. He had the best of both worlds. Shawn pictured with Dick Anstee, Dick Mylander and Bob Bernero

- The Rev. George D. Smith, Rector