It is with profound sadness that we announce our beloved son, brother, uncle and friend, Shawn Zurowski passed away on March 3rd, 2021 at the age of 52 due to heart failure. He will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by his dear friend Sue, mother Carmelle, father Ernie (Lorene), brother Kim (Sandy), sister Tara (Dave), nieces and nephews Sarah, Zoe, Kai, Leo and Stella, many friends, coworkers and extended family.
Shawn was born in Edmonton, Alberta November 18, 1968, growing up first in the Inglewood neighbourhood and later moving to St. Albert with his family. He was an avid athlete, good at all sports especially soccer, football and basketball. As an adult, Shawn enjoyed coaching high school basketball. He was always generous with his time sharing his love of the sport.
Shawn took great pride in his profession as a construction manager, forming strong bonds with co-workers. He was loved, respected and admired for his strong work ethic and superior skills.
When work slowed down in the winter months, he looked forward to his annual months-long trips to Mexico. It was there he could fully be the free spirit he was. He travelled throughout the country, making many friends, enjoying the sights and sounds, food and drink, smells, colours, history and culture; living like a local. His love of travel also brought him to the UK, Thailand, Cuba, Dominican Republic among other exotic locales. Shawn was always ready to get off grid. At home, he loved the outdoors, camping and bonding with nature, usually out in the middle of nowhere.
Shawn had a love for life, family and friends that knew no bounds. People automatically trusted him fully as he listened attentively and with compassion to whatever was said. He never judged. His smile, voice, generosity, hugs, jokes, stories and witty humour will always be remembered by all who knew and loved him. Gone but never forgotten, larger than life, he was one of a kind.
There will be a celebration of Shawn’s life at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any animal rescue organization of your choice.
Michela says
I met Shawn from Sue . He was always good to me and so much fun . I had a few good memories that I will not forget . Very sorry to hear about the loss . I can still see his smile . My condolences.
Brad Shandro says
Shawn, you were like a brother to me. Your knowledge and passion for our chosen profession was unbridled. You and I were always able to put our minds together and as you said:
”figure things out”. We shared almost 20 years together “figuring things out”
I will truly miss you and am stunned at your life being cut short. I hope others will learn more about themselves from your early passing.
My sincere condolences to his family and Sue
God Bless
Anita says
Shawn you will be missed so much. You were a great friend and you always had a good story to share. I’ll miss talking to you every day. Work will not be the same with out you.
Cheryl AuBuchon Verhaeghe says
I’m so very sorry to hear of your loss
Dale & Diane AuBuchon says
Shawn was almost bigger than life. He was energy. When I think of Cancun, I think of Shawn. He was there with us, he was there for us. Showed us a great time.
My heart breaks for his family. Sad times. Memories forever ♥️
Shauna Black says
I went to high school with Shawn. I had such a crush on him. Although we ran in different circles he was very kind, with such a warm smile. Everyone seemed to like him. This one hurts. Sending love to his family and friends.
Terry kurtz says
RIP my friend. You always had a way to make people smile and laugh. You will be missed my friend.
Rick York says
I will miss our trips, talks, get togethers and so much more, too much more to write. You will be remembered with a few emotions especially brotherly love.
Good bye for now my friend.
Kevin Bokenfohr says
We had many great times growing up together. I wish I made more of my opportunity to reconnect with Shawn. Our heart-felt sympathy for your loss.
Brad Brodeur says
I played basketball with Shawn in high school for two years. He had a great sense of humour and made being on the team far more enjoyable than it would have been without him. We had great times laughing and joking on the long bus rides to Hinton and Red Deer. He was always the life of the locker room, the practice and the bus ride. He was a larger than life personality. This is Such sad news . My condolences to his family. Sincerely, Brad Brodeur
Karl Holba says
Zurowski! What the Hell? I just found out about this tonight (March 10). I cannot believe you aren’t around anymore. When you stopped by to say “Hi” and we ended up BSing for an hour (so long that my wife had to come out and check why I was taking so long to take out the garbage!!!) in front of my garage last fall I definitely did not think that was the last time we would talk. You drove off in your spiffy little Dodge with a “Catch ya later Holba!” I guess the big guy needed a gregarious construction manager upstairs and had to call you up.
My condolences to your family and friends – and Sue. I never met any of you but I heard a lot about Sue and Ernie over the years. I am shocked that you are gone and your big shiny Dodge won’t roll up to my house to have you yell “Holba!” at me anymore through the window.
Michelle Kozey (Plaisant) says
I’m so sorry for your loss. I met Shawn in high school. We had many fun time together with all out friend. We all liked to gather at my place in St.Albert on Fridays for some fun with friends. He was a great friend and a amazing person. RIP Shawn. 😪🙏😪🙏❤️❤️
Carole (Haddock) Carmichael says
Sorry for your loss. I went to school and graduated with Shawn in 1986! He was always the life of the party and truly was a fun guy to hang with. My condolences to the family and Sue.
Rachelle Van Adestine says
Shawn and I were besties in Junior high school. We had an attraction for each but I would never sacrifice our friendship. This is the saddest news. He was so tender kind sweet handsome. Time drifted us apart but he was always in my heart and thoughts. Heaven has received another angel. Send hugs to all who loved him I’m sure there is a big hole left in your hearts. ❤❤❤🙏😥
Shauna Acs Krupa says
I am so very sad to hear that Shawn has passed. He was a great friend in high school – he had the best sense of humour and was so very kind and genuine. We were all fortunate to have known him. My sincere condolences to his family.
Dana Chartrand says
Sad news! So young…. if we could only turn back time. Lots of memories growing up with Shawn and graduating in the same class. Condolences to the family 💐 rest easy Shawn
Gavin Comiskey says
Shawn and I lived on the same street back in the olden days, he was always such a happy guy growing up and we had lots of fun over the years. I’m so glad I got to meet up with him a while ago to catch up. Unfortunately, we never got to meet up again for that beer we talked about. RIP Buddy 🙏
Lorraine Gerow (Pudlowski) says
“Big Z” Shawn and I were friends in junior high and high school. Spent many weekends together sharing a cold one. Always was the first guy to offer to give me a ride wherever I needed to go. Big guy with a bigger heart. Certainly gone way before his time. Thanks for being a great mate, you made High School bearable. My condolences to the family. He may be gone, but he will be someone we never forget. Please know we all share in your grief.
Murray and Penny Scholtz says
Our deepest condolences for the loss of one so young.
Jeff Matzanke says
I am gutted. I feel like my legs were kicked out from under me! Shawn was a co-worker, brother from another mom, and best friend. I lost my brother in 2015 to cancer, he was Shawns’ age. When I felt like my world was closing in Shawn was always there to talk, calm me down and get me smiling and laughing again. He was always so free with his time for you. I respected his work ethic as it mirrored mine and his live hard, play harder attitude. Many long days and stuck in cubes of mud.. we survived! Life was for living to the fullest according to him. I guess I wont be able to show ya the lake this year up here like we planned, with that wicked new camper. You better get me a beach chair ready and I’ll come crashing in with the full cooler! So glad to have had you in my life… Gone, never forgotten my friend. My condolences to the family and Sue as well. Love ya brother!
Wendy Austin says
Kim, Sandy, Sarah, Zoe, Kai and Family…so very sorry to hear of Shawn’s passing. My prayers for you and your family 🙏❤️Xoxo
Jannette Kirwin says
Oh my God. I’m so sorry to hear this. I really loved Shaun. We had fun times together. He was sweet, funny, open-minded, and very compassionate. I haven’t seen him for years so am in utter shock. I know how much Ernie, Carmelle, Kim and Tara loved him. I’m SO VERY SORRY for your loss. No words are sufficient.
Jannette Kirwin