It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Shaun Willis. On February 6, 2021 that great big heart of his suddenly stopped beating and left a big hole in the hearts of all of us who loved him so much. Shaun was born August 25, 1965 to Nolan and Dolly Willis.
Those of us fortunate enough to call him family or be his friend know Shaun loved big. He loved sports to the point of obsession. He loved watching, betting and playing them. Anyone who planned a get together with him knew Shaun would plan his life around his favorite teams schedules. He never missed a game or event his grandson Gage and granddaughter Brooklyn ever participated in.
Shaun was a loving father to Kenny and was extremely proud of him and his beautiful family. He would bend over backwards at any moment to make sure they were always taken care of.
Shaun was close to his nieces and nephews and became a father figure to them. He had a special relationship with each of them which included teasing and calling them special names, but most of all just loving and being there for them. That love extended to their children who referred to him as Papa Shaun.
Whether swimming in the pool in his backyard, the ocean, or captain of the “Jolly Mon” on Lake Powell he was where he wanted to be if there was water near and Jimmy Buffet songs were playing loudly.
He loved to cook and prepare food for those he loved and could often be caught watching the food network.
Shaun was competitive and when playing sports we all preferred being on his team because you were much more likely to win. He loved to wager and would make a bet on just about anything.
If you believe in reincarnation you would be well served to come back as Shaun’s dog. Over the years he had many special companions whom he spoiled and cared for.
Shaun’s entire career was spent in the car rental business, but later in life landed his dream job working with the University of Utah Football Team. He enjoyed traveling and had been to so many places. He always had a great story to tell and be prepared to laugh if you were in his company.
Shaun and Brenda proudly and generously opened the doors to their home and pool every summer so we could all share the warmth of good food, drinks and each other. He leaves behind the love of his life, soulmate and his best friend Brenda, son Kenny (Amber), mother Dolly (Mike), sister Valorie (Brice), brother-in-laws Bruce (Rhonda), Tom, sister-in-law Janice, father-in-law Ken, nephews Ryan, Brandon (Victoria), BJ (Lindsay), Timmy, nieces Felicia (Aaron), Cassie, Jen (Steve), and his grandchildren, Gage and Nova, whom he immortalized his love for by getting tattoos the day before his death.
While his loss hurts deeply we take solace in the idea that he is now in "Cheeseburger In Paradise" with "Fins To His Left" hanging out in a pool, listening to Jimmy Buffet, watching the Utes and the Cowboys win and sharing a "It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere" beer with those who preceded him in death his father, Nolan; sister, Jamie (Brent) and mother-in-law JoAnne. We are smiling at the thought of him being forced once again to sing “Let it Go” with his own angel, his beautiful granddaughter Brooklyn.
We want to thank family and friends for all the outpouring support and most of all Shaun for allowing us to be part of his amazing life.
Goodbye is not forever. It simply means we will miss you until we meet again.
Due to COVID 19 concerns a private family and close friends graveside service will be held and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Utah Food bank in memory of Shaun.
