Shawn Craig Wickard

1971 ~ 2021

Service:

Oct. 2, 2021
10:30 AM
To watch the recorded services, please click on the blue "Watch Services" box below.

Shawn Wickard fiercely and courageously passed away Tuesday, September 28th, 2021. He fought, and had some wins against transverse myelitis, lupus, paralysis, among other things. His last week he fought and, for a short while, beat sepsis, a seizure, a comatose state, bleeding on the brain, bone marrow failure, kidney failure, internal bleeding, multiple infections, inside and outside his body and still regained consciousness to tell the doctors what for and talk and laugh with his friends for a while.

Shawn led the way as a youth building jumps, climbing trees, building forts and instigating neighborhood-wide games of sardines, kick the can and capture the flag. He climbed Mt. Rainier at the age of sixteen. He was an accomplished distance runner, mastered the trumpet, and earned his Eagle Scout along with being part of the Order of the Arrow.

After graduating Issaquah High School, he adventured to California, Rick’s College in Idaho and continued to adventure in Utah. He achieved his goal of being a radio host, DJ’d many a party and continued to make permanent friends.

At the age of 27, he became paralyzed. It took many years and doctors to identify the cause. Once he had an identification, he focused his efforts to fight and win against transverse myelitis and lupus.

Shawn became one of the first six people to receive a stem cell transplant to see if it would cure his lupus. It did. As a bonus Shawn was able to walk again. He wrote his stem cell story, gave an inspirational TED talk, and uplifted many with his journey and his friendship.
Shawn had a dream to retire in the picturesque Kalispell, Montana area.

He is survived by his siblings, Todd, Alysha, Ashley, BryAnna, Corby, and Janessa; sister-in-law Lindsay; nephews Travis and Richie; nieces Amanda and Maggie.

He would appreciate donations to the Lupus Foundation of America at www.lupus.org

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 am at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy, UT. A celebration of Shawn's life will continue from 12:00 - 2:00 pm at The Chateau at the Rose Shop, 1910 East Dimple Dell Road.

To watch the recorded memorial services, please click on the blue "Watch Services" box above.


Guestbook/Condolences

Condolences and sweet sympathy to my co-worker Todd Wickard. I pray for strength and peace for you and your family during this sad time. Sincerely, Vic


- Victoria HORNE

What an amazing celebration of life today. I called Shawn #1 because he truly was in my eyes. I met him in Sun Valley Idaho several years ago when he went to do some Paralympic training for cross country skiing. The smile that he had on his face and the passion that he had for life was absolutely inspiring. We only spent time together in person that week, but we remained friends and communicated with each other often after that. He is an amazing gift in my life, I just I listen to the service he was the same to so many others. He is an example of what I want to be, who I want to be, and what friendship I want to have with others. May he be restful now and I cannot wait for that day when I get to see him again. I will be praying for his family and his friends. May everyone feel Gods arms wrapped around them tight during this time. And may we live the life that God wants us to live just like #1 did!!!


- Shawn plafker

I loved Shawn's cheerfulness! It will be a memory that stays with me. He didn't let life's challenges sway his perspective or love of the Lord. He was very kind to me and as far as I could tell, to everyone. How I rejoice to have rubbed shoulders with one of Heavenly Father's choice sons on this earth!


- Reta Van Orden

I met him at singles events. Not knowing anyone and feeling very uncomfortable and reserved Shawn took notice. He made sure I felt welcomed, loved and like I was a part of the group. He was my instant friend always greeted me with a big hug and always asked how I was doing. He was very inspiring and an all around great friend was always there and had encouragement to offer freely. Thank you for continuing his support of friendship and making his friends feel like family I think it’s just how he would have wanted. Sorry for your loss as I’m sure you know he is loved and missed by all that knew him


- Jeanette Field

I just learned of Shawn’s passing. Though we fell out of touch the past few years, he was one of my best friends. I first met him almost 25 years ago. You could tell Shawn anything without judgment. I wish I’d known what was going on with him, the past while…sending well wishes and condolences to his loved ones.


- Christine Pearson