Shawn Michael Fennell Obituary (1970 - 2017)

Albion-Shawn Michael Fennell, 46, passed away in Vista, California on May 19, 2017 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Waterville on November 22, 1970, the son of Wayne and Sandy Fennell, but moved to Albion shortly after. He attended Albion Elementary, where he played many sports, but really excelled at football where later he was an outstanding defensive tackle for the Lawrence Bulldogs all through high school. His lifelong dream was to be a Marine, so he left for Boot camp at Parris Island in July 1989. His duty stations included; New River, NC, Camp Lejeune, NC, Okinawa, Japan, Quantico, VA, Fort Leonard Wood, MO, Vienna, Austria, Vladivostok, Russia, Fort Leonard Wood for a second time, Camp Pendleton, CA, Kandahar, Afghanistan. During his military service, Shawn was in the following military occupations specialties; Motor Transport, Marine Embassy Guard and Military Police. After 22 years and attaining the rank of Gunnery Sergeant in the Marine Corp. it was time to retire. Shawn had a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, but decided to pursue another degree in Respiratory Therapy. He loved living in Vista, CA, where he had many friends and was passionate about working out and being healthy. Shawn loved his daughter, Sydney very much and was able to spend time with her in December of last year. His life was filled with many adventures all over the world and influenced many other people that he met. He loved to have fun and played many pranks in his life which was cut too short. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends. A special thanks to Scott Parker of California, his best friend since Kindergarten, who helped him through this difficult struggle. Jon Marr, another close friend, who helped with preparations and was there to support the family. Another special thanks to Derek and Monica Fennell for all their help in this devastating time. Thanks to Chad Fennell for holding down the fort while we were away. Surviving Shawn are his parents, Wayne and Sandy Fennell; his daughter, Sydney Fennell; his brothers, Chad and Derek, his sister-in-law,Monica; nephews Conner, Nicholas, Evan and Kamren; All of his Marine Brothers, several aunts, uncles and cousins. A special thanks to Scott, Jon and Phil. Family and friends may visit from 6-8pm on Thursday, June 8, 2017 at Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville. Committal prayer and military honor will be held at 9:00 AM on Friday, June 9 at the Committal Shelter of the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Civic Center Dr., Augusta. A celebration of Shawn's Life will be held at Derek and Monica's house at 95 Tarybelu Lane, China, Maine, following the services. An online guestbook may be signed and condolences expressed at www.gallantfh.com In lieu of flowers, please contribute in his memory to the American Cancer Society, 1 Bowdoin Mill Island #300, Topsham, Maine 04086