Shawn T Heaney, 74, of Bacliff, TX, finally tapped out on October 15, 2026 after his third grueling bout with cancer — a best-of-seven series he unfortunately lost in the away opener after holding a respectable 2-0 lead at home, which must count for something!

Surrounded by his three sons — who each inherited his eyelashes, his questionable sense of humor, and at least one of his chins — Shawn went peacefully, likely because he was too tired to argue with the hospice nurse any longer.

Shawn’s relationship with cancer was, in many ways, like his relationship with all: personal, prolonged, and a bit thick, like his mustache.  After his first diagnosis, he lost a kidney, dropped a few pounds, kicked it into remission and spent the next decade bringing it up.  After his second, he lost half his liver, a few more pounds and a player to be named later.  He referred to himself as “the two-time defending champion” and picked up a championship belt at a yard sale.  Cancer, clearly a slow learner, came back for round three, and this time it caught him on an off day. The series now stands at 2-1, and Shawn would be the first to remind you that in most sports, that means he’s still winning.

Born July 27, 1952, in Schenectady, New York to James & Nihla (Primett), Shawn spent his early years developing the two skills that would define him: an ability to talk himself out of almost anything & the unshakable optimism that he could fix anything without hiring a professional — including, for a while, mortality.

He was predeceased by his loving wife Susan (Kelly), his parents, and his brother Jim and, as of this writing, by cancer’s dignity — which Shawn managed to rob it of…twice.

Shawn is survived by his three sons — Shawn M, Tim (Brooke), and Joseph (David) — who were at his bedside in his final hours, presumably arguing over who inherited his broken margarita machine, giant tank of piranhas & his shortbread and Chex mix recipies; who had to handle the estate, and whether the funeral playlist should include “You’re the Reason Our Kids Are Ugly” or something more appropriate (Susan’s insistence, probably). He is also survived by his four grandchildren Shawn C, Jameson, Liam & Kellan, who tolerated his puns for many years and deserve their own yard sale trophies.

He built a career in the Defense Industry, where he was known for ensuring safety measures were ‘probably’ followed, and a hot tea consumption habit that several cardiologists described as “medically impressive.”  He worked harder than he had to, cared more than he showed, and called it a career once his wife Susan’s illness required full time care.

Per Shawn’s wishes, there will be no somber, tear-soaked memorial. A private burial will be held in Poultney, VT at a date to be determined, followed by a lunch where we’ll share his “Big Fish” stories & serve some of his favorite, long expired foods, we found in his pantry.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that scratch off tickets be sent to his grandchildren, or, if you really want to honor Shawn’s memory, head to Saratoga and put ten dollars on the gray horse.

Rest easy, Dad. Tell Mom we turned out just right!