Shawn's obituary
Shawn Michael Kirkland, age 54, passed away on Sunday, June 29th, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, love, and unforgettable conversations.
Shawn is survived by his loving wife, Allison, and their three children, Malea Tennyson (Jack), Kyle Kirkland, and Reese Rawls. He also leaves behind his devoted parents, Shirley and John Kirkland, his brother Scott Kirkland (Tracy), nephews Nicholas and Caleb Kirkland, and a large extended family of cousins who will miss him dearly.
A proud graduate of Oregon State University, Shawn was a dedicated member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity, where he served as chapter president and formed lifelong friendships. He was a fiercely loyal Oregon State Beavers fan—not just during football season, but year-round. He followed every stat, every roster change, every recruiting update, and every game, no matter the sport or the time of year. His knowledge of the teams and passion for the university were second to none.
Known for being the biggest personality in any room, Shawn had a rare gift—he truly never met a stranger. He could speak knowledgeably (and at length) on just about any topic and had a knack for turning even brief encounters into meaningful conversations—whether you wanted to chat or not. His quick wit, booming laughter, and warm heart made him unforgettable to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
A celebration of Shawn’s life will be held on Sunday, August 3rd at Ale & Cider House, located at 1720 Willamette Falls Dr, West Linn, OR 97068. Please stop by anytime from 5:00 p.m. on to share stories, laughter, and memories of such a truly one-of-a-kind man.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to a charity of your choice in Shawn’s memory.