Obituary of Sgt. Shane Keith Eakins

Don’t Cry Because It’s Over.

SMILE Because It Happened. – Dr. Seuss

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Sgt. Shane Keith Eakins on April 9^th, 2018 at the Ottawa Civic Hospital. Shane will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Letitia (Tish); his daughter, Moira; his mother, Karen and her partner, John; his grandmother, Jenny; and his brother, Colin. Shane also leaves behind many members of his family, family-in-laws, friends, and, of course, the RCMP family. Shane was predeceased by his father, Peter Eakins and by his grandfather, Tom Eakins.

Shane’s 44 years of life was full of many AWESOME adventures!! They encompass childhood family trips to Disney, Maui & camping escapades throughout beautiful British Columbia! Shane participated in Scouts as a child, then later joined the Seaforth Highlanders 2812 Army Cadets!

Because his father was a Mountie in the RCMP, Shane had the pleasure of growing up in various parts of BC: Sicamous, Mica Creek (just before the whole town was flooded due to the building of the dam!), Valemount, Victoria and then Langley.

Shane was well-advanced for his years. Even as an infant, Shane could display sentiment. For example, his mom would sing to him, “Beautiful, Beautiful Brown Eyes” and Shane would immediately burst into tears!!

Shane’s passions were evident to all who met him. Sports, (particularly, rugby & hockey), computers, spending time with family & friends, RCMP, anything geeky AND buying the latest & greatest in recent technology!!

Another wild adventure began for Shane when he met his love of his wife, Letitia (aka Tish). They got married on June 23^rd, 2001 and three weeks later, Shane was shipped off to Depot, Regina, to train as a Mountie in the RCMP! On December 17^th, 2001, along with Troop 10, Shane graduated and became a regular RCMP member. His father, Peter Eakins, proudly (and with tears I might add) presented Shane with his badge! (Shane also cried, even though he had vehemently protested to the contrary!)

Shane had several postings throughout his 16 plus years in the RCMP. Places he served in BC are: Fort St. John, Surrey and Prince George. His last position was in Ottawa working at the Canadian Police College. A job that Shane loved dearly as it combined his two favorite passions: policing and computers.

In 2007, a crazy, yet fun loving adventure began for Shane…he became a DAD!! Moira, who states is the “female mini version of her Dad”, had Shane wrapped around her little finger from Day 1!! Yet, Shane loved to teach Moira how to code, play Pokémon Go and encourage her to practice her violin more!

Shane was an excellent family man. He created many fond memories of spending time with the family. Some highlights are: family trip to Banff & Parksville, attending the Lindsey Stirling concert in Montreal 2016; attending the Piano Guys concert in Ottawa 2016 and visiting many popular venues such as the movie theatres, museums, parks, Menchies & Starbucks!!

Shane was the kindest, generous and gentle giant one would or could ever meet. He proudly served his country and happily served his family! This world has physically lost one of its brightest members. Shane is and will ever be sadly missed.

Shane’s Prayer Service will be held at the Heritage Funeral Complex, 1250 Trim Rd., Orléans, on Tuesday April 24^th, 2018, at 7:30pm. Shane’s Celebration of Life will be held at the Divine Infant Church, 6658 Bilberry Dr., Orléans, on Wednesday April 25^th, 2018, at 11:30am.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the amazingly wonderful staff (nurses, doctors, social workers, orderlies, priest, unit clerks, and volunteers) of the ICU at Ottawa Civic Hospital. They took such excellent care of Shane and his family, but more importantly, they gave us nearly 4 extra months of time to be with him. To the ICU, you guys are truly angels with invisible wings!

The family would also like to thank the staff of Trillium Gift of Life Network for their magnificent work in making the organ donation process a positive and meaningful experience.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made to the Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis Foundation at: www.antinmdafoundation.org. Condolences may be addressed at: www.heritagefh.ca.

Love is our true destiny.

We do not find the meaning of life by ourselves alone

-we find it with another.

by Thomas Merton, OCSO