Welcome to the memorial page for
Michael John Shanks
May 20, 1939 ~ November 9, 2017 (age 78) 78 Years Old Light a Candle
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Message from John Carlson, Gonzaga Class of '58'
November 20, 2017 10:52 PM
Mike and I went to Gonzaga Prep together and then shared higher education at Notre Dame University in Nelson BC. Back in the day we were very close friends. Mike was always willing to help and share. He was a terrific educator with a love for life. Mike will be truly missed .
My sincerest condolences to his family and his long list of friends. You are in my prayers.
God Bless.
John Carlson, Vancouver Canada
Gonzaga Class of '58'
My sincerest condolences to his family and his long list of friends. You are in my prayers.
God Bless.
John Carlson, Vancouver Canada
Gonzaga Class of '58'
A candle was lit by John Carlson Class of '58'
on November 20, 2017 10:40 PM
Message from Sharon (Inman) and Kent Ohland
November 16, 2017 3:23 PM
My late father, Russ Inman, taught school with Mike at Shaw Jr. High for many years. He took Mike under his wing and always spoke very highly of him and his teaching methods. My dad retired after 30+ years of teaching, and passed in 2011 at the age of 92, but teaching was his life's ambition. The great ones live on in memories forever.
Rest in peace, Mike!
Rest in peace, Mike!
Message from Mike Vennum
November 16, 2017 12:03 PM
For 11 years I taught in the same hallway at Shaw Jr. High High with Mike. I always admired the way he handled his special education students. He was firm and maintained control very well. You, however, could tell that he really cared about the welfare of these young people.
During the winters a group of us young men would leave school right after the working day was over and drive up to Mt. Spokane for an evening of skiing. On one of these trips Mike gave me some very practical advice which I followed for over 30 years. He asked me if I was saving any money. When I replied, "No," he called me a fool. Well, I listened to his words and put aside as much as I could until I retired. That one conversation has made it possible for me and my family to enjoy a standard of living that is much higher than it would be otherwise. Also, a year or two before I retired I had a teacher friend who was struggling and not being supported by our administration. So I told him about Mike's advice to me and how important it is to retire with one's finances under control. So now the advice I received in 1969 has been passed on to another family, all of this possible because of Mike.
During the winters a group of us young men would leave school right after the working day was over and drive up to Mt. Spokane for an evening of skiing. On one of these trips Mike gave me some very practical advice which I followed for over 30 years. He asked me if I was saving any money. When I replied, "No," he called me a fool. Well, I listened to his words and put aside as much as I could until I retired. That one conversation has made it possible for me and my family to enjoy a standard of living that is much higher than it would be otherwise. Also, a year or two before I retired I had a teacher friend who was struggling and not being supported by our administration. So I told him about Mike's advice to me and how important it is to retire with one's finances under control. So now the advice I received in 1969 has been passed on to another family, all of this possible because of Mike.
Message from Bobbie and Jerry Ochse
November 16, 2017 7:25 AM
Mike was such a warm hearted friend to the Colliton family and will be missed so much. Remembering him will bring a tear to our hearts, but a smile to our face.
Love to you and your family Joan.......
Love to you and your family Joan.......
Message from Mike Etter
November 15, 2017 8:05 AM
That smile and wit were two things I will always remember about Mike. He always called me by my nickname from the St. Al's days and was a true Little Notre Dame neighborhood guy. I had him as a coach, a good one and also as someone I could always look up to. I will miss him.
A candle was lit by Jerri Via
on November 13, 2017 7:43 PM
Message from Tim Hamann
November 13, 2017 4:34 PM
Mike was my Coach at Newport . He left a life long lasting memory for me. May he rest in peace ..
Message from BILL ROBINSON
November 13, 2017 7:19 AM
Nothing but fond memories of Mike. I had the pleasure of knowing him in High School at Gonzaga Prep & remember him as such a "Real" person. Pax Vobiscum!
Message from Bruce Chamberlain
November 13, 2017 6:31 AM
As I approached the 7th grade in the Newport schools, I was attending a new building and new teacher, Mr. Shanks. It has been over 50 years since I last saw Mr. Shanks, but I still fondly remember him as he sparked my life long interest in History and he took special interest in a flabby, overweight young man with no interest in sports and helped me become a successful businessman along with a dedicated and very contributory football player. Few people touch the lives of people as Mr. Shanks has for me. Thank you for having shared him with me in my younger life, he was a very special person.
Message from David L. Shumaker
November 13, 2017 4:03 AM
I remember in Mr. Shanks history class 1983-1984. He really inspired me, but back then I cannot remember what the class was actually called. He put faith in me, I will never forget the confidence he gave me. A teacher like Mr. Shanks will never be forgotten. My sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Shanks.
God Bless,
David L. Shumaker
God Bless,
David L. Shumaker
Message from Gerry FitzGerald
November 12, 2017 12:27 PM
From the race course on Mt Spokane to the last beer at Jack & Dans. You will be missed.
A candle was lit by ann Kramp
on November 11, 2017 1:09 PM
Message from Fred and Barb Farrell
November 11, 2017 8:28 AM
You were a great man, teacher, and coworker of Barb's. In addition, a Gonzaga alumni and grad as was Fred. Our prayers are with your family.
Fred and Barb Farrell
Fred and Barb Farrell
A candle was lit by Paula Davis
on November 10, 2017 4:21 PM
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