Not for the first time in my life I am reflecting on two questions: the first being how many lives have we lived? The second is how, when we interact with people who do they see?
On the 14th of August 2022 Timothy Shawn Cake passed away at the age of 70. To some he was Tim; family and some close friends called him Shawn; many in Nanton knew him as the “German Shepherd Guy.” To me, he was my life partner of almost 30 years. Fixer of things, champion of technology, audiophile, drummer, soldier / helicopter pilot, academic, teller of bad jokes, loyal friend, and creator of horrible nicknames. Some of which I would give anything to hear again!
As a veteran of the US Army, Shawn saw service as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam, two tours, and Desert Shield / Desert Storm.
He was predeceased by both parents and an elder brother, Dave. He is succeeded by me, Loralie Freeman, currently of Nanton, AB; formally of Inverness, NS and our two furbabies: Sam and Bean.
Of all the lives he lived his most cherished, and the one of which he held most dear, was the co-founder of what he called the reform school for wayward dogs. Shawn joins a host of dogs and cats on the other side of the rainbow bridge.
Per his request there will not be a service. But donations to an animal rescue organization near to his heart would be gratefully received by: Heaven Can Wait (Box 6131, Station Main, High River, AB, T1V 1P7) donate.heavencanwait.ca .There is also a rescue which I support: Nanton Animal Protection Society (P. O. Box 1377,Nanton, AB, T0L 1R0). www.nantonanimalprotection.ca/donate.html
Acknowledgements and Thanks
My heartfelt thanks to my family for just being there and listing to thoughts spoken out loud.
I am both humbled, and buoyed, by the many friends, who reached out via Facebook, email, phone calls, and texts with words of condolence, prayer, and support.
My very special thanks to the two RCMP members who attended – your thoughtfulness, presence, and banter was, and still is, very much appreciated!
Alberta Health Services Emergency Services for being there, thought there was not much you could have done.
Kasey (not certain of the spelling) from RCMP K Division Victim Services for counsel, being a sounding board, the Bereavement support referral, and getting my TARDIS reference.
Craig Snodgrass, Lyle Reeves Funerals, thank you for your professionalism, and walking me through the process. It is very much appreciated.
To all my friends who still tag me in funny memes and inappropriate jokes. They know the other Loralie is still here, she’s just a bit preoccupied, but just might need the distraction. If not that second, then a few minutes later.
Norma Kennedy, Pat Lechkobit, and Grace WLC – for guidance, support, phone calls, texts, and Facebook messenger messages, and just general distractions. Just knowing you’re there has been a godsend.
Thank you just for being you – I will never be able to express what this means to me.
Sam and Bean, who have no idea why they are being thanked, but I am appreciating your sense of living in the moment more and more.
When we walk in wonder, the Universe shines eternal
As per Shawn’s wishes there will not be any services held.
Caring for the family is Lyle Reeves Funerals of High River (Craig Snodgrass) 403.652.4242.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of T Shawn Cake 2022..
Death notice for the town of: High River, Province: Alberta