BUXTON- Shawn William Anderson, age 22 passed away unexpectedly at his home.
The last two years of Shawn’s life were uncertain. He struggled to find his way but always remained dedicated to his family, especially his mother and his grandparents, whom he lived with and was loved by immensely. His struggles do not define him and his family wishes for him to be remembered for the amazing young man he was and the love he brought to his family and close friends that were fortunate to know him and love him. Everyone LOVED Shawn!
He was born in Portland, Maine on July 23, 2001, a couple months earlier than expected but stronger than ever. He is an only child of Sheila A. Anderson and the late Shawn M. Anderson.
Shawn was the first grandchild in his mother’s family and was doted on immensely. He gave his grandparents their names, “Meme” and “Bumpa.” A few years following came his cousins Sara, William and Zachary. They looked up to Shawn and adored him. He loved teaching them things and spending time with them.
Shawn attended preschool at Story Time School in Standish and attended Kindergarten at Hollis Elementary School. First through Fifth grade he attended Buxton Center Elementary School and went on to Bonny Eagle Middle School. He then attended Bonny Eagle High School for 2.5 years and finished high school through Maine Connections Academy earning his High School Diploma.
Shawn had a zest for life! In his childhood he was the center of attention and loved to be silly, often teasing his mother and grandmother, while having an infectious giggle. He was always smiling and had a vivacious personality and made his family laugh. Shawn and his mother also lived with their cousin Tammie Earl and her children Ashley and Jeremy. Many memories were made over the few years spent in this loving home full of joy, laughter and fun.
Even though Shawn didn’t pursue a career in basketball he had natural ball handling skills from a young age and spent lots of time shooting hoops in his driveway with anyone that would dare to take him on. Of course he always won! If he wasn’t dribbling a ball he was always on the move doing other things, scootering around, riding bikes, swimming in his pool, and playing with friends. Shawn got along with everyone.
He was always up for adventure and loved being with his family. He vacationed with his Auntie and her family each summer at their camp on Bow Lake with close
family friends, the Baptista’s. He went fishing, boating, swimming and played games. He enjoyed many trips to Storyland and also vacationed at Disney World. He had lots of trips to the beach. He enjoyed watching cartoons with his “Bumpa” and playing video games with his cousin Garrett.
Shawn’s first true love was a girl named Amanda and although they didn’t stay together, they cared about each other and remained friends. They made each other laugh often and shared interests and good conversations. Amanda continues to stay
close to Shawn’s family. He had a second love named Adeline. They did not stay together but made fond memories. He also enjoyed hanging out with his best friend Nate Taylor who moved to Florida a few years ago. Shawn hoped to visit him someday.
Shawn was undecided on what he wanted to do after graduating high school so he spent several years trying different things and exploring his options. He took a summer job in pool installation with Mowry Brothers and was known to be one step ahead! He did customer service work at Home Goods and Urban Garden. He was a hard worker and well-liked by his employers. Most recently he was a Flagger and thought about attending vocational school to pursue a career in the trades.
Shawn was particular and he didn’t accept anything less. He had a creative spirit and had his own unique style from head to toe. He was proud to share what he liked about his style and he was intriguing to listen to. Shawn was also a self-taught musician. He had a small recording studio in his room where he spent time composing and recording his own rap lyrics. He adorned the dread loc style hair and taught his mother, auntie and cousin Sara how to retwist the locs as they grew. At 18 years old he started out with one tattoo that was typical in nature. Upon covering it up later on, his interest grew to a style called Black Out tattooing and he opted for a black out tattoo on his right arm and hoped to continue with adding a design to it. He also had an array of cool hats that he would wear off and on but mostly he just enjoyed collecting them.
Shawn loved his pet cats, Tipsy and Annie. He snuggled them and played with them often and loved to tease them.
Shawn had a close relationship with his mother and her late fiance, Jeff Clapp. Jeff and Shawn fished together and connected through their humorous ways.
The care of Shawn was shared by his mother and grandparents throughout his whole life. He was the light of their lives and they loved taking care of him.
During his younger years, Shawn visited and made memories with his paternal family; his late grandmother, Donna Devou, his grandfather, Dennis Anderson, his uncle, also Dennis Anderson and cousin Erica Stilphen. Erica stayed in close touch with Shawn and they had a special bond. Unfortunately, Shawn only had a short time with his father but he took interest in his life through memories shared by family and special mementos handed down to him.
Shawn is survived by his mother, Sheila Anderson, his maternal grandparents, William and Lynn Steeves, Aunt and Uncle Sonya and Mark Tracy and their children Sara and William Tracy, Uncle Troy Steeves and Aunt Kathy Kee and their son Zachary Steeves. As well as lots of extended family; Great Aunts, Great Uncles and cousins.
There are no services planned as the family is grieving privately. Memories and condolences are encouraged to be shared on Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service website, www.mainefuneral.com
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com