John Shaver
April 2, 1955 – Sept. 21, 2026
With gratitude for a life rich in hard work, family, and the simple pleasures of home, we celebrate John Patrick Shaver, who died on Sept. 21, 2026, in Albany after a short battle with aggressive brain and lung cancer. He was 71.
Born on April 2, 1955, in California, John grew up in San Juan Capistrano, close to the beaches there. However, after getting married, John and his family decided to move from Southern California, leaving the fast-paced lifestyle behind to settle down in Sweet Home in 1978. It was a perfect place to raise his children. He loved the mountainous valley and flowing rivers and remained connected to the community and environment that became so special to him over the years.
John’s life reflected steady dedication across many kinds of work. Over the years, he worked as a race track hot walker, breakfast cook, drywaller, maintenance worker, boiler operator, and RV technician. In the final 16 years of his working life, he served as a CNA and unit secretary at Albany General Hospital until June 2nd, 2026, bringing care and commitment to that chapter of his career as well.
At the heart of John’s life was his family. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Dawn; his children, Desiree Whitlow, John J. Shaver and Kimberly Shepard; his 11 grandchildren, Alex, Jason, Eric, John, Chloe, Abby, Emily, Sarah, Michael, Grayson and Lennox; and his great-grandson, Atlas.
He was preceded in death by his son, Derek McDonald; and his son-in-law, Jared Shepard.
John also found joy in the everyday things that made life full. He enjoyed restoring his 21-foot cabin cruiser, a retirement project that reflected patience and pride. He loved gardening, canning pickles and baking breads, brownies, pies, and cookies to share with his family and coworkers.
A Rosary and funeral Mass will be held on Oct. 16, 2026, at St. Helen Catholic Church, 600 6th Ave. The Rosary will be at 10:30 a.m., followed by the funeral Mass at 11:00.
Later that afternoon, a celebration of life will follow at 1:30 p.m. at Community Chapel, 42250 Ames Creek Drive, Sweet Home, in the Pole Barn.
John Patrick Shaver will be remembered with love, gratitude, and appreciation for a life generously shared.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Evergreen Hospice or the National Brain Tumor Society.
Paid obituary