It is with great sadness to announce the passing of our dear brother, Shawn David Gerard Vaillancourt who passed away peacefully on July 27, 2026. He was born October 6, 1957 in Sudbury, Ontario. A young man of only 68 years, Shawn did a great many things to stand out in his community and with his family.
Shawn enjoyed sports of all kinds with the Black Hawks being his favorite hockey team. He loved to golf with his brothers and fish with his friends. He was a lover of animals and had many pets including many beautiful dogs through his life but left behind his handsome cat named Buddy.
Shawn did a great many things in his life. He was a courier for many years, he worked at Denison Mine for a spell and was the soundman for many great bands here in Sudbury. But the one thing that stands out the most was his volunteering for over 20 years at the Carmichael Community Centre in Minnow Lake. The families in Minnow Lake always had ice to play on over the winter and a safe place to play in the summer. He was known as “The Ice Man”. He later left Minnow Lake for New Sudbury where he was loved by his fellow neighbours in the apartment building where he resided.
Shawn left behind three stepchildren Jen, Frankie & Anthony and grandchildren.
He came from a very large family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Aldeo and Patricia Vaillancourt, and his brother, Pat (survived by wife Kathy). He is survived by his brothers; Don (wife Kathleen, predeceased) residing in British Columbia, Paul (wife, Claire), Robert (wife Sharon), Steve (wife, Frances) his sisters, Linda (partner, Row), Celeste (husband, Guy), Barb and Donna. As well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
He was a kind soul and friend to many and a dear, dear brother. He would never hesitate to help. He will forever be in our hearts.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Carmichael Community Centre on Bellevue Avenue, Minnow Lake, on October 11, 2026.
A brother’s love is like a guiding star. Forever in our hearts. Gone from sight, but never from our hearts.
My deepest condolences to Shawn’s family and friends. I met Shawn decades ago and knew he was rugged on the outside, however, from the inside .. he was all marshmallow soft (as we used to joke about together). I remember discussing moving out west along with my two small children (aged 3 &4) and discussing how to do a yard sale in water view apartments because the office refused my request and I only had one week before the huge move. He was able to get me the Minnowlake outdoor rink building for the entire week, for free! He showed up every single day to help me sell, gathered local residents to help purchase my items and helped me to set up and pack up my entire house and life to get ready for the move. I later found out that he paid the rental fee himself, because he was that kind of man. I often seen him with out mutual friend Peter and it was always such a pleasure to talk sports and catch up. Shawn came into my life by accident, by fluke, and left an imprint on my heart. We shared many memories throughout the years and even some karaoke on our drives to the hospital. He was a great friend, a wonderful coach and truly an exemplary man. Although the last years were difficult for him regarding his health, he always made sure to carry his smile and share it with others. It was very difficult to hear of his passing and the world lost a little more light when it lost Shawn. Shawn was a very kindhearted man and helped me through one of the toughest and biggest moments of my life! His kindness will always stay with me! Thank you for allowing a space for me to share the impact Shawn had on my life. He will surely be missed 🙁 RIP Shawn!!
August 11, 2026