Generous, loving, kind, funny, good natured
A second child, and only boy, sandwiched between older sister, Melinda, and younger sisters Lauren and Leah, Shane was an easy child. Doing what was asked of him, and getting himself up for school with no problems, was the norm for Shane. From a young age, Shane loved to doodle and draw, replicating anything he saw. Birthday and Christmas gifts were often art supplies to encourage his talents.
Shane was diligent in performing his paper route duties in Junior High, displaying a strong work ethic. He graduated from high school; an enormous accomplishment because of his academic learning disabilities. A favorite family memory is going all out to celebrate Shane’s graduation. Decked out in a Black Tux with a red tie, and driving a cherry red mustang, compliments of his dad, Shane and his date, celebrated the evening and drove out to Hampton Beach, New Hampshire.
Family times were the best times, with a lot of fun and laughter. His mother, Jeannine, remembers one Christmas party with an ugly sweater content where Shane had the best one. Shane is also remembered for standing up for the underdog and for his generosity in helping others.
After graduation, Shane took on jobs with his father, Paul, who taught him basic mechanical and carpentry skills and painting. Over time, he started learning basic wiring and was studying to become an electrician. Shane’s ultimate desire was to have a family of his own and become an electrician.
Shane lived with his sister for a time and eventually with two of his best friends, Sean and Jeremy. Though there was some drinking and use of marijuana going on, his mother never knew that he had moved to using OxyContin and oxycodone and eventually fentanyl. Toward the end, Shane was going for drug counseling and asking for support in getting help for his disease. Before he could get too far in seeking treatment, Shane passed from a drug overdose.
Shane’s struggles with substance use have made Jeannine more understanding and caring towards those facing the same challenges. She believes they deserve support, not punishment. She misses Shane’s physical presence here on earth, but feels him now and again and says, “Talking about him keeps him alive to me.”
Shane’s mother, Jeannine Leavitt, provided the information for this narrative.
September 2, 1986-July 24, 2016-Age 29
Portrait Artist: Clayton Conner
Narrative Writer: Barbara Francois
