Shawn M. Dubois

Shawn Michael Dubois, three words that were only said together in that order when his mother really meant it, passed unexpectedly at his home late in the evening of July 3, 2024. He was 51. He left us far too early and will be remembered fondly by those who knew him as a kind and charismatic man, a cherished Father, Son, Brother, Grandfather, and role model.

A proud and lifelong Granite Stater, Shawn was born on October 18, 1972 in Manchester, NH. He lived an adventurous childhood on Forest Lane in Litchfield, NH where he and friends from the block roamed wild. He knew about every secret trail in the neighborhood, where the good sledding hill was, and which yards had the best bike jumps. As he got older BMX bikes gave way to dirtbikes, sparking a love for motorcycles that stuck with him his entire life. He grew up close to nature, and his family camp in the White Mountains was a special place for exploration and late night campfires. He was happy when he was outdoors, swimming and fishing in the summer, skiing in the winter. As a middle child who loved mischief, he cleverly flew under the radar, avoiding the louder trouble his other siblings often found themselves in. He looked up to his older sister more than she’ll ever know. He graduated Alvirne High School in 1991, and throughout his education earned the admiration and respect of his teachers. Shawn would later pursue a career in plumbing, the same trade as his father. Known as a hard worker, he took great pride in the many construction projects he helped complete, work for which he traveled the state.

Shawn sought happiness in life for himself and others. It's nearly impossible to imagine a person who wouldn’t like him right away, or who would have any kind of issue with him. He would light up a room when he entered, coming in with a beaming smile and some irreverent comment. He didn’t take himself too seriously, and had no problem being the butt of the joke especially if it meant he could laugh along with everyone else. He taught us all to lighten up a little. His passions reflect his pursuit of joy. He loved riding his Harley and regularly made it to Bike Week at the Weirs. He had a special way with animals and they seemed to sense the appreciation he had for them. He liked big trucks and firearms, swimming or kayaking in rivers and spending time at Old Orchard Beach. He loved to hang out with friends, and he was a regular at the Grand Slam. In recent years he discovered a new passion for deep sea fishing, returning from expeditions with great stories to share, related to fish or otherwise. He’d also been known to carry a quarter stick of dynamite in his pocket, looking for just the right moment to cause a little bit of trouble. Not a lot. Just enough to make the night a bit more interesting. 

There was nothing in Shawn’s life more important than family. His children were his greatest joy and source of pride, and he told them so every chance he had. He was open with his feelings for the people he cared for, and he would express it often with the line, “I friggin love you!” Except he didn’t say “friggin,” he used a different f-word. And it meant more when he said it that way. He would do anything to help his people, showing up when asked, or often not even asked, to help with some home project or clean up or move. Just about the only time you’d hear him angry was in defense of a loved one. He never missed a family gathering and would be right in the center of the action, making sure he caught every story or took every opportunity to recall a funny memory. He was an appreciator of his family’s French Canadian heritage, especially the cuisine. Meat pies were a favorite of his, and he knew well not to engage in the arguments about whose was better, because it meant more pie for him if he didn’t. But we all know that Memere’s was the best. In recent years his big heart grew even bigger when he welcomed his grandson Ronan into the world and he was eagerly anticipating that love growing with the imminent arrival of his first granddaughter, Winry. Becoming a Pepere was a crowning moment in his life.

Shawn is survived by his three children: daughter, Ashleigh Clark and her husband Jordan, son, Dean Dubois, and son, Darric Dubois, as well as his grandson, Ronan Clark. He is also survived by two sets of parents who raised him in partnership with love: his mother, Diane Light and husband, Arnold Light, and his father, Normand Dubois and his wife, Nellie Dubois. His four surviving siblings are Michele Palmer (Steve), Sherrill O’Gorman (Alan), Robert Day (Jessica), and Kris Light (Veronica), along with 5 nieces, 5 nephews, and 4 grandnieces.

SERVICES: Please join us in honoring Shawn, a kind, loving man at a memorial gathering on Friday, July 12, 2024 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 243 Hanover Street, in Manchester, NH. A memorial service will follow at 7:00 PM in the funeral home chapel.

In lieu of flowers, contributions would greatly be appreciated to Granite State Dog Recovery, ASPCA, or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium assisted the family with arrangements. To view an online memorial, leave a message of condolence, or for more information please go to https://phaneuf.net/