John Arthur Shea

John Arthur Shea

May 26, 1975 – September 23, 2025

It is with deep sadness that the family of John Arthur Shea announces his passing on September 23, 2025. John was the fourth child born to Russell and Sharon Shea in Innisfail, Alberta.

John was predeceased by his former wife, Saraah Shea, his parents Russell and Sharon Shea and his sister Dianne Shea. He is survived by his four children Johnathan Shea, Austin Shea, Paige Shea, and Zander Shea, all of Campbell River, BC; his siblings Doug (Catherine) Shea of Surrey, BC, Colleen Shea (Barry Byman) of Chestermere, AB, and Tim Shea of Penticton, BC; his nephews Chris (Rachel) Shea of Wildwood, AB and Brad (Heidi) Evans of Moose Jaw; and his niece Stacey LeMoignan (Curtis Moysey) of Moose Jaw.

John was an adventurous child, always eager to try new things. He began school in Edmonton before the family moved to Regina, where he spent most of his elementary years. It was there that he became involved in the Regina Lions Marching Band, an experience that brought him joy and lifelong memories. John learned to ski at a young age, and it didn’t take long to switch to snowboarding — a passion he continued to enjoy after the family later moved to Delta, BC.

When the family eventually settled in Abbotsford, BC, John met his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Saraah Ann McCarthy. They married and welcomed four children together. John and Saraah spent several years in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan before returning to British Columbia, where their family continued to grow and share many happy moments.

Through the years, John struggled with the challenges of addiction, which eventually led him away from the people he loved and who loved him. Though he made several attempts at recovery, he was unable to find his way back. His family wishes to share his story not in judgment, but in hope — that his life may serve as a reminder to reach out, to seek help, and to hold on.

To anyone reading this: your life matters. You are loved. God cares, and so does your family and friends.

John will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his talents, and the deep love he had for his family. He will be profoundly missed.

There will be no funeral service. However, there will be a private family gathering at a later date for the spreading of John ashes.