It is with great sadness we are announcing the passing of Donald George “Donnie” Shahan on Oct. 5 after courageously fighting a long, hard battle with cancer. Born on June 5, 1942, in Chama, N.M., Donnie was raised with his twin brother, Ronnie, and his other brothers, Bob and Joe, in Chromo by his parents, George “Babe” and Iola Shahan.
After graduating from Pagosa Springs High School, he joined the U.S. Army for two years. Once he was honorably discharged from the Army, he worked on the tunnel from Chromo to Chama and he also spent time working in the feedlots in Leota, Kan. He then went to work on Spring Creek Ranch with his Uncle O.W. “Dutch” Crowley. He married the love of his life, Fern Chastain-Shahan, on Aug. 24, 1968. They took over management of the ranch in 1975, where he lived out the rest of his happy days, bringing much joy to the people who came in contact with him, and remaining a steadfast pillar in the community of Chromo.
Donnie was preceded in death by his parents, George and Iola, and his brothers, Ronnie and Bob. He is survived by his wife, Fern, his sons and their families, Duwayne and Rochelle, their kids Payton, Kayson and Karsyn, from Chromo; Justin and Michelle, their kids, Tyler Ann, Conner and Nathan, from Aztec, N.M.; his brother and his wife, Joe and Aggie Shahan, from Bartlesville, Okla.; sister-in-law Betty Shahan; and numerous loving nephews, nieces and cousins.
Donnie enjoyed living the life of a rancher. He truly enjoyed spending time with his grandkids. He loved the western way of life. He was a lifelong supporter of 4-H, Red Ryder Roundup and other agriculturally-related activities.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to Western Heritage Events Center for the Archuleta County Agriculture Education and Equestrian Center. Make checks payable to WHEC and mail to 156 Pompa Drive, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147.
Services will be held at 9:45 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 9, at Pope John Paul II Catholic Church on South Pagosa Boulevard. There will be a Rosary Thursday evening at 6 p.m. at the same location.
Thank you for everyone’s love and support.
