Read Me First
This site celebrates the life of Francis P. Shanahan-a remarkable friend, loving husband, and inimitable father.
Thanks for visiting the site.
For those that would like to leave a comment, share a story about Fran, or leave a message for the family you can click here.
The family has asked that in lieu of flowers donations be made to White Horse Media. The White Horse Inn is a nationally syndicated radio broadcast featuring regular round-table discussions on faith, culture and apologetics.
Feel free to check back as the site will be updated frequently.
September 10th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
Feel free to leave a comment below…
September 12th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
I will always remember the long conversations I was privileged to have with Fran. He and I share a common love:Brazilian music. He was truly a renaissance man!
September 12th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
For My Favorite Cousin and Friend
Its been a tough week, plus bad day or two
I lost a good friend, it makes one so blue
His name was Fran Shanahan, as you all know
This news is not good, it’s just hard to know
As hard as you wonder, as much as you try
The thought of this, well, brings a tear to your eye
The good they die young, its often been said
If he’d been a jerk, he wouldn’t be dead
Fran was a leader, a dreamer, a man
A very funny guy, hell, an incredible man
He gave gave some things up, got some new ones too
He wanted to be here, for me and for you
For here was a guy, that loved life and people
Heck he had three kids, more than most people
A teacher, a friend, he reached for the sky
We’ve all lost a mentor, a heckuva guy
The meaning of life, this was his quest
And for Jesus Christ, he gave it his best
There’s not enough wiine, or hours at night
To blow out his flame, all be it in flight
Go with peace and be still Fran, and please pave the way
Till we meet again , on a much happier day.
And now his dear wife Mimi, and my very good friend
Know you’ll be our angel until the end.
Aloha and love
Judy
September 12th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
The Akiyoshi family has been attending CRC Anaheim for about 1.5 years. Although I truly regret not getting to know Fran better, I have talked to several people in the past few weeks regarding his life and impact. Those people have shared that words like strength, counselor, wisdom, and true friend come to mind when Fran is remembered. Truly, the world as we know it has lost a great man, but heaven rejoices in welcoming a brother. Although we are filled with sorrow that Fran has died, the great hope we have Christ’s life, death, and ressurection, reveals a peace surpasses all understanding. As for me, my wife, and young children, we pray that God would comfort the Shanahan family.
September 14th, 2008 at 9:51 am
I used to love going to Belcourt to pick up Ben, and while waiting for him to come out to the car, Fran would most likely be standing there to greet me and we would visit for a while. It was always so pleasant to come and have those little exchanges. One year for our big family Easter celebration Fran helped me prepare a loin of lamb. I went over and he was truly in command of the kitchen and I was just in awe of his culinary skills. I also remember he instructed me to get Maillaird dijon-nothing else would do!!!!!!! I loved his stories and your home is so rich with your history and the kimono hanging on the wall. It has such cozy charm which reminds me of the Old Pasadena style that is so inviting and warm. You are an awesome family and I know God will comfort you with His love as only he can. We will miss Fran. God Bless you all, love, Lisa
September 14th, 2008 at 10:21 am
Fran was the best raconteur I ever met. Whenever he told stories, he had me in stitches. I still laugh when I think about them. He was unique in every way and touched my heart - always will.
September 14th, 2008 at 10:22 am
Outstanding and well done web page! The pictures of you all are absolutely dear! Thank you!
There is so much I love and will miss about Fran. This morning I missed him coming around the Weybridge corner with his hat on and showing Mimi and I a fresh new batch of orchids just purchased at the UCI Saturday market.
Frequently Fran would say in a conversation “I can certainly tell you this about that” on most any subject that would come up. He would usually end up saying that his life on earth could never compare to what he could look forward to in heaven. And he definitely had the best sense of humor!
I’m going to miss that man so much!
September 14th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
He was the kindest of all of the family members I ever had growing up. I always looked up to him. So wise and so kind. He never had a mean bone in his body. I didn’t get to see enough of him throughout the years and just like his mother, my aunt Barbara Jean, I never thought he would die! Somethings are not fair and the emptiness his death leaves behind can never be filled.
Aloha Franny
September 14th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
“Give me the wings of faith to rise within the veil, and see
The saints above, how great their joys, how bright their glories be.
Once they were mourning here below, and wet their couch with tears;
They wrestled hard, as we do now, with sins, and doubts, and fears.
I ask them whence their victory came; They, with united breath,
Ascribe their conquest to the Lamb, their triumph to his death.
They marked the footsteps that he trod, His zeal inspired their breast;
And, following their incarnate God, Possess the promised rest.
Our glorious Leader claims our praise for his own pattern given,
While the long cloud of witnesses show the same path to heaven”
- Isaac Watts
We’ll miss Fran and appreciate his strong witness of faith in our LORD.
September 15th, 2008 at 10:51 am
Dear Shanahan Family,
I am very sorry to hear about your loss. My prayers go out to your family during this difficult time. I have only been at Christ Reformed Church for a short time and did not get a chance to meet Fran.
Jene James
September 15th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
What a dear man. I only had a chance to speak with him a few times - I look forward to speaking with him again as we all will one day - Glory to God for His Mercy and Grace. May God’s peace fill your hearts MiMi and family.
September 15th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
I love the photos. I’ll have to save the one of Fran holding the Tommy Gun.
We will miss Fran for so many things, from his Moki jokes to his explanations of the church’s investments. What impressed me about him was not only his wealth of knowledge on a wide specrtrum of topics, but his willingness to learn more. He didn’t make you feel stupid when he explained things, and if you knew more about a topic than he did he asked the pertinent questions and showed keen interest.
Our condolences go to the Shanahan Family. We know Fran did not fear death because of his steadfast hope in the resurrection, but those he left behind miss him dearly. We trust our heavenly Father to comfort Mimi and the rest of the family in the midst of their grief.
September 15th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Aloha-My name is Pilialoha or Pili Lee Loy. I am one of Francis’ classmates from Kamehameha. Although I did not keep intouch with him, I was always so proud of hearing stories of his success in the field of finance. I serve on the Hawaii State Retirement System board and through that organization I met Chuck Stockholm who had only complimentary words for Francis and what Francis did for Aloha Airlines in the 80″s. Aloha Airlines needed Francis in 2008. I once spoke to his mother who told me about his flying to London and then his having to fly to New York on a weekly basis.
Another one of our classmates died on Sept. 5. I am sure that Harry and Fran must be sharing tales of younger days.
My thoughts and prayers our with all of you and I know that his services on Sept. 18 will be a wonderufl celebration of his life.
Aloha Ke Akua (God’s love) and Pomaikai Na Mea A Pau (Blessings on all things forever) Francis.
Aloha No-Pili
September 15th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
I am another classmate of Francis. Seeing his picture made me think of all the good times at Kamehameha. Francis lived just a few miles from me (we live in Dana Point), but I am so sorry to say that I was not aware of this. Shame on me.
Always a smile on his face….always a sense of mischief in his demeanor….always a friendly and pleasant classmate….that is how I remember Francis.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I will do my best to be there on Thursday.
Aloha,
Jack Hodges
September 16th, 2008 at 10:23 am
I sit down to write my remembrance of Fran Shanahan. But a few brief words cannot do justice to the man. He was incredibly talented and diverse, a true Renaissance Man, but few of us had the privilege of knowing him in more than one or two arenas or times in his life. At church, we knew him primarily as a devoted follower of Christ, a wise and helpful counselor, and a family man. But he was also a banker, a responsible business leader, an advisor and mentor, a reader and student, a chef, a gardener, an art connoisseur, an aficionado of Brazilian jazz. He was an early techie, back when HP was the only game in town. (His original HP PC may still be around somewhere.) He had a spirit of adventure and curiosity, as well as a great sense of humor (at least I thought so, since he laughed at my jokes). Fran was a fascinating guy.
When Fran and I commuted together to church meetings, he shared with me some of the very interesting adventures in his life. But the best story was about a younger man, a nominally religious person who in fact was a skeptic, who later came to faith in Christ, and eventually to a Reformed understanding. He became a devoted churchman, with a particular passion for spreading the Reformed understanding of Christ and the gospel through sound teaching and the education and development of young men primarily for the ministry. This adventure–from young skeptic to ardent believer active in a small Reformed church–I’m sure he could never have imagined in his younger days. But such is God’s remarkable providence.
Fran Shanahan was a trusted leader, a devoted co-laborer, and a good friend. To God be the glory!
Jeff Sikkema
September 16th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
When I think about Fran, from what I knew about him through working with him at Christ Reformed Church to seeing the wonderful pictures and reading the comments here, it is obvious he was a great man. The wisdom and encouragement he provided to his brothers and sisters in Christ will be sorely missed.
My primary remembrance of Fran was the pleasure in hearing him speak, he had a wonderful voice and he was clear and authoritative. He commanded your attention.
Our prayers are for Mimi and the children, that in this sorrowful time, the God of all comfort would be near to them.
September 16th, 2008 at 10:47 pm
Fran was one of my oldest friends. We had so many good times in college, and if you ever find yourself needing a funny story involving Fran, call me! Fran had such a good heart and true faith in others, evidenced by his proclivity to lend fellow students money, certainly a risky proposition. He was proud of being a Hawaiian and would seranade us with Hawaiian songs while playing the guitar. He also had a picture album of himself (I think!) diving off cliffs into the ocean. This Hawaiian was a huge hit with the Chicago set. We grew up, moved to California, spent many nights having dinner at Tiburon Tommy’s, talking about the future. Children were born, 40th Birthdays were celebrated, houses were bought and sold, a trip to Yosemite with the Shanahans, Browns, and Diekmanns all staying in tent cabins. Life went by so fast.
Fran was a keen observer of people and had appropriate nicknames for most. He was always intellectually curious and could speak on any topic. But his good heart is what I will remember. Fran became stronger and stronger in his faith. He became more and more certain in distinguishing right from wrong. He was there to celebrate with you and cry with you and he could always make you laugh!
The planet will never be the same without Fran.
September 17th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
I couldn’t be happier that I was among those that knew Fran. It would be only very honest to characterize my relationship with him as being a casual and sometimes formal one rather than close and personal. But I can only begin to tell you how meaningful knowing him has been to my family.
While serving as Elder with Fran, I learned a great deal….maybe not so much about him personally, but he taught me very much about being a man: a man of God, a husband, a father, a servant, and a student. I’m not sure that this small note will carry the weight of what knowing him has really meant to me personally. I can’t say that we shared many personal conversations or private moments. I mostly admired him in silence. But I learned a lot by just serving along side him. To say that he was a great “example” just falls miserably short of the sentiment I’m going for here, but that’s what he was. And a great one at that.
Shame on me that most of my admiration for him was kept to myself (and shared with my wife). But maybe there’ll be some consolation in sharing these thoughts now with his wife and children here. He was a great man to more than just the Shanahan family. I believe he also made me a better man of God, husband, and father as well. And so, my family now benefits from my having known him.
It may even be that I know Mimi on a more personal level than I did even Fran, but even that relationship can only be characterized at best as a casual one. Oddly enough though, I always felt that through the shared jokes with Mimi that I was also gaining some insight into Fran as well.
As a fellow Elder, I can tell you that none served more nobly and admirably than Fran. And I can easily testify that Fran’s humility easily outweighed his intellect.
As I understand it, Fran was great at many things. He was intelligent, gentle, courageous, truly humble, bold, and never few on words. And what I can tell you with firsthand knowledge is that Fran was a great and faithful Elder and a brilliant mind. And if one can judge a husband by how often his wife smiles, then Fran was probably among the greatest at that too.
To God be the Glory for such a wonderful man created.
September 17th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
I am the Captain of Sundodgers Camp in the Bohemian Grove. Fran, a beloved member of this camp, will be truly missed by not physically joining us around our campfire, telling stories, jokes, making his famous Mai Tais, always offering a word of encouragement to one in need and always in his straw hat and Aloha shirts. His spirit will always be with us as well as many years of fond memories. I personally will miss my cabin mate and prayer partner. I can say, along with a few others, I truly enjoyed sleeping with Fran, although until he had his snoring fixed, kept me awake many a night. Truly a gentleman, filled with the love his Lord put in him and Fran allowed to flow through him to others. A true Bohemian in all senses. My only comfort is in knowing Fran is with our Lord Jesus Christ.
September 17th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
Simply put, Francis was a scholar and a gentleman. He was also a wonderful friend and neighbor. Whenever we looked out our front window we would look to see if Fran was out and about and available to discuss the state our world or our economy was in. Fran was knowledgeable on about just about anything. The conversations did not go on for too long– just neighbors, sharing thoughts.
When we first brought home our big, black poodle Bidgit, Fran was completely enthralled with her–and she with him. She would not pass by his house without looking, hopefully, for him to come out and greet her. There was a true bond between Brigit and Francis and we think he missed her almost as much as we do.
One particular memory we both have of Fran was the Saturday ritual of seeing him come home around 10:00 or so, fresh from his adventures at the Irvine Farmers’ Market. Sporting his Panama hat with the beautiful peacock band, he had strolled the lot to bring home the freshest produce. Then he would tell us what we were mising. But he would also be carrying a new orchid. (Whether they came from the market or Trader Joe’s we were never sure.) He certainly prized those orchids. He claimed to have a bathtub full of them! Fran and Mimi certainly kept a well stocked kitchen, as we often had to turn to them for supplies ranging from butter to alumnium foil to fresh sage. Fran kept telling us how easy it was to make roast leg of lamb. It sounded both delicious and daunting!
We will certainly miss Francis, but we know that through his children and Mimi his memory will never fade away. Aloha, Fran.
September 17th, 2008 at 11:14 pm
F.P. Shanahan was one of a kind and the last of his generation. In his short time on earth he provided far too many fond memories to relate here. While still coming to grips with his passing, I remember something about him everyday. He will be missed! All my best to Mimi and the family!
Aloha, F.P.
September 18th, 2008 at 1:43 am
Our deepest sympathy to the whole Shanahan Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all on the loss of your wonderful husband and father.
Bruno and I will cherish the memories of all the years of CDM football games sitting in the stands watching our children (John Shanahan and Davide Del Fante) with Mimi and Fran! Mimi and I with our hands over our eyes as our children played and Fran smiling brightly with pride.
Jade Bruno Jon-Luca and Davide Del Fante
September 18th, 2008 at 10:01 am
It is with sorrow and deep sympathy to hear the passing of Francis Shanahan. He was a classmate of mine at Kamehameha Schools. We often attended the same classes, but it was his humor, understanding and confidence that I admired.
His vocal inpersonations of Donald Duck and Bug Bunny will always be my many fond memories of Franny. Through the years, I read and heard of his many accomplishments from my classmates. It made me smile! It made me laugh! It made me proud that we both shared the same mountain to learn the life that was ahead of us. He was truly an inspiration when it came to discussion. He was a listener!!!
We can all be heroes in our lifetime! I know Francis Shanahan was a hero to the people who’s life he touched. He was proud to be Hawaiian; his journey in life was written by God.
My condolences to his wife, Mimi and his children. You will all be fine; live and share his vision for life.
Me ke aloha pau`ole, (With life everlasting)
Brownie Barnes
Palo Alto, California
September 18th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Today at the memorial I learned so much about Fran. How I wish I could have known him better. His family, best friend and the show of people testy to an amazing man. Our family came to CRC almost 6 yrs. ago and when time came for our elder meeting/ profession of faith, Fran’s imposing stature and booming voice added to the intimidation, but when his face broke into a smile and the joke came out, the whole room filled with ease. What will we do without that gentle manner. Another time when he called our home for my husband, I had a few minutes on the phone with him. I couldn’t catch my breath and I had a terrible stitch in my side from laughing so hard. This was after John had his arm in a cast and the joke was something about grades, girls, football and the funny position of John’s poor arm!
Mimi and family, I’m sorry for your terrible loss, may our Lord tenderly comfort.
Vader Family
Riverside,CA
September 19th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
FP,My dear friend you shall be sorely missed
Aloha
September 19th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
What a touching and poignant memorial service for Fran. We were honored to be able to attend. May Fran’s legacy continue to impact many lives for our LORD. Mimi, we will continue to pray for you and your children.
Love & peace,
Les & Lorri Connard
Glendora, CA
September 22nd, 2008 at 6:15 pm
I worked with Fran for some ten years at First Interstate Bank. He was a remarkable man, held by all in the highest regard. I recall that during the financial crisis of October ‘87, Fran managed some of the most complex businesses in our Bank. He never lost his cool. Time and again he devised solutions which saved the Bank a great deal of money and myself and others a lot of embarrassment.
We not only worked together, we traveled together and had a lot of fun. He and I shared many interests. I tried at times, to raise topics, almost any topic, to see whether he knew anything about them. He always surprised me, he always knew more than one could possibly imagine.
I shall always remember him with the greatest affection.
Our sympathies go to Mimi and the family.
Dorothy & Harold Meyerman
Palm Springs, Ca.
September 23rd, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Although I am not well acquainted with the Shanahan family, nor did I have the chance to get to know Fran, my heart goes out to your family and grieves with you. I know he was greatly respected and loved in our church, as is Mimi. May the Lord be with you and comfort you all at this time. Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life!
Noel and Jenny Abrenica
Long Beach, CA
September 24th, 2008 at 4:01 am
Fran was a man of great grace and intellligence. I had the pleasure of working for him at First Interstate Bank helping him analyze the banking issues of the time. His humanity, grace, and dignity is something truly uncommon and special. What he taught others and myself will not be forgotten. I am truly thankful for knowing him. My heartfelt wishes go out to his family.
October 4th, 2008 at 8:22 am
I’ve known Fran and Mimi for over 30 years - both in business and as friends. What a remarkable pair - Fran was a man gifted with an incredible intellect and a curiosity that would take him to the very depths of any subject that enthralled him. He was equally excited discussing his latest theological thoughts as he was discussing the qualities of his Bose radio. He often would leave others in the dust as he ran down the road of intellectual discussion. But Mimi could keep up with him (at least on the theology, probably not the radio!) and kept his feet on the ground. What a great couple, and how surprising and sad for us the Lord chose to take Fran at this time. But Fran left behind a great family and a wide circle of good friends - a true and enduring legacy. He will definitely be missed, but we are all better off from having known him.
October 13th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
When I first heard the news of Fran’s passing, I didn’t want to believe it. Fran was one of those types of men that make us normal folk feel both inspired and self-conscious. Of all the men I have met in my life, Fran occupied that rare category of person whom I both was afraid to get to know and wanted so desperately to spend time with. I remember fondly stories of Fran’s fatherly unhappiness of my interest in Christie O’Meara, now my wife. Fran had seen Christie grow up, and he didn’t know me from Adam - and I appreciated that a friend of the family would be so ardent in his protection of those he loved. Knowing Fran personally was kind of like knowing a great statesman or famous individual; you relished the short time you had with him, yet were somewhat intimidated by the presence of such a commanding personality. It is in the quietness of his humility and wisdom that would intimidate, and inspire, us younger men. I have even hesitated writing a personal note until now because of my inability to express in words how much a man I spent so little time with would mean so much to me. Not long ago I was out of work due to the unfortunate state of the economy, and Fran, dealing with cancer and chemotherapy, with little energy or vitality, had the gentle spirit and giving heart to call me on the phone and give advice and suggestions to provide for my family. I will always honor that time, a few short minutes on the phone, as testament to a person who gave of himself even when he had little energy to give. I am blessed to have known Fran, and I selfishly look forward to spending time with him in the future when we are free of the shackles of this life, and bask in the glory of the next. To Mimi and the family, while I know you miss him I am hopeful his legacy in the lives he touched will comfort you along with God’s grace.
October 26th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
I just came upon Mr. Shanahan’s death upon looking at the CRC website.
He was a great man, and has a great family. I will keep the family in my prayers.
We will all look forward to seeing him in heaven!
Blessings,
Lloyd.