Shawn L. Ketchum, age 51, died Wednesday, May 11, 2016 in Helena.
Shawn was born May 20, 1964 in Helen to Val R. and Bonnie G. (Pederson) Ketchum. He received his education in Helena.
Shawn worked as a broadcast engineer at Montana Radio Company and electronics technician for other communication companies for over 20 years in Helena and Butte. He worked for KXLH in Butte, KTVH in Helena in the old building as well as the new.
He was a D.J. as well as an engineer. Shawn enjoyed climbing radio towers, and wouldn’t tell his wife when he did, not to cause worry. Shawn worked as a bartender at the Silver Spur and JD’s Night Club, worked at all radio stations in Helena and was a DJ at some. He worked pit crew for Ron Weber, Jr. at the Helena Track racing stock cars.
Shawn loved music, motorcycles and pool. He built bass guitars, worked on amps and old radios. He was so proud when he bought his Harley Davidson. In typical fashion, he chose that particular bike because it was more comfortable for the passenger than the driver. He and Marilyn spent many hours just riding with no particular destination in mind.
Shawn founded the band Dawghouse with his best friend Jason Pierce. The band played at “Rockin the Rivers” for 10 years. Shawn loved making music and the people he performed with. Shawn gave freely of his time and talents. He was the stage manager for “Night to Shine” for 10 plus years. He was thrilled when he was able to work the show this year. He also ran a community service program @ KMTX. Many teens passed through the program. Shawn was a kind compassionate and caring person. He put others before himself, ALWAYS.
Shawn was preceded in death by his parents, Val and Bonnie Ketchum, and his sister Lori. He is survived by his wife Marilyn of Helena; siblings, Lynn (Robyn) Ketchum, Kirk (Becky) Ketchum all of Helena; his children, Nikki (Erik) Rogers, Amber (Chris) Rands of Salt Lake City, Trevor Ketchum and Logan Ketchum; one granddaughter, Maria Rogers; special niece, Krista Kufchak and her daughters, Jez “Pedey” and Ezzie “The Runt” . He was also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Shawn believed family wasn’t just who you were born with, but the family you picked up along the way. It would take a ream of paper to list all the things, Shawn did and all the lives he touched.
A memorial service celebrating Shawn’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday May 25, 2016 at Liberty Baptist Church, 210 Sierra Road. A reception will follow the service in the social center of the church. Memorials in Shawn’s name are suggested to St. Peter’s Cancer Treatment Center c/o St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway; Helena, MT 59601.
To offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Shawn please visit below.
Elane Miears says
Sending my deepest sympathy. Your all in my heart and sending prayers to you, your boys, Shawn’s family and friends. My heart is breaking. Love you all.
Tracy Caudill says
I meet Shawn 6yrs ago through my wife, Bonnie (Tome) while playing pool at The Hub. I eventually joined the team and Shawn became kinda of a mentor to me. He taught me alot about pool and life. Shawn was alot like a big brother. When Bonnie was diagnosed with brain cancer, Shawn and Jason Pierce got together a put on a benefit for her, to help us during our bad times. He was a giving soul and I/we will always cherish him for his selflessness. We love and miss you Shawn. You will never be forgotten.
Cindy Grooms says
Many thoughts and prayers of comfort and strength for you all. I know it’s so hard right now. Lots of hugs being sent!
Hiedi (Fields) Handford says
I’ve known Shawn and the Ketchum family since I was a kid. A great man has passed much too soon.
My deepest condolences to all family and friends. Shawn had great humor, I will always remember his laugh and smile. May you find comfort in those happy memories.
Hiedi
Sheryl Moderie and Jim Smith says
Our heartfelt prayers to the family and friends – a wonderful soul is now watching over all of us on earth!
Myles says
Our Prayers are with his Family and Friends. He was a great Man. god has gained another great Angle… Rest in peace my Friend..
Lisa Swett Klassen says
I have some great memories of our neighborhood childhood. Rest in peace Shawn. My condolences to all who loved him.
Roy Northey says
A long time friend. You will be missed, But not forgotten. Move forward my brother. And play that song louder.
Leona Zaharko says
The world lost a great man when we lost Shawn. A nicer, kinder man you will never know. Loves and prayers to the family.
Shane Parlier says
i hate cancer taking a great man from great people sorry for you loss and may you find peace in this hard time
Karen Freiburg says
So sorry to hear of the loss of Shawn. We grew up together. Lori and us all have great memories. Will miss him. And never forget him. God bless you all.
C.J. Tielking says
Not many people I can say I’ve known as long as Shawn. We shared many memories over the years. Keep watch over the girls and rest in peace my friend.
Smokie says
Offering out sincere condolences with deepest sympathy to you all…
Ryan Funk says
I knew Shawn in high school and he was a great guy, and I wish I had kept in touch. My thoughts and condolences go out to his family, friends and all who loved him.
Stacy Morrison says
Shawn Ketchum was a true friend to all of his friends. And believe me, he had plenty of them. I was always in aw of Shawn and his talent. Fantastic and very trusted radio and television engineer- wonderful “on air” talent- voice production- musician- bass player-singer- luthier- instrument repairman- and an amazing advice giver. And those are the only things I can think of off the top of my head. Above all Shawn was just a good friend who knew how to listen. Those who were fortunate enough to have known him, will miss him always. Until we meet again my friend.
Jerrilee Matson (Lieb/Ketchum) says
We were saddened to hear of Shawn’s passing…our thoughts and prayers to the other brothers and the rest of the family.
Kim and Herb Stanley says
Marilyn, Trevor and Logan: My family and I are so sorry for your loss. Shawn was a great man and an awesome father and husband. Herb and I had the honor of calling him ‘friend’ and knowing that he was there if we ever needed him for anything. Marilyn, he loved you with all of his heart, always remember that. Trevor and Logan, he loved you as well and I know he is proud of the men you have become. We are here if you need us for anything, no matter day or night. Love you always…..
Melissa Anderson says
Shawn was a great musician and had a great attitude with a pleasant personality. He always had a smile on his face! He was a man of many trades. I remember Shawn when he worked at the TV station in Helena and then moved into radio. His deep rich voice worked well with the band, “Dawg House” If you traveled the streets of Helena, you would find Shawn on his Harley cruising the streets. He was a great guy and will be sorrowly missed.
May you rest in peace Shawn. God bless.
Wally Peel says
Shawn touched the lives of many in a very positive way during his journey through life. It was an honor to know him. Shawn will live on in the many good memories he shared with friends and family.
Beth Nichols says
I met Shawn about 20 years or so. Shawn had one of the largest, most genuine and generous heart I’ve ever met. He’s the one that taught me that we all get two families in this world, the one you’re born into and the one you pick up along the way. Shawn was the like the big brother I never had, a good friend who who always supported my life decisions. Shawn always always always listened when I or anyone else needed to talk.
i remember tasting the home brew he would make in his kitchen.
I cooked my first turkey in his oven. LOL I used a covered roaster and the first time I checked the turkey, half of it had already fallen off the bone and was sitting on the bottom of the pan! I still believe that was the best tasting turkey I ever made! Playing spades, pictionary and just talking for hours are are the memories surrounding my thoughts of Shawn.
Shawn, thank you for always having an open door, welcoming ear, and a stiff shoulder when life sucked rocks. I will never forget your voice, music, laughter, stories and wisdom.
Godspeed.
Rob & Gail Ricker says
We were so saddened to hear of Shawn’ passing. He will be greatly missed by all who had the honor of knowing him. A kind, quiet and gentle man that was a pleasure to know. Our hearts go out to all his family and friends during this difficult time. God bless Shawn.
Jack and Sue Campbell says
MAY YOU FIND PEACE KNOWING SHAWN IS NO LONGER SUFFERING. OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH THE KETCHUM FAMILY.
MAry Kesterson says
Mom & Dad Kesterson
Oh my goodness what a wonderful man to have had for a son-in-law ! I would have loved to have been able to spend more time with him.
He is with the Heavenly Father now making music with the angels.
May God’s love and peace be made known to his family
Uncle Leroy and Aunt Delane Morgan says
May you find peace and understanding and may the love of God embrace you.
Kaye (Sean's mom) says
Shawn’s calm & soothing nature was a beautiful part of this wonderful man. As the parent of a teenage boy- Shawn encouraged me to relax & appreciate they’re growing up. An amazing man who will be sorely missed but never forgotten. I’m certain he’s looking over all his family, continuing to give gentle guidance. Thinking of all of you. Peace be with you.
Jamie (DeBree) Kuntz says
Shawn will be truely missed. I went to school with Shawn from grade school on. He always had kind words of whom ever he spoke and always there to lend a hand. May you find your peace in heaven Shawn and may all your family and and friends find peace and comfort in their memories of you.
Randy Hoag says
Shawn,
I will never forget the late night battles over the years… At pool of course out at the corner bar. I was always extra excited whenever I would see that we were playing “Its Just Pool” that Tuesday night. Your team was always so much fun to play… Until you guys would get the better hand.. Haha… Not always.. But the true pleasure was we would always try and make everyone better while still trying to have a good time. Thank you for your true sportsmanship over the years and I can honestly say that you were one of the most important competitors that I have faced over the years, because you exepmlified the true meaning of sportsmanship. There was never a need to watch a close hit.. Or make sure someone wasn’t getting wronged, as you my friend, would not allow that sort of thing to enter the equation… I wish there were more people in the league’s today that cared as much about its integrity. I will always remember you my friend… And cherrish the times we spent together. Rock on my friend…
Sean Wines says
I’m very sorry to hear this news and my prayers go out to the family. Shawn fixed some of my old tube amps from time to time and and was always willing to help. RIP Shawn.
Judy Reddy says
I am so sad over the loss of Shawn. I worked with him on Night to Shine for all of the 10+ years he was there. He was our stage manager and he worked with students volunteering to work behind the scenes as stage hands. He made them work hard, but they got really valuable experience for their efforts. Even though he was fighting his illness, he still worked on the Night to Shine show last February. Shawn was a kind man with a great, positive personality. We will miss him immensely. Condolences to the family – he was one of the good ones.
Brian OHare says
Shawn worked some of the clubs I. did over the past 30 years.He was always up and it was infectious.I would always walk away smiling when I would see him