Dartmouth is grieving the loss of Shawn McCormick, a devoted husband, father, and community pillar who passed away peacefully after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Shawn faced his illness with the same grace, humour, and determination that defined every part of his life, leaving behind a legacy of love that will never fade.
Shawn grew up in Dartmouth, where he built a beautiful life surrounded by the lakes, trails, and people he cherished. He was the kind of man who never met a stranger; whether he was coaching minor hockey, volunteering at the church supper, or simply waving from his truck on Portland Street, his warmth was unmistakable.
For years Shawn worked hard to provide for his family, but his real passion was giving back. He served on local boards, organized fundraisers, and was always the first to show up with a shovel after a snowstorm or a casserole when someone was sick. Friends say he had a special gift for making everyone feel important, and he never let a birthday or milestone go unnoticed.
At home, Shawn was simply the best. He and his wife shared a love built on laughter and teamwork. He was the dad who never missed a game, the one who taught his kids how to fish, how to drive, and how to treat people right. His grandchildren called him “Poppy” and climbed all over him every chance they got.
Even through treatment, Shawn kept his sense of humour and his focus on others. He greeted nurses with jokes, thanked doctors by name, and worried more about how his family was coping than about himself. His courage inspired everyone around him.
Dartmouth has lost one of its finest. Shawn McCormick lived with quiet strength, big love, and a heart that was always open. His memory will live on in every act of kindness done in his name, every goal scored by a kid he coached, and every hug shared at a community event.
A celebration of Shawn’s life will be held in the coming days, with details to be shared by the family. Until then, Dartmouth holds his wife, children, grandchildren, and extended family close, grateful for the extraordinary man who made our community brighter just by being in it. Rest easy, Shawn. We’ll take it from here.