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“Some of us get dipped in flat, some in satin, some in gloss. But every once in a while, you find someone who’s iridescent, and when you do, nothing will ever compare.”
~ Wendelin Van Draanen
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Shannon Burwash truly was one of the iridescent. A beautiful woman. Among those of us in the horse industry who knew her, she will be lovingly remembered as a mentor, horsewoman, ambassador for the Canadian western horse world, and most of all a friend and inspiration to so many.
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It\’s difficult to express the sadness many of us feel, but as I read the notes of condolences and remembrances on Shannon\’s Facebook page . . . all of us, in a way, sharing our collective heartbreak at the loss of her so unexpectedly . . . the common threads of her impression on those of us who knew her shone through. Stories and remembrances of her kindness, caring, integrity, love of her husband, Wayne, and her family, her joy of the horse and showing, her dedication to the horse world. She was truly, as many have stated, \”a beautiful woman, both inside and out.\”
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As long as I\’ve known her, she was always involved in the Quarter Horse world, serving on many boards, always giving her time. She was an active board member and treasurer for the Quarter Horse Association of Alberta (QHAA), secretary/treasurer for the Canadian Quarter Horse Association (CQHA) and an Alberta director for the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA).
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I know I feel as many do . . . blessed to have known Shannon, and today, to be able to share in these remembrances.
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Godspeed, Shannon.
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Shannon will be forever missed by her loving husband Wayne, and her children, Holly Nicoll (Reiny Kristel), Mason Nicoll (Kim), Jarvis Nicoll (Jenny), Lori Burwash (Bruce Johnson), and Justin Burwash (Betty-Lynne). She is also survived by her mother, Melba Copithorne (Jim), sisters, Karon Baldick (Steve), Cher Menegoz and brother, Forest Estby (Renee). Grandma Shammy will be incredibly missed by her grandchildren, Saige and Cale Kristel, Carson, Maysa, Triston and Lucas Nicoll, Elliott and Annabel Johnson, Jake Gerrie, Molly and Madden Burwash along with several nieces and nephews. Shannon was predeceased by her father, Earl Estby and nephew, James Menegoz.
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An open memorial service for Shannon Melba Burwash (November 2, 1953 – February 15, 2013), will be held tomorrow in the Congress Hall at Spruce Meadows (access via Tournament Lane) at 2:00 p.m. Condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.cochranecountryfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Alberta Children’s Hospital or STARS.