CORNVILLE – John Daniel Shay, 20, passed away on Dec. 13, 2023, after a fierce four-month battle with leukemia.

Born on March 7, 2003, in Manchester, N.H., he spent his early years in Londonderry, N.H., before moving to Cornville at the age of 7, to live with his beloved Dad, Curi.

John attended Bloomfield Elementary before transferring to Community Regional Charter School, where he excelled and was particularly proud of earning first place on the Lego Robotics team. He was especially grateful for an extraordinary math teacher, a like-minded friend, and his Uncle Kenny, who led him to his passion for math and computer programming. In 2021, he graduated with high honors and several college courses under his belt. He was humbled to be the recipient of a special STEM scholarship. At the time of his passing, John was completing a double major in Computer Science and Mathematics at UMaine Orono. He was active in the math club and a machine-learning research project, under the direction of his most admired professor. John was very conscientious and consistently made the Dean’s list, aspiring for a PhD.

As a child, John enjoyed swimming, playing with matchbox cars, Nerf guns, and Legos for hours. He enjoyed basketball and years of Boy Scouts. Throughout his teenage years, he thrived academically and personally, deeply valuing education and intellectual pursuits. He loved unusual, complex topics which often exceeded the comprehension of his audience. He enjoyed gaming, a good debate, a hard won chess match and fine dining. He often rated family dinners on a 1-10 scale against Gordon Ramsey (which never fared well for the cook). His favorite place was the family camp on Lake Winnipesaukee, where he spent many weekends and summers, cruising on the golf cart and creating treasured memories. Recently, he was learning how to fly a plane, and looked forward to more skybound adventures with his newest mentor, cousin Bobby.

John embodied an easy-going, genuine, unpretentious nature that captured the hearts of all who knew him. He was a reserved, quirky, sweet, ”old soul” who was exceptionally considerate and loyal. John had strong values and an unusual capacity to stand alone. True to his character, he quietly faced his illness with remarkable grit and integrity, which earned the admiration of many.

John-boy, you added an indelible, unique, and brilliant light to our world. May your spirit find eternal peace, and may we strive to carry forward your loyalty, integrity and the selflessness you so generously shared with us. You made us so damn proud to be your tribe. You are deeply loved, forever missed and will always be remembered as the best version of our family – “Shay 2.0”. See you on the other side pal.

John is preceded by his loving Papa, Daniel James Shay.

He is survived by his parents, November and Curi Poulin; grandparents Nana Laureen Shay, Greg Hopkins, Grammy Dianne Corson; “The Uncles” Danny, Kenny, and Kevin Shay, Aunt Sharon, Aunt Jenna; cousin Kali; and many other loving family members and friends.

Visitation for John will be held on March 9, from 1-4 p.m. at the Dan and Scott’s Chapel in Skowhegan. A memorial service will be held from 3 to 3:30 p.m.

We want to express our deep gratitude for the support received during this difficult time and very special thanks to MMC staff who gave extraordinary care to John.

Arrangements are under the care of Dan and Scott’s Funeral Home 445 Waterville Rd., Skowhegan, ME 04976, where condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with family on the obituary page of the website http://www.dsfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Ronald McDonald House in John’s honor. This vital resource, for families with sick children, supported us throughout John’s hospital stay.

Ronald McDonald House

250 Brackett St.

Portland, ME 04102

rmhcmaine.org

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