Shawn Wiggins

Suddenly and tragically, Shawn Wiggins went home to meet his Saviour on January 22, 2022, at the age of 45, with his wife at his side.

He leaves to mourns his wife of 19 years, Shelley (Natyna) Wiggins; one daughter: Danica Wiggins of Providence University College; mother, Holly (Darryl) Fosseneuve of Winnipeg; sister, Regan (Jameel) Malik of Winnipeg; grandmother, Molly Wiggins of Edmonton; mother-in-law, Marilyn Natyna of Minitonas; sister-in-law, Daphne Natyna of Yaoundé, Cameroon, West Africa; brother-in-law, Stephen (Sue-Anne) Natyna of Minitonas; niece Avrey Natyna; nephews Blake Clark and Brody Malik; his “brothers from another mother”, Paul (Annie) Dibra and Doug (Amber) Vincent; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and chosen family.

Shawn was predeceased by his father Roy Wiggins; grandparents Ron and Marjorie Wiggins and Edward and Irene Kafka; father-in-law, Henry Natyna and several aunts, uncles, and friends.

Shawn was born on November 10, 1976, in Edmonton, Alberta to Roy and Holly Wiggins. He lived in Edmonton for the first five years and then moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba. He completed his final high school credit at University of Winnipeg Collegiate and graduated in 1996. Shawn attended university where he met many of his VCF friends but had more of an affinity for computer and multi-media technology. He was self-taught and had a unique way of setting up and fixing computer systems.  There was not a computer problem he would not attempt to resolve.

Shawn met his wife Shelley when she was teaching at Faith Academy in Winnipeg in September 2001. They were married on June 30, 2002, and moved to Minitonas shortly before their daughter Danica was born in 2003.  Shawn was a larger than life, gentle giant. He always had a smile and was willing to help if he could. Shawn made an impression on his wife by offering to help her clean up the kitchen at school and do dishes after she had taught a home economics class. Their friendship started that day and continued until his untimely passing.

Shawn loved people. He was an introvert by nature but had learned to be an extrovert because he was determined that no one should be left out. Shawn learned early on to use his brains first and his brawn only if necessary and as a last resort (unless of course he was changing a tire for someone). He had a “can do” attitude, always had weird and fun facts ready to share and could have a conversation with almost anyone. He never judged, he just cared, and he used whatever means necessary to stay in touch with his many friends from grade school, Camp Arnes, Varsity Christian Fellowship (VCF) and places in between. You could not go anywhere with Shawn without someone calling out “Hey Snore” or “Hey Wiggie” which would result in a conversation to catch up. Shawn was the type of person that you would not see for several years and within minutes it felt like you had just seen him yesterday. He loved to watch movies and play video games with his daughter and would tease his wife about football, pretending he knew nothing about it by saying “yay sportsball”.

Shawn had many jobs over the years: computer technician, on-phone technical suupport, camp counsellor, taxi driver, convenience store clerk, security guard, administrative support and a few others in between. Wherever he worked, he made friends and tried to get involved, not just with the organization but with his co-workers and their lives. Shawn loved summer camps and working in youth ministries. Some of his best memories were his summers at Camp Arnes, VCF events and working with young people. He always had a joke, a story, or some other way to connect personally with those around him. Shawn also enjoyed helping with Red Road Compass, the Valley Stage Players and working with the local WCG group offering technical suggestions, researching ideas to improve things and helping with the SVRSS Outdoor Grad Ceremonies.

Shawn was always looking for purpose and will be greatly missed by his family, friends, co-workers, and those around him. He will be remembered as a kind, gentle soul, a one in a million with a love of God, life, the Universe and how stuff works. His final message to all of us would be “Have a good one”.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life event is being planned for the Spring.

Should friends so desire, donations can be made in Shawn’s memory to Camp Arnes or CMHA Swan Valley Branch Ride Don’t Hide.

In keeping with Shawn's wishes

Cremation has taken place and

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.