The St. Thomas, Ontario, community is mourning the unexpected loss of Shawn Jackson, a beloved umpire, friend, and dedicated professional.
Shawn passed away unexpectedly after suffering a heart attack, leaving behind his grieving parents and a community that cherished his warmth and spirit.
His passing has cast a shadow over the Annan Co-Ed Slo-Pitch League, where he was a familiar and respected figure and the many friends, family members, and colleagues who knew him well.
Shawn was a key figure in the local sports community. His love for the game shone through every call he made on the diamond.
Players and fellow officials admired his fairness and passion, which made him stand out in the Annan Co-Ed Slo-Pitch League.
Beyond the field, Shawn has worked as a service technician at Rogers Communications since 2018.
Based in Toronto, Ontario, he was as dedicated to his job as he was to his community involvement.
Colleagues Remember Him As Someone Who Gave His All, Day In And Day Out
The news of Shawn’s passing hit hard. On March 30, 2025, a family member shared a heartfelt video on Facebook, capturing a moment of remembrance.
At Keady Arena, the air grew still. Helmets came off, heads bowed, and a moment of silence honored Shawn’s memory. It was a simple, powerful tribute to a man who touched many lives.
Friends and loved ones have flooded social media with messages of sorrow and support.
One person wrote,
“I’m so sorry to hear this. The few times I met him, he was so very nice. My heart hurts for you all. Taken way to soon. We are thinking of all of you.”
Via Facebook
Several others shared their memories and wrote:
“Youthful, memories, hanging out, Laird used to take us out touring graveyards looking for ancestors n war time friends, Shawn n I spent many days searching,fixing n cleaning tombstones. Teaching n emboldening in ius respect for veterans n our ancestry .. n those days I belief made both of us respectful n great .. the Jackson family embraced me in my youth as his friend n taught me we are all friends n how to respect everyone,Shawn will be missed n the millions of memory’s we shared n all he met will live on 👊🏻🙏🏻”
Via Facebook
Another post captured the shock felt by many:
“For those that haven’t heard yet, one of our umpires, and friend, passed away unexpectedly yesterday after suffering a heart attack. He will be dearly missed and never forgotten. RIP Shawn Jackson, may you continue to call those strikes in the big ball diamond above. 😢😢”
Via Facebook
Shawn’s sudden departure has left a void that words struggle to fill. Details about his family remain private, but the outpouring of love shows just how deeply he was valued.
He was more than an umpire or a technician; he was also a friend, a teammate, a son.
His legacy lives on in the quiet moments of reflection at the arena, in the stories shared by those who knew him, and in the strikes he’ll forever call in the hearts of the St. Thomas community.
