John Shay

John Paul Shay

1951 ~ 2021

John Paul Shay left this world on Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at 70.  He leaves behind his wife, Sharon, of 37 years, three children Amy Wayman (Jade), Ryan, Emily Lewis, eight grandchildren - Dyllan, Steven, Kevin, Bryson, Austin (Jentri), Bailey, Kylee, and Amanda.  Along with four great-grandchildren.

John is the fifth of twelve children born January 29, 1951, to William Wallis and Lois Layton Shay in Salt Lake City, Utah.  Growing up in Feather Falls, CA, John attended a four-room class where he gained lifetime friends.  Later, his family moved to Utah, where he graduated from West High School.  He attended Utah State University and soon after became a firefighter.  After twenty-three years, he realized that running away from burning buildings made more sense than running toward them.  He promptly retired from the Salt Lake City fire department and delved into his passion for genealogy.

His family meant everything to him.  He loved to tease and tell stories to his family.  While he was a little stubborn, he was always willing to serve others no matter the need.  John spent many years traveling the world with his wife, places like Ireland, France, Netherlands, and serving a year and a half mission in Japan for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  The two of them took each grandchild on a memorable trip when they turned eight and saw Houston, Los Angeles, San Antonio, New York, Minneapolis, South Carolina, San Diego, and Washington.

John was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Kathy and Sue; and brothers, Mike and Frank.  He leaves a legacy of love behind for all those he inspired in his lifetime.

A visitation will be held from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, on Monday, October 25, 2021, at Vaigneur Funeral Home, 6802 Tillman Road, Ridgeland, SC.

A viewing will be held from 11:30am - 12:30pm, on Friday, October 29, 2021, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 680 2nd Avenue in Salt Lake City, Utah.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, October 29, 2021, at Salt Lake City Cemetery, 200 "N" Street East, Salt Lake City, UT.