Shawn Christopher Klomparens

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Shawn Christopher Klomparens. This deep grief is paired with tremendous gratitude for the all too brief 53 years we had with him. Shawn deepened and enhanced the lives of those who had the fortune of intersecting with him. Not surprising to anyone who knew him, Shawn faced his terminal cancer diagnosis with courage, hope and support from his friends and family. He opted for an aggressive treatment plan and embraced an opportunity to participate in a clinical trial that he hoped could help others, a notion that comforted him. Surrounded in love by his family and overlooking the Tetons his 14 month journey with cancer ended peacefully on July 23rd, 2024 at his home.

Born in Lansing, Michigan, Shawn’s formative years were spent in Powell, Ohio with a good dose of Northern Michigan summers. He graduated from Ohio University with a Bachelor’s degree in English in 1994 after which destiny led him to Jackson Hole. As an adult, biking, hiking, camping, sailing, skiing, and running were constants in his life. His drive to push himself led him to completing many endurance competitions - Lotoja in 1996, many half marathons and 2 marathons.

Shawn gave his time and contributed his writing skills over the years as a volunteer for a young writers group, involvement with Jackson Hole Writers, teaching a writing mini-mester at the JHCS and serving on the board of the Teton County Library. His passion for writing led to the publication of several books. In 2014 Shawn was one of two Wyoming Arts Council Creative Writing Fellowship recipients. As his treatment options ran out, his writing agent notified him of an offer for his most recent book with one more to complete. This validation of his writing was a gift to him during the lowest point in his life. The irony of this was not lost on him – as all those who knew his sense of humor can appreciate.

His most prized legacy is that of being a husband and father. Married to Julie for 26 years, they created a life with love, laughter, and adventures near and far. Their daughter, Birch, and son, Axel, are each a testament to this life of love and shared experiences. Whether through sports, cooking, reading, Shawn shared with them his enthusiasm and curiosity for knowledge. His parents and extended family of aunts, uncles, and grandparents valued his presence in their lives and considered him exceptional.
Preceded in death by his mother, Martha Brainerd Klomparens, he is survived by his father Richard Klomparens, wife Julie, daughter Birch and son Axel. A memorial will be held in the spring of 2025. For those who wish, donations can be made to Friends of Pathways for a memorial bench along the trails near his home. friendsofpathways.org/donate/ select the campaign in his name.