Ronald T. Shannon

Ronald T. Shannon (Ron), aged 90, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2025, in Gilbert, Arizona. Ron was born and raised, along with his brother Dan, in Denver, Colorado by their parents Daniel J. and Marian C. Shannon. He graduated from Regis Jesuit High School and Regis University and received a law degree from the University of Denver College of Law. He served for six years at the Buckley Air Force Base and was honorably discharged from the Air Force Reserves.

In the beginning of his career, Ron started a law practice, then went on to work at State Farm Insurance as a bodily injury adjuster. He retired from State Farm after a career spanning 35 years.

Ron married Janice Paalman in 1960, and they had three children: Colleen, Kathy and Dan. His family lived in Arvada, Colorado and attended St. Anne’s Catholic Church where Ron was active as a religious education teacher.

After Ron and Janice’s marriage ended, Ron married Claire Nolan in 1980. They shared 15 happy years together until Claire passed away in 1995.

After his retirement, he met Agnes (Betty) Griffin through his daughter Colleen, and they were married in March of 1998. They lived in Denver in the warmer months and Arizona in the winter, settling permanently in Arizona. Ron and Betty had 26 years of traveling, spoiling, and providing many happy memories for their family. Betty passed just 6 months earlier on August 1, 2024.

Ron was a very loving, supportive, creative and generous man, father, and grandfather. He was an avid Denver Broncos fan and was known for his teasing sense of humor and big smile. Ron also had a playful side! He would treat his family to his famous Easter egg hunts complete with poetic clues. Ron was famous for perfecting a sandwich he called ‘The Ronaldo’ and made learning religious education fun with his ‘Horse Races’, using competition as a way to learn the bible. Ron loved to read, especially about history. For excitement he took up parasailing and enjoyed it into his 80’s. Ron’s big and extended family loved him very much.

In his final months, he lived at the American Orchards Senior Living in Gilbert, charming the staff and other residents alike with his kindness, love of singing, and sense of humor.

Ron is survived by his three children, Colleen (Bill) Fisher, Kathleen Hiner, and Daniel (Elaine) Shannon; stepchildren, Margie (Bo) Bollinger, Ed Griffin, and Martha Thornton. His greatest joy was being Grandpa to Nicole (Jason) Lee, Hayley Fisher, Daniel and Brianna Shannon, Carly Hiner, Abby (Ralph) Deines, Megan and Jack Hepburn, Sean and Sarah Thornton, Rebecca and Eddie Griffin, along with several great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

In addition to Betty, Ron was preceded in death by his second wife Claire Shannon, his parents, Daniel Shannon Sr, and Marian Shannon; his nephew, Mark Ronald Shannon, and brother Daniel J. (Joyce) Shannon.

The family will host a memorial reception at the home of Colleen and William Fisher in Gilbert, Arizona on March 26, 2025, at 12:00 pm., and a funeral mass at Mt. Olivet Funeral Home 12801 W. 44th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colorado on June 27, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. with internment at Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Regis Jesuit High School or the Franciscan Mission Associates.