Shane Robert Frickey

And that laugh…Shane had the most magical laugh, he had this distinct look of surprise when he laughed really hard, and if you really got him good, he’d laugh and pull his fist to his chest…we could listen to his laugh on a loop forever. 

Within his illness, there was a duality to Shane, he simultaneously had some of the highest highs and the lowest of lows. And while chasing those highs, he created a truly beautiful life full of adventure and meaningful friendships, and even at his young age he experienced more than most people do in a life time… and while struggling with the lows, he taught himself and others to find joy in the smallest of things, to have grace and patience with yourself, and to know that you are strong even when you don’t feel like you are. 

One person taking their own life every 40 seconds is an epidemic of massive proportion, leaving no family untouched. As of May, 2023, according to data from the CDC, Utah ranks 14th for the highest number of deaths by suicide in the country. Surviving families of this epidemic are left to navigate through the crushing punches of abandonment, anger, shock, blame, sorrow, guilt, regret and confusion. It has left us utterly breathless. We want you all to know how much it has meant to our family to have you there during this difficult time. 

Our family is incredibly grateful for all the love and support we have received from Shane’s friends, family, colleagues and neighbors. Hearing your stories, your kind words, and the seeing the pictures and the memories you shared have done more to take the weight off of our hearts than you could ever know. 

Shane choosing to leave us in no way means he felt unloved or felt like he didn’t matter. That’s not how this illness works. Shane knew he was loved, and he loved you all just as much in return, and we hope that someone who needed to hear that, will. 

Shane was an incredible person with a sweet heart, a voracious determination, a long list of talents and a distinct smile that will forever comfort us in our memories.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you for sharing the love you had for Shane with our family. We will hold it forever. 

For anyone struggling, don’t be scared, embarrassed or hesitant to seek help and support. Shane wasn’t afraid, he fought hard and he’d want the same for you.