ROCKLAND — Shawn Connon Feyler, known to friends as "Seven Footer," passed away unexpectedly Oct. 5, 2015, at the young age of 56.

Born June 6, 1959, in Rockland, he was the son of Richard and Judith Feyler. He grew up in Thomaston, attended local schools and graduated from Georges Valley High School in 1977.

Shawn met the love of his life, Rae Ann Harvey, in Rockland, and they were later married Aug. 28, 1982. They have made their home in Rockland since that time. One of the happiest days of Shawn's life was on Jan. 8, 1991, when he and Rae Ann welcomed their daughter, Tiffany, into this world.

Growing up around the fishing industry Shawn began a career at Mcloons Wharf on Spruce Head Island, where he was happily employed for more than 20 years. He met many close and lifelong friends during his time there. He then took a different path and began working at Maine School Administrative District 5 as a custodian so he could spend more time with his family.

Shawn was a fan of auto racing from a very young age, having been raised in a stock car racing family. Many childhood weekends were spent at racetracks across New England, with the most time being spent at Wiscasset Speedway watching his dad race. He continued to attend races at Wiscasset over the years and was known by many as the person to ask about Maine stock car racing, since he maintained an archive of programs and other memorabilia. Still an avid NASCAR enthusiast to the end, Shawn enjoyed watching the race every weekend, cheering on Dale Earnhardt Jr. Another of Shawn's favorite pastimes was spending time with his family on Andrew's Island. He was fortunate to have been able to walk his daughter down the beach on Andrew's Island on Aug. 8 of this year during her wedding ceremony and to dance with her at the reception. He will always be remembered by his family, friends and coworkers for his uplifting spirit and witty sense of humor.

Shawn was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Dick and Ruth Feyler; and maternal grandparents, Norm and Vivian Connon, all of Thomaston; and his father-in-law, Donald E. Harvey of Rockland.

Shawn is survived by his wife, Rae Ann of Rockland; his parents, Richard and Judith Feyler of Owls Head; his daughter, Tiffany Curtis and her husband, Andrew, of Owls Head; his sister, Shelley Stone and her husband, Randy, and their daughter, Whitney, of Minot; his mother-in-law, Judith Johnson Harvey of Rockland; his sister-in-law, Vickie Johnson and her husband, Jim, of South Thomaston; his brother-in-law, Donald Harvey and his wife, Joan, of Owls Head; his brother-in-law, Randy Harvey and his wife, Sue, of St. George; his sister-in-law, Kelly Gray of Rockland; and his brother-in-law, Lloyd Gray of St. George; along with several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends.

A memorial gathering will take place Saturday, Oct. 17 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home's 104 Limerock Reception Center in Rockland.

Those who wish may make memorial donations to Pope Memorial Humane Society of Knox County, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841.