BELFAST — Shawn J. White, 47, of Belfast, passed away August 4, 2025, due to complications and progression of his diabetes, after fighting it for many years. He was born in Belfast on August 24, 1977. 

Shawn believed that love is the only thing we take with us when we leave this world, and that forgiveness is the most important thing we can do while we are here. He loved volunteer driving and helping his many friends who would have helped him.

He was devoted to his two little fur babies, Oreo and Jet – two Chihuahuas who were the loves of his life. If they passed before him, he believed they would be there waiting to greet him. And if they remained behind, he knew he'd be there to greet them when their time came, confident they would be reunited in the afterlife.

Shawn had a deep faith in Jesus Christ and believed that he would be welcomed into a peaceful and wonderful afterlife. He could not stress enough that the moment our heart and brain cease to function on this earth, we are transitioned to a new existence in the spirit world with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

He always tried to live his life guided by love, purpose, and forgiveness in all his interactions with others. He reminded us that we never know when our final day or moment will come on the earthly plane – but he found comfort and joy in the promise that we will all meet again in an amazing afterlife.

"Try to live your life with love and forgiveness of others. Always. That is truly what our Lord would want from us. And it leaves an amazing legacy behind when you're thought of."

Shawn wished to leave a special thank you to one of his best friends, Phillip, who moved to Maine from Texas in 2018. Phillip became his CNA caregiver and eventually a beloved member of Shawn's family during a time of great physical and health challenges.

He would also like to say a very special thank you to his mother, Alice, who was always by his side through all of life's challenges. Anytime he needed support of any kind, she was the first person to jump to his side. While their relationship wasn't always close in the early years, the deep bond and unconditional love they shared later in life more than made up for the past. The amazing love she showed him as he grew older was one of the greatest blessings of his life. 

Shawn didn't need to be remembered for any special life achievements – he simply wanted to be remembered as a loving and forgiving person above all else.

"If I ever hurt you or we ever had any ill will between us, please know that I forgive you – and I hope you can do the same toward me. Let's say so long for now, but we will meet again. I love you all."

He is predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Mack H. Sr. and Crystal (French) White, and maternal grandparents, Ronald E. Sr. and Madeline R. (Light) Newton.

Shawn is survived by his parents, Mack H. White Jr. Alice F. Ireland; brothers Mack David, Caleb, Ethan, and John White; many aunts, uncles, and cousins; very special nephew Atlas whom he adored, and his unborn niece, Theia, whom he would have loved to meet; as well as his extended Ireland side of the family who were very special to him.

Shawn's family invites you to visiting hours on Thursday, August 7, 2025, from 2 to 4 p.m., at Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Ave., Belfast.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ripostafh.com