Fredrick Pausch   on Tuesday 02/23/2016 at 11:59 AM

Shane:

There are no words that adequately describe the passion, fortitude and resolve that you brought to OSAE. Your candle burns bright just in another place where there are many mansions. We'll continue to lead OSAE in your presence and with never ending encouragement. I'm proud to call you a friend and colleague. God speed brother!

Diana Mourer   on Tuesday 02/23/2016 at 12:17 PM

Shane, your gift of expression and articulation in both written and spoken words never ceased to impress me. During committee meetings, you were able to take multiple thoughts and ideas floating around and express them into a single, coherent thought.

Your passion, enthusiasm and incredible organizational skills will be remembered as we continue to honor you by building upon the legacy you have left us.

Jim Hieb   on Tuesday 02/23/2016 at 12:28 PM

Deeply saddened. There is no way to describe Shane other than "a class act!".

Gail Baker   on Tuesday 02/23/2016 at 12:58 PM

I offer prayers for comfort and peace for Shane's family and friends. He brightened every room he entered.

Kathy Johnson, President Midwest SAE   on Tuesday 02/23/2016 at 01:36 PM

I am in disbelief about Shane's passing. Just a few weeks ago he facilitated the meeting of other State SAE Presidents in Albuquerque. Focused, enthusiastic, charming, friendly, dedicated to the association Mgmt profession. I am so saddened by this news. This will leave a big hole in our ASA (Association Societies Alliance) organization. My heartfelt condolences to friends family and colleagues.

Pam Happ   on Tuesday 02/23/2016 at 02:07 PM

Shane will be missed by so many. His passion and enthusiasm were contagious. He was always willing to go the extra mile. What a sad day for us all.

Lisa Hunt   on Tuesday 02/23/2016 at 02:42 PM

It is hard to begin to comprehend this great loss for our association. Shane had a way of making you feel like you were an important part of OSAE. His welcoming smile, kindness and laughter will surely be missed!

Kelly George   on Tuesday 02/23/2016 at 03:07 PM

Shane, I'm at a loss for words. There are so many things I admired about you, and this is just so hard to believe. I enjoyed every conversation we ever had and can't thank you enough for the times you made me feel welcome and at ease when I was in a room full of strangers. Thank you for being such a big champion for our partnership and taking such a strong lead in it's success over the last few years. You have left an amazing legacy within the association community, and you will be missed tremendously. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Beth Brooks, CAE   on Tuesday 02/23/2016 at 03:29 PM

My thoughts have been about Shane for the past 24 hours... what a loss for OSAE, and the Alliance of SAE's. We were with him just two weeks ago, and we all considered him our friend. He was always working and thinking about improving OSAE. My heart is heavy - we have lost a wonderfully caring individual and I will miss him.

Tawni Phelan   on Tuesday 02/23/2016 at 03:42 PM

Shane will be dearly missed by his friends at ASA. I can't believe it was just two short weeks ago we were meeting together in New Mexico. My heart is heavy at such a great loss. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and work family of OSAE.

Michelle Mason   on Tuesday 02/23/2016 at 03:46 PM

My thoughts and prayers are with Shane's family and the OSAE community. God bless

Amy Cheatham   on Tuesday 02/23/2016 at 03:49 PM

I offer my deepest condolences to the family, friends and OSAE on the passing of Executive Director, Shane Yates, CAE, CMP. Shane will be missed dearly.

Leslie Murphy   on Tuesday 02/23/2016 at 04:04 PM

We all hope and pray that Shane knew how valued he was by our association community and to each of us personally. Having served with Shane with the Association Societies Alliance over the past few years, I came to admire his leadership and dedication. But most of all I valued his friendship.

Our prayers go our to his family, friends and colleagues.

Kimberly McConville   on Tuesday 02/23/2016 at 04:24 PM

Shane was the consummate professional--dedicated, organized and tenacious. He reformed OSAE into an organization that is a critical resource for association professionals. And, my goodness did he make me laugh--I will miss him terribly.

Mark McSweeney   on Tuesday 02/23/2016 at 04:53 PM

Having just had the wonderful fortune of spending time with Shane barely two weeks ago in Albuquerque with our fellow Allied SAE's, I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn of his sudden passing. He and I had talked about how we both cut our teeth in the association management world via fraternity management, and it was so obvious that Shane truly appreciated the core value of associations and the many relationships gained through his career. His leadership and passion will be greatly missed.

On behalf of all of us at Indiana Society of Association Executives, my thoughts and prayers are with Shane, his family and friends with gratitude for the legacy he has left us.

Karen Peterson, AENC   on Tuesday 02/23/2016 at 05:33 PM

I can't imagine how difficult it must be to lose someone like Shane who has clearly earned the loving and respectful tributes shared on this page. Shane and I were new friends - he welcomed me to ASA and generously shared his advice and experience. The Beatles said it all - "...and in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make."

Linwood Campbell CPCE   on Wednesday 02/24/2016 at 08:33 AM

When I received the word of Shane's passing I was in utter shock. When I moved to Cincinnati in 2011 and later in 2013 started with Caesars Entertainment Shane reached out to me to join OSAE. He had the perfect mix of humor, professionalism and insight into the catering and events industry. As the national President for NACE, we often spoke about ideas to create new programming for OSAE. OSAE was his family and he put his heart and soul into it. Shane you will be missed but I am changed for the better for having known you.

Brandon Robinson, CAE   on Wednesday 02/24/2016 at 08:56 AM

To know Shane was to enjoy his company. He was a shining star in the association community.

Thoughts and prayers for his family, friends, and colleagues in Ohio and beyond.

Jane DiLullo   on Wednesday 02/24/2016 at 10:06 AM

Shane, you touched my life briefly and I'm so grateful that our paths crossed. Thank you for welcoming me into this industry and sharing your stories and expertise with passion, humor and grace. Positive energy is contagious, and yours will be dearly missed by all.

Kim Harwood   on Wednesday 02/24/2016 at 11:24 AM

I consider myself lucky to have had the opportunity to work with Shane over the past four years. I greatly valued his keen insight, sense of humor, and outright passion for his work! To echo an earlier sentiment, Shane can be best described as a true class act & will be missed by all who had the good fortune to call him a friend!

On behalf of the Results@Hand Team, our thoughts & prayers are with Shane, his family, & friends.

Carmen Huffman   on Wednesday 02/24/2016 at 11:30 AM

All of us here at the Dayton Convention & Visitors Bureau mourn the passing of Shane and unite in honoring his exemplary life as Executive Director of OSAE. We offer our condolences to the Yates family and OSAE staff in their time of mourning. We hope the many reminders that surround you of how he has enriched the lives of all who have had the privilege to be associated with him will soon bring you comfort and relief of sorrow.

Jarrod Clabaugh   on Wednesday 02/24/2016 at 11:32 AM

Shane,

I simply cannot believe you're gone; that I'll never hear your giggle again; that I won't catch you trying to pull one over on me. You were an amazing friend to so many. I learned a lot from you about navigating the waters of association management, and I simply cannot believe you are gone. You did so much for OSAE, and I feel silly saying, "Thank you" as that doesn't even begin to express the gratitude I feel for your gargantuan efforts and achievements.

Your infectious personality and good humor permeated everything you did. I don't know how many times you had me saying "yes" to a project or a roundtable before I even realized what I was saying "yes" to.

None of this seems real, which is a testament to how greatly you impacted all of our lives. My friend, wherever you are now, and I believe it is Heaven, continue to shine, to share your wit and your charm with all those you may encounter. You shone so very brightly that your warmth radiated to all of us and leaves us now so much colder.

You are, were and shall be so loved.

Lauren Carter   on Wednesday 02/24/2016 at 11:47 AM

Shane was truly an inspiration! He motivated us to be engaged and active with OSAE. His dedication and commitment will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. I am honored to have called you a colleague and friend!

Jenny Matthews   on Wednesday 02/24/2016 at 11:54 AM

Shane was a mentor and a friend. I am deeply saddened and will miss him. The world has lost a wonderful, caring, passionate person who always made you feel like you were the only person in the room. I am grateful to have known him and to have spent time with him a few short weeks ago.

Prayers and thoughts to Shane's family and friends.

Kevin McCray   on Wednesday 02/24/2016 at 12:31 PM

Shane was a leader to learn from. His commitment, passion, and tenacity brought not only OSAE to a better place, but all of us fortunate to know him and work with him.

Jimelle Rumberg, Ph.D, CAE   on Wednesday 02/24/2016 at 12:54 PM

A servant leader with unparalleled enthusiasm for life, his job as executive director of OSAE and as a consummate meeting planner, Shane, you shall be deeply missed. Well-done thy good and faithful leader. Well-done!

Mary Vlahos   on Wednesday 02/24/2016 at 01:05 PM

I will always remember Shane, his angelic heart and devilish grin. He had a vision for the future with a healthy respect for the past. His endearing ways have secured his place in the hearts of many. I believe his legacy will live on. He is a person not easily forgotten. I am happy and blessed to have known him, and I will carry these thoughts with me when I think of him.

Dennis Hetzel   on Wednesday 02/24/2016 at 01:26 PM

The Ohio Newspaper Association mourns the loss and offers condolences, thoughts and prayers to Shane's family and friends.

Melinda Gilpin   on Wednesday 02/24/2016 at 01:29 PM

Shane's encouragement and enthusiasm for OSAE will be forever appreciated. My thoughts and prayers to his family and friends during the difficult time. His energy was contagious, and the reason many of us (myself included) became more involved in our organization. The world is a better place because of him.

Kim Addis   on Wednesday 02/24/2016 at 01:31 PM

There are no words to express how special Shane was! He always had a smile, a nice word to say and a way of making you feel included. He had the ability to make you want to work hard for him and the association...because he was so good at what he did. He was sincere and honest, and he will be sadly missed! My heart is heavy! I know you are in heaven now, among the other angels.

Halle Runion   on Wednesday 02/24/2016 at 01:34 PM

Shane,

Thank you for your inspiration, teaching, leadership and friendship. You welcomed me with open arms to the Columbus community and association family and I'm so fortunate to have had the chance to know you.

"When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice." - Cherokee Proverb

Lisa Volz   on Wednesday 02/24/2016 at 01:35 PM

I met Shane when he was working as Executive Director of the Ohio Physical Therapy Association. He and I became friends, as did many other executives in the physical therapy world. Shane was well-respected and had a passion for life. He loved fun and loved people. He gave me good career advice and was kind to me. I have good memories of him and my sorrow goes out to his mother and friends.

Chris Henney   on Wednesday 02/24/2016 at 01:37 PM

Shane was a true leader, who inspired many of us with not only his work to invigorate and grow OSAE, but the time he spent with many of us individually to become better association leaders. I will never forget the attention and time Shane shared with me as I worked to become a CAE, not to mention the constant encouragement. I’m a better association leader for having known and worked with Shane Yates. He will be missed greatly. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this very difficult time.

Jan Kinkopf, CMP   on Wednesday 02/24/2016 at 01:38 PM

You know what they say, "only the good die young..." May all the thoughts and prayers for Shane be of great comfort and solace to his family, friends, colleagues at this somber time, and reminder to be good to one another each and every day.

Angie DiSanto   on Wednesday 02/24/2016 at 01:41 PM

Although we all are surprised and saddened about the news, we all have been touched by Shane in a positive way. He took OSAE to the next level in so many ways. We will miss you my friend!

Jerry Simon   on Wednesday 02/24/2016 at 01:42 PM

Your legacy and life impact will carry on in all of our hearts. Godspeed Shane Yates.....until we meet again on the other side.

Kim Newsom Bridges   on Wednesday 02/24/2016 at 01:43 PM

I will remember Shane for always having a smile, a positive personality and the desire to be practical, yet helpful at every turn. Prayers for his family, colleagues and friends.

Carrie Boor   on Wednesday 02/24/2016 at 01:43 PM

I am so greatful that I got to know Shane, his energy was contagious! My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family, may he rest in peace.
Shane you will be truly missed!

Martha Mattson   on Wednesday 02/24/2016 at 01:45 PM

I am still feeling shock and disbelief that Shane is no longer physically with us. The impact that one man had on so many is incredible, and I am grateful that I had the opportunity to know him. My deepest condolences on such a heartbreaking loss.

Spence Downs   on Wednesday 02/24/2016 at 01:45 PM

I am so sad to have lost such a wonderful person as Shane. In fairly brief interactions over the last 3 years I got to see all of the characteristics described above so well that Shane had all the time. I am truly regretful that I won't be able to look forward to spending a few days with him every summer for years to come. I have never met anyone in the Association Industry who was more exciting and innovative and who was uncompromisingly fresh and pleasant to me every time we spoke.

Shane,

You will truly be missed and you will be remembered for a long time. I will never think of Ohio without the memory of your smile and your wonderful spirit.

Greg Melia, CAE   on Wednesday 02/24/2016 at 01:49 PM

May we each live our lives with as much passion and graciousness as did Shane. A true gentleman and devoted association professional, I know each of us in the will long benefit from the lessons we learned from Shane's leadership. Rest in peace.

Chris Zimmer, CAE   on Wednesday 02/24/2016 at 01:54 PM

This is a loss of monumental proportions. Your tireless work on behalf of OSAE members was evident up to the last moments. Your belief that the organization has so much potential, and your hustle to help fulfill that potential, was inspiring.

On a personal level, who will I call, text, email, when something outrageous happens? Who will get, tolerate, and reciprocate my level of snark? Who is there now to warn me about how inappropriate my son's iTunes playlist is?

There is no one. No one with your grin, your twinkle of mischief in your eye, your exasperated sigh followed by a hilarious aside. You cannot be replaced and you leave a cavernous hole in the organization and in my life. You will be missed so much more than you ever could have known.

Mark Bennett   on Wednesday 02/24/2016 at 01:58 PM

I am saddened and shocked at the void left within the association world by Shane's passing. I can still hear Shane ask everyone at a luncheon to clap if you could hear him. His impact within OSAE will always be heard. In his time as Executive Director, he transformed OSAE into the consummate organization it is today.

Liz Potter   on Wednesday 02/24/2016 at 02:01 PM

As a new member he was so inclusive and welcomed me into OSAE instantly with his warm smile. I am deeply saddened by his passing.

Victoria Gresh   on Wednesday 02/24/2016 at 02:04 PM

My sweet and funny friend, I will miss you so. I loved our "coffee talks" about life, friends and work and thoroughly enjoyed talking you off your frequent cliffs. We had the same sense of twisted humor and our bond goes deep. I don't say goodbye, just see you later. xxoxo

Terry Quested   on Wednesday 02/24/2016 at 02:18 PM

It's rare and fortunate to work with someone like Shane who had a such a zest for his professional life, so strong a commitment to everything he did, and who demonstrated uncommon expertise at taking responsibility - he's a model for Association leadership and one can only wonder at what else he'd have accomplished but for his passing - I'm sure the imprint of his spirit affects us all, I feel lucky and so glad I knew Shane.

Shellie O'Toole   on Wednesday 02/24/2016 at 02:19 PM

When I think of Shane and his legacy, here's what comes to mind...
Sweet - overflowing!
Sass - just enough
Sarcasm - just my kind
Stupendous - commitment
Sweating for OSAE - whether it was setting up AV equipment, motivating volunteers or running to the next meeting, he was hands-on
Sincere - genuinely cared
Smart - gold mine
Service - we all benefited
Sad - gone much too soon

Ann Daugherty   on Wednesday 02/24/2016 at 02:38 PM

I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to know and work with Shane on OSAE projects. His engaging personality persuaded me to volunteer and his enthusiasm was contagious. A true professional! I would say "rest in peace", but I don't think Shane is resting in Heaven -- if there's an association of angels, I'm sure he's already directing it!

Cate Smith   on Wednesday 02/24/2016 at 02:41 PM

Still stunned. I hope you now know, if you didn't before, how much you were loved and appreciated by everyone. I will miss very much the chance to work with you more closely.

Jim Godin   on Wednesday 02/24/2016 at 03:10 PM

I am unbelievably saddened to hear this news. We have lost a true gentleman with taste and swagger. His genuine helpfulness and gentle nature made him a truly good person in my eyes, we will all miss him for sure. I will always remember the assistance and encouragement he showed me and will hope to pay it forward in his honor.

Garry Moon   on Wednesday 02/24/2016 at 03:23 PM

Shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of such a delightful friend - Heaven shines a little brighter today.
May God grant peace to Shane's family as we mourn his passing and celebrate his life.

Steve Marks   on Wednesday 02/24/2016 at 03:26 PM

I am deeply saddened by this news. Shane was a truly remarkable individual who seemed to know how to bring out the best in everyone. I am honored to have worked with him. He will be missed. All of us at Hannah News Service send our thoughts and prayers to Shane's co-workers, friends and family.

Jim Addis   on Wednesday 02/24/2016 at 03:27 PM

Shocking news, Shane, his family and all of our colleagues at OSAE. You are all in our prayers and have our deepest sympathy. The saying to serve is to lead was Shane. The essence of outstanding service is how timely you respond and the type of service you provide. No one was better than Shane. We all will miss you and what you provided for us and our industry!

Jenn Berry   on Wednesday 02/24/2016 at 04:31 PM

You light shone like a beacon to lead those around you. You were a force that accomplished great things for OSAE. I, selfishly, am glad we had a martini a couple weeks ago. It was an evening of laughs that I will cherish. And a reminder how it can all be gone in the blink of an eye.
Be at peace, my friend, and may your light continue to shine in all those who knew and loved you.

Holly Duckworth   on Wednesday 02/24/2016 at 04:38 PM

As I pause a moment to remember Shane I remember how profoundly he lived, he laughed, and he loved. May we all shine our light a little brighter knowing Shane. May we be reminded to never take one moment for granted. In love and sympathy - Holly

Joan "JT" Tezak   on Wednesday 02/24/2016 at 05:36 PM

I am still in shock that we have lost a dear friend and trusted colleague within the ASA community. Your insight was amazing. It was just a few weeks ago that we laughed and toasted Denver's Super Bowl win. I'll cherish that memory. Shane, you'll be missed!

Gary LaBranche, FASAE, CAE   on Wednesday 02/24/2016 at 06:10 PM

I pray in thanksgiving and rememberance for the life and labors of our colleague and friend. Shane will be missed but his legacy will endure.

Gregory J Fine, CAE   on Wednesday 02/24/2016 at 07:29 PM

The the expression "may his memory be a blessing" could not be a better fit for Shane. In this case, not only a blessing, but an example of a life lived full of passion and enthusiasm. His memory is most certainly a blessing and his legacy lasting.

Jim Thompson   on Wednesday 02/24/2016 at 10:08 PM

As i stated on my Facebook page, the loss of Shane has been a shock. He was a true star in the association community and I loved sharing ideas on how to improve our associations. He was such a light in the world and I am so saddened that his light has been extinguished. However, its just an external light. The internal light of his memory will always shine within us all.

Christie Tarantino-Dean   on Wednesday 02/24/2016 at 10:47 PM

Days after learning of Shane's passing, I'm still in disbelief that we've lost a friend and colleague much too soon. I will always appreciate his warmth and dedication to making a difference. I feel lucky to have known him.

Christopher Hammer   on Wednesday 02/24/2016 at 11:23 PM

I was directed to this page by Jim Paponetti, Executive Director of Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority and Shane's (and my) fraternity brother in Phi Kappa Psi...

The Shane you all knew and loved is the same we had the privilege to call our brother, confidant, and friend. I needed to respond because you all beautifully have captured the essence of a gentleman with wit, humor, and yes, the devilish grin/laugh. Thank you for continuing the legacy of what Shane built for your organization as he did for ours and many others... use his life and his service to others as a model. I will forever miss my brother.... Amici usque ad aras...

Derek Neal   on Thursday 02/25/2016 at 09:20 AM

Shane,

Your gift of somehow making each member feel like they were the sole focus of OSAE was truly remarkable. You always had the time to give advice, encouragement, and motivation to help people along their journey. While we may be able to quantify all the great things you did for OSAE, there is no way to measure all the good you did in your short time on Earth. Rest peacefully knowing you will forever be in the thoughts and prayers of your friends and family.

Brian Birch   on Thursday 02/25/2016 at 09:45 AM

I came up through the ranks at the same time at OSAE as Shane did, and we served together on committee and at the board level...I will miss my friend and one of my first great friends who do the same work as I do...I will miss him.

Jemilah Senter   on Thursday 02/25/2016 at 09:46 AM

Sending sympathy to the family of Shane and the entire OSAE community. Shane left a lasting impression on the association industry. I am honored to have had the opportunity to have met Shane, especially to have been a part of presenting him with a 2014 Forty Under 40 Award.

Alicia LeMasters   on Thursday 02/25/2016 at 09:47 AM

I was saddened to hear of Shane's passing. He brought love, life, and joy every time he walked in the room. I will really miss Shane. My sincerest sympathies to his family.

Theresa Kauser   on Thursday 02/25/2016 at 11:39 AM

Was so sad to hear of Shane's passing. He was indeed a great leader and advocate for OSAE, always showing such energy and enthusiasm! He will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family, friends and fellow OSAE members and staff.

Crystal Walker   on Thursday 02/25/2016 at 12:51 PM

Shane: so saddened to hear of your passing to glory. Yours was a light that shone bright and a personality that displayed the love of Christ for others. May your family be strengthened by prayer and friends to surround them in this time of grief. You will be missed, you are loved and your heart will continue to beat just in another dimension.

Tracy Tompkins   on Thursday 02/25/2016 at 01:39 PM

Shane was a friend, easy to talk to and fun. I will remember our meet-ups at conferences and how much I enjoyed his laugh. He will be missed both personally and professionally.

Kathy Wotruba   on Thursday 02/25/2016 at 02:17 PM

My deepest sympathy to Shane's associates, family and friends. He was such a positive force at OSAE. His enthusiasm for the organization and ability to move it forward were beyond compare. He will be deeply missed.

Natalie Ennis   on Thursday 02/25/2016 at 02:27 PM

Our industry and this world lost a true class act (I like how someone here added "swagger" to explain Shane). Having just attended a CMP Boot Camp in October that Shane so graciously and passionately taught, I will never forget the extra time he spent with me studying some of the items I was struggling with....all while adding in a little humor to it! His memories will live on forever.

Patricia Geary   on Thursday 02/25/2016 at 02:50 PM

Another great, wonderful person taken far too soon. Full of energy, with a smile on his face and an encouraging word. He always made time for others and made many positive impacts on all associations and the members. He'll be missed.

Kelsey Reckless    on Thursday 02/25/2016 at 03:13 PM

Shane's encouragement and passion for this industry will never be forgotten. He will be truly missed.

Lisa Ryan   on Thursday 02/25/2016 at 04:50 PM

I am so sorry to hear of Shane's passing. I worked with him at the last OSAE Conference and loved his energy, his smile and the fun that he was having with the event.

I am grateful to have had the pleasure of knowing Shane during his way too short time on the planet.

Jim Anderson   on Thursday 02/25/2016 at 05:16 PM

It is hard to describe the respect, admiration and sense of deep satisfaction it is to work with a peer that you hold in high regard and enjoy working with. Shane was a credit to our profession - simply a caring and thoughtful person, a good man, a leader and someone I considered a friend.

My deepest condolences to his friends and family.

Jim Anderson
President, California Society of Association Executives

Dave Caperton   on Thursday 02/25/2016 at 07:07 PM

I met Shane for the first time less than a year ago when I spoke for an OSAE luncheon in March. In preparation I learned that Shane was very kind but so focused on the members of his chapter and on the value he expected them to receive that I knew there had to be clear takeaways. That focus and clear communication made a difference in my preparation. I believe it enhanced the experience for the members and I know it did for me. Afterward, I asked if he might be willing to write a quick line or two saying that it was a satisfactory outcome. What Shane responded with was so far beyond my expectations that when I next saw him at a conference in Dayton, I thanked him and told him that his letter was far and away the best crafted testimonial I'd received in 20 years in the business. In the time since, I've met several people who knew Shane better than I would get to and I've learned that his high expectations that inspired one's best efforts and his willingness to go the extra mile in expressing appreciation were the simply the way he lived, the way he led and the way he served. As far as I'm concerned, Shane Yates represented the gold-standard for joyful and compassionate leadership and I feel blessed to have had the privilege of working with him even once.

Kay Frances, MBA   on Thursday 02/25/2016 at 07:51 PM

Shane, I absolutely adored you! What was not to love? You were so good to me and I'll always treasure the letter you wrote to me after I presented for the OSAE conference last summer. It was so witty and heartfelt and just showed what an extraordinary person you were. You will be so missed. RIP dear friend.

wendy herbert   on Thursday 02/25/2016 at 10:06 PM

I was so shocked to hear about Shane. He will be deeply missed. I had the great pleasure of knowing Shane through the Ohio Physical Therapy Association. He was always working to make a difference for the profession and the members. It was an honor to call him a friend. He will be truly missed!!

Edie BENNER    on Friday 02/26/2016 at 07:13 AM

To Shane's family, friends and colleagues,
What to say? Words cannot express the shock I felt when I read about Shane. So young. So full of life! It was so exciting to see Shane grow as a professional with OPTA, and then to progress to Executive Director for OSAE! He loved life and loved his work! I'll never forget his opening our OPTA Leadership meeting with the SPEED DATING ICE BREAKER! Oops, I mean SPEED NETWORKING game! He was always so positive! We had fun doing so many different events; running a 5k in Columbus with our Nancy Garland t-shirts on, planning and working OPTA events and surviving the blizzard that forced all conference attendees to be stuck overnight at the hotel! Shane, we will always smile when we think of you! Miss you! Edie

Denise Ison-Miller   on Friday 02/26/2016 at 09:25 AM

Shane, you will be forever treasured as a wonderful friend, dedicated association professional and highly-respected peer. Our hearts are heavy and we miss you. Heaven is so lucky to have you and I know you will brighten the skies with your smile.

Bryan Hart   on Friday 02/26/2016 at 10:29 AM

I was extremely saddened to hear of Shane's passing. In the short time that I got to know Shane he left a strong impression on me. He was always passionate and completely dedicated to his vision. He was a great leader and will be missed by all who knew him. I will never forget you.

Sandy Spieker   on Friday 02/26/2016 at 11:34 AM

Shane was a wonderful person and an inspiring professional. He made this world a better place in so many ways. I am thankful for everything he was and every interaction I had with him.

Carol Pape, CAE   on Friday 02/26/2016 at 12:04 PM

It was my honor to present a 2014 Association Forum and USAE Forty under 40 Award to Shane. I am saddened to know that the association industry has lost such a bright light. May we all honor him through our continued work.

Thad Plumley   on Friday 02/26/2016 at 02:48 PM

I did not know Shane as long, but in the 15 months or so I did know him I learned a lot. He taught me about about leadership and gave me confidence to strive to be a better professional. I will miss him.

Tracey Edwards   on Friday 02/26/2016 at 03:53 PM

Deeply saddened by this loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you in the office. n behalf of the National Exchange Club, you have our sincere sympathy. Shane will be missed.

Sincerely,
Tracey Edwards

Ron Kleinman, PT, RNG   on Friday 02/26/2016 at 05:11 PM

I was so shocked to hear the news about Shane. As a past President of OPTA I always knew that Shane was always in control. He was always cheerful, helpful and full of life. A great smile and always an idea to make things better and of course more fun !!! Shane, thanks for all you did for not only our profession but all those you touched.

Tim Schaffer   on Friday 02/26/2016 at 06:23 PM

Shane,

I was so shocked and saddened when I heard you left us. It just doesn't seem possible. I can still "hear" your giggling smile through the phone or in meetings!

Your work, enthusiasm, professionalism -- and the relationships you generated -- will continue to yield great things for people all over this nation. You are one of those rare leaders who seems larger than life. I personally appreciate how you encouraged me to get involved in OSAE and will forever be grateful to you.

I offer my personal condolences to your family and friends. May God wrap his loving arms around them and comfort them as they endure your loss.

God bless you, my friend. We will meet again!

Pete Honsberger   on Monday 02/29/2016 at 07:41 AM

I met Shane only a few times through MPI/OSAE meetings, but his friendliness to complete strangers and willingness to chat about the industry left an impression on me. I watched him present at an Education day and was really impressed by his professionalism and passion for his content. He had a twinkle in his eye and a funny quip ready for almost every topic. I enjoyed the short time I knew him.

Mary Tebeau   on Monday 02/29/2016 at 10:55 AM

What a wonderful person! We are saddened by the loss of Shane and will miss his wonderful energy and great attitude. I fell blessed to have been part of the team that hired him in 2011, and he made such a positive difference at OSAE. He had a gift for making everyone comfortable and welcome. Shane, thank you for sharing your life with us.

Amy Showalter   on Thursday 03/03/2016 at 10:18 PM

Shane was one of the good guys. He was always an enthusiastic collaborator whose members' needs were his north star. I loved his infectious humor and forward thinking approach to challenges. He was very encouraging and positive, all with that twinkle in his eye. I am grateful that I had the chance to know and collaborate with Shane. His life is a compelling example to us all. What a loss.

Amy Showalter

Annie Gallagher   on Monday 03/07/2016 at 08:33 AM

“To leave the world a bit better...to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived - that is to have succeeded,” Ralph Waldo Emerson.

I, like so many others, breathed easier because Shane lived his life dedicated to helping people achieve their goals. There is no question that the world is better because Shane was in it. Bravo, Shane!

Michelle Kadisevskis   on Monday 03/14/2016 at 10:34 AM

I attended the March quarterly event, and still expected to see Shane come around the corner, with his infamous grin in place.

I really appreciated reading everyone's comments and am glad to see how he's touched so many of our lives.

He was definitely an inspiration to all of us and will truly be missed.

Shar Wackman   on Tuesday 03/22/2016 at 04:46 PM

Having the chance to work with Shane has been one of the great privileges of my professional career. Having the opportunity to be his friend has been one of the great privileges of my life. How could I not miss that adventuresome spirit, the wicked twinkle in his eyes and the gusto he brought to each experience?

Stephanie Ebbing   on Tuesday 03/29/2016 at 04:46 PM

I worked closely with Shane at OPTA. When he found out that OSAE was in search of an Executive Director, he was determined to get the position. Shane taught me a lot, and I mean a lot. If any had determination, it was Shane. I was glad to follow in his footsteps at our time at OPTA. Shane, you will forever be in my heart. Thank you for everything you taught me.

Julie Keil   on Thursday 03/31/2016 at 03:35 PM

Am almost speechless from shock at learning of Shane's passing. I worked closely with him while he was at OPTA, and I was with Ohio Association of Rehab Facilities, on public policy issues of mutual concern. I gladly let him recruit me for OSAE once he'd moved on, and he did much to facilitate my participation. How sad for us all to lose such a dedicated, professional and kind-hearted soul. We will miss Shane.

Kordell Norton   on Friday 04/08/2016 at 05:08 PM

There are those unique individuals who quietly go about lifting the lives of others . . . without fanfare and pomp. I was the recipient of some of Shane's influence. In a world where we try to make sense of good deeds, his was a perplexing gift. Our world is poorer, but the beyond is better for sure.