Mr. Morris W. Shanahan

In Loving Memory of Morris “Morry” Shanahan April 21, 1950 – August 3, 2026 Morris “Morry” William Shanahan, 76, passed away on August 3 in Albany, New York, following complications from pneumonia. Born in Tacoma, Washington, into a close-knit extended family, Morry beat the odds from his earliest days. He grew up immersed in the outdoors—spending his childhood fishing, hunting, and exploring nature, and, most importantly, sharing the fruits of those labors with his community. Morry often expressed gratitude for these formative years, offering special thanks to his father, who instilled in him his core values and sense of morality. Morry earned his undergraduate degree at Western Washington University, where he studied physiological and behavioral psychology, and later earned a master’s degree in psychology from the University of Canterbury. His early work reflected his deep empathy and unwavering belief in people. He was particularly proud of his efforts implementing a regional behavioral support program for children in and around Tacoma. After college, at age 23, Morry left the United States and ultimately settled in New Zealand, drawn by the country’s natural beauty. Even when settled in one place, he remained an avid traveller, visiting more than 50 countries. A man with a distinctive voice and a sharp intellect, Morry built a distinguished career in radio as a DJ and program director, helping establish successful stations nationally and internationally. He later transitioned into academia at the New Zealand Broadcasting School, where he spent years mentoring, training, and inspiring aspiring broadcasters. He took immense pride in watching his former students thrive across the media landscape. He also spent many years consulting with and mentoring broadcasters throughout the Pacific region, where he built lifelong friendships. Known affectionately by his family as “the man with nine lives,” Morry was a true survivor who met every challenge with remarkable determination and a refusal to let adversity keep him from living fully. Over his lifetime, he overcame numerous serious health challenges, including four types of cancer, major surgeries, and other life-altering medical events, as well as significant hardships such as the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes and a sudden cardiac arrest while visiting New York City. Through it all, he showed remarkable strength and resilience. In his final chapter, Morry returned to his native United States to fight a rare form of kidney cancer and receive specialized treatment unavailable in New Zealand. Morry lived by a standard of deep gratitude, reminding others, “Don’t leave it too late to thank those people who made you the best person you could be.” When reflecting on the lessons he wished to leave behind, he shared: “Be kind, mindful, learn all you can, contribute to society, and make a significant difference in at least one person’s life. And always pay it forward.” Outside his professional and academic pursuits, Morry was an avid trout fisherman, an enthusiastic reader, and a devoted fan of the Seattle Seahawks. Above all, he cherished the time he spent with his family and grandchildren. Morry is survived by his beloved wife of 34 years, Yvonne; his daughters, Holly, Kiri (Craig), and Margot (Vincent); his cherished grandchildren, Murphy, Rohen, Vie, and Abel; his brother, Bob (Robin); his nieces and nephews, whom he loved like his own; and dear friends who became family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Barbara and William “Bill” Shanahan, and his sister, Mary Ann Bartenetti. Details regarding the celebration of Morry’s life in New Zealand will be announced by the family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rare Cancer Research Foundation or the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation.

Mr. Morris W. Shanahan

April 21, 1950 - August 3, 2026