Former teacher being remembered

A popular former teacher who passed away Sept. 29 in Vale, S.D., is being remembered with a celebration of life ceremony this weekend.

Neal Shanahan was a teacher at several Valley schools. He retired from the Mat-Su School District in 1997, and organizers expect to have many of his former students and coworkers in attendance.

"He touched the lives of a lot of young Alaskans," said Kim Badger, who is helping organize the event. "We're hoping people bring a little statements to read about how Neal touched their lives and made a difference in the community."

Shanahan retired to South Dakota where he enjoyed hunting his Blue Tick and Walker Hound dogs, playing golf and riding his Harley in the Black Hills.

During his teaching career, he taught in Iguigig, Clark's Point, Bristol Bay and Nulato on the Yukon River before he settled with his family in Palmer. In Palmer, he raised his two sons, Lee and Jerome. He became an avid hockey coach, active father, a dedicated and professional colleague, an outdoorsman, high school counselor, and a youth and adult substance abuse counselor, organizers said.

He taught at Wasilla High School from 1978-1984, at Palmer High School from 1984-1993 and he helped develop the Alternative To Suspension Program (ATS) from 1993-1994. He wrapped up his teaching career at Colony High School, from 1995 to 1997.

"He made a difference in most of the lives he passed through. He will be missed but not forgotten," Badger said.

The celebration of life is scheduled for 2 p.m. tomorrow at the Colony High School theater. A potluck will follow in the commons area. People can e-mail organizers at kathy@therecoveryconnection.com or kim@therecoveryconnection.com for more information. Brief statements will be collected and included in the program.