Shawn D. Golden

Shawn D. Golden, 55, passed away on Tuesday after a long battle with complications from an illness he originally suffered from in 2015. His wife of almost 34 years, Debbie, was by his side. Shawn was born in Richmond, CA and grew up in San Pablo until his family moved to Pinole when he was six. He attended Ellerhorst, Juan Crespi and Pinole Valley High. It was while he was a Junior at PVHS that he met Debbie. Shawn’s friend, Chris, needed a date for his Sr. Prom so Shawn and his girlfriend at the time set them up. After prom was over during the summer of ‘83 Shawn’s girlfriend broke up with him and after Debbie found out she called Shawn. Shawn wasn’t home but he ended up driving to Debbie’s house later and… Shawn was a member of the Ironworkers Local 378 for 35 years and had retired in October and was made a Lifetime member. His storied career began at the mere age of 19 when he joined the apprenticeship. His dad, Bill, took him down and put him to work because he had become a new dad and needed a job to support a family. Shawn’s work ethic and drive landed him a job with his dream company Bigge Crane and Rigging in 1994. He worked as a union contractor at the Chevron Richmond Refinery and really liked being able to commute to the same location everyday after many years of long commutes to the South Bay and beyond. His dedication, knowledge and leadership skills eventually led him into a management role with Bigge. While supposedly only temporary, this management role lasted until 2020 when due to ongoing health issues he retired. Shawn was an avid race fan so much so that he bought a quarter midget for our son, Billy, at the age of 5. Our family went racing almost every weekend for almost 10 years. He enjoyed NASCAR, F1, Indy, NHRA, Sprint cars, you name it. If it had wheels Shawn loved it and either watched it on tv or was at the track. From our annual drag racing events at Sears Point to our season tickets at Bristol he loved racing as did the rest of us. Shawn also loved camping and his Schipperkes. His love for the outdoors was nurtured by his parents who would take the family to state campgrounds and stop to see the largest ball of string or other oddities on their adventures. Shawn shared this with our children and their love of the outdoors and camping continues. He is survived by Debbie, his wife of 33 years, daughter Amber (Jason), son Billy (Megan), mother Anna, brother Michael, sister Lorrie White (Mark), sister Denise Terry (Chris), granddaughter Ryleigh, dog Vinnie, along with many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Bill, sister Janise, and dog JD. Due to COVID-19 and limited space, services will be private. To honor Shawn’s memory, the family prefers donations be made to the existing college fund for his granddaughter, Ryleigh, and any future grandchildren. Shawn felt education was very important. Donations may be sent to: Lorrie White 3051 Garden Hwy Sacramento, CA 95833 Please make payable to: Lorrie White beneficiary Ryleigh Moore If you prefer to make a donation directly from your bank please contact Debbie. Go Gators!!

Shawn D. Golden

September 28, 1965 - June 8, 2021