GORHAM – Shawn Kirk Barden passed away unexpectedly at the age of 51, at his home in Gorham on Sunday, July 2, 2023.

Shawn is survived by his four children, Evan, Lily, Lauren and Maddie Barden; his mother, Elizabeth Alexander; and his loving fiancé, Sheena Myers and her two children, Jimmy and Kimberly Perkins.

Shawn was born in Portsmouth, N.H. on March 31, 1972. He graduated from Gardiner Area High School in 1990, and in 1994 he graduated from Southern Maine Technical College. From there he worked for Fairchild Semiconductor in applications for over 20 years. From 2020 until he passed away, he worked as an Applications Scientist for Yokogawa Fluid Imaging Technologies in Scarborough. He was hard working, and dedicated to his job. He was quick to pick up on everything he learned, and quick to teach and share his knowledge as well. As proud as his profession made him, being a father to his four children made him much more proud.

It’s hard to put into a few simple words who Shawn Barden was. He was a bright light always, and everywhere he went. He was brilliant, unique and had a soft heart. A wonderful son, a devoted father, a loving fiancé, and a friend to so many. He also left behind his beloved cat, Bella, who he loved so much and who loved him right back. To know Shawn was to love him. He was a man of integrity, honor and intelligence beyond measure. He was patient, kind and generous to anyone that came into his path. He had a way of making people feel included and understood. A man who left this life giving far more than he ever took. Anyone who got to know Shawn walked away a richer person and he left each of us better just for having known him. His loved ones meant everything to him. He had planned to marry the love of his life, Sheena, in September this year. Although they can no longer do that, she will carry his love in her heart from now on.

His sharp and equally goofy sense of humor will live on through those of us who were so lucky to have him in our lives. He will be loved and missed forever. The immense grief we feel due to his sudden absence is just a reminder of how much of a treasure Shawn truly was to us. We will try to take comfort in knowing that although his life was too short, he really lived it, and loved it. There are some things words cannot express, and although we can’t say everything we feel for Shawn in a few sentences, we will move forward in our lives with the intentions of honoring his, because he deserves nothing less. We would like not to say “Goodbye”, but instead “We’ll see you on the other side.”

A celebration of life will be held at 7 Railroad Ave., 4th floor in Gorham on Sunday July 30, at 2 p.m. We hope to celebrate and honor Shawn and the love and happiness he brought to so many.

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