It was once said that a man dies twice, once when their spirit moves on into the next world and then a second time when their name is spoken for the final time.
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Shawn Michael Major passed away in June but his name will live on in this world for a long time yet.
His spirituality towards people, culture, art, music and community was second to none.
His life began on February 5, 1968 in Cloncurry, son of Margaret Ah Sam and Sidney Major.
At the age of four his family moved to Mount Isa and his mother met Phil Roos where they created a home together.
Phil Roos went on to be one of the greatest influences on Shawn throughout his life.
Shawn's love of fishing and country continued during his adolescence and he went on to work on stations becoming known as an exceptional horseman and cattleman.
Shawn met the love of his life Roslyn during high school, but it was not until 1988 when they became a couple.
From there they had three children Lacreicha, Lacoata and Shawn Jr.
Shawn's biggest passion in life was his culture.
He focused a lot of his time on the preservation of culture through education of young people.
This showed through his long list of achievements with his community.
He was a youth worker at the Homeless Youth Shelter and taught at TAFE, early childhood education centres and schools.
His aid for the homeless continued with stints in Townsville and Brisbane where he volunteered for homeless programs.
These efforts continued in Mount Isa when he worked with agencies such as Anglicare, Uniting Care, Young People Ahead and the Flexible Learning Centre and even to the point where he began his own cultural teaching business.
His achievements included a nomination for a C&K Queensland Reconciliation Award, performing didgeridoo on stage with Troy Cassar-Daley, working with journalist Stan Grant and creating the sunset dreaming dance group.
At this year's Gulf Country Frontier Days Festival in Burketown, Shawn's life was celebrated and mourned in front of hundreds of people who paid their respects.
Then the 2019 Mount Isa Community Services Ball it was an announced there would be a cultural award named after Shawn.
Mr Major once said:
"We were the richest people in the world because we had each other. We had a beautiful life travelling the country, meeting people and catching up with family so our kids knew their connections strongly."
Shawn Michael Major died of a rare form of cancer aged 51, on June 19, 2019.
His passing has left a legacy that will live on for many years.
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Aidan Green
Aidan Green is a Journalist for the North West Star. Aidan is a sports fanatic and also has interests in globalisation and political science. If you have a scoop shoot him an email a.green@northweststar.com.au
Aidan Green is a Journalist for the North West Star. Aidan is a sports fanatic and also has interests in globalisation and political science. If you have a scoop shoot him an email a.green@northweststar.com.au
