Shannon Childs, 50, of McKinleyville passed away surrounded by family and friends on June 15, 2026.  Shannon was born in San Bernardino to Marilyn (Hastings) and David Childs. In 2002 Shannon completed his master’s degree in kinesiology with an emphasis in sports medicine, and began his career as the head athletic trainer at Cal Poly Humboldt. It was his life’s work to care for student athletes, and it was evident that he loved every minute of it.  

He married his wife, Vicky, in 2001, and together they raised two remarkable children — Aidan (23) and Keely (19). Shannon’s kids were his greatest source of pride. He enjoyed a good concert, cooking on the smoker, drinking an IPA with friends and mountain biking when he had the chance to get away from his obligations. He loved his annual Cultus Lake vacation with friends and family, paddle boarding, fishing, and Giants and Crabs baseball.  

Shannon was the best in so many facets of his life: a dedicated husband, father, son and family man, a remarkable friend, and a source of comfort and help for the many people he came into contact with.  He was so very loved and his loss is immeasurable.

He is survived by his wife, Vicky; children, Aidan and Keely; mother, Marilyn, and step-father, Butch, of Rialto, Calif.; father David and step-mother Sherry of Highland, Calif.; sister Sherry (Mike) of Spring Hill, Tenn.; step-sisters Paula (Jimmy) of Missouri, Sandy of Tennessee  and Renee (Courtney) of Washington; step-brother Randy (Rachel) of California; and a large extended family.  

A celebration of life will be held on September 6th at 11 a.m. at Cal Poly Humboldt’s Redwood Bowl. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Shannon Childs Athletic Training Endowment through Cal Poly Humboldt, the funds for which will go toward furthering Shannon’s work in athletic training for years to come.