Shawn Michael Brann, 60, of Wellington, Colorado, passed away on April 10, 2026, under hospital care in Denver, Colorado.
Shawn was born on September 28, 1965, in Denver, Colorado. He spent his childhood in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, and Palmyra, Pennsylvania. Shawn formed a close bond with Bryan Slaymaker in middle school, who became not only his best friend but also his brother-in-law.
As a teenager, Shawn worked at the Playhouse Roller Skating Rink in Scottsbluff. He graduated from Scottsbluff High School in 1983 and went on to study electrical engineering at Southeast Community College in Milford, Nebraska. He then returned to Scottsbluff to work for Western Office Supply.
At just 19 years old, Shawn became a volunteer with the Scottsbluff City Volunteer Fire Department, igniting what would become a deeply meaningful and lifelong career in fire service. He served with the Scottsbluff Fire Department for nearly nine years, then became a Deputy State Fire Marshal for the State of Nebraska.
In 1992, Shawn married the love of his life, Tracy Slaymaker, at St Andrew's Episcopal Church in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Together, they built a life centered on love, commitment, and family over 34 wonderful years of marriage.
In 1997, Shawn and Tracy moved to Fort Collins, where he was hired by Poudre Fire Authority. They later settled in Wellington, where they built their home and family. They welcomed their daughter Jordyn in 2000, and son Jared in 2002
Shawn continued his career in fire service with Poudre Fire Authority, where he rose to the rank of Captain. He retired with full honors in January 2018 at the age of 52. True to his work ethic, he retired on a Friday and began a new chapter the following Monday as a full-time fire investigator with a private inspection firm, S.E.A. Limited.
Shawn's dedication to protecting others, both in active service and in investigation work, left a lasting impact on his community and colleagues. His PFA family remained close to him throughout his retirement, offering support, sharing memories, and standing by his side during his final days.
Outside his career, Shawn was passionate about spending time with family and friends. He loved camping and boating, often spending weekends at lakes across Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and skiing. Shawn had a deep appreciation for music, especially Pink Floyd and The Eagles, but enjoyed all kinds of music. He never passed up a good conversation, especially when it came to talking politics. Whether grilling meals outdoors or piloting his beloved tri-toon, Shawn created countless joyful memories with those he loved.
He will be remembered for his strength, sense of humor, loyalty, and the deep love he had for his family.
Shawn is survived by his wife of 34 years, Tracy; daughter Jordyn (fiancé Justin Koskie); and son Jared. He is also survived by his mother, Barbara Brann; his father, William (Patty) Brann; his father, Barry (Carolyn) Elliott; parents-in-law Keith and Glenda Slaymaker; siblings Lisa Brann; Scott (Michelle) Brann; Matt (Meg) Brann; Zach (Pierinna) Brann; Oleg Brann; Nancy (Barrie) McCorkle; Robin Elliott; and John Elliott; brothers-in-law, Cris (Tammy) Slaymaker and Bryan (Karen) Slaymaker, along with numerous nieces and nephews, and a plethora of close friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Henry and Ida Kuntz; Phillip and Marie Brann; and Robert and Luetta Elliott.
A viewing and celebration of life will be held on Monday, April 13, 2026, at the Best Western Plus, 5542 E. US Hwy 34, Loveland, CO. The viewing will take place from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., with a celebration of life at 2:00 p.m. and reception immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may contribute to a family support fund in Shawn's memory:
https://gofund.me/b46fc146d