Shawn Cody Solberg

It is with profound sadness that the family of Shawn Cody Solberg announces his passing in Drumheller, Alberta, on December 6, 2025, at the age of 60.His irresistible laugh, now silenced, will remain in our memories..

Shawn was the youngest child, born in Drumheller on August 23, 1965, to Stan and Shirley Solberg. In 1966, the family moved to Rosetown, Saskatchewan, where Shawn began school and spent his formative years until 1977, when the Solbergs returned to Drumheller. Shawn completed high school there, graduating in 1983, before attending SAIT in Calgary, where he earned his certification as a Journeyman Electrician.  He returned to Drumheller to work for Scott McKay Contracting and, on November 11, 1996, married Paula Phillips. Together they built a loving home and raised two daughters, his proudest accomplishments, Signe (born January 2000) and Kali (born December 2002).

Shawn’s career reflected his dedication to both his community and his passions. He served as Superintendent at the Dinosaur Trail Golf Course, founded Solberg Landscaping in 2007 and later joined the Town of Drumheller as Parks Foreman in March 2019. He got great satisfaction from using his experience and skills to add to the beauty of his hometown. He was fiercely proud of Drumheller, the valley and the surrounding hills, ravines, and fields.

Shawn was known for his kind nature, his wit, and an infectious laugh that invited in new friends. He was a devoted fan of the Calgary Flames, and was riveted to the TV for the Blue Jays World Series run this fall. The pinnacle of this sports year however was his beloved Saskatchewan Roughriders victory in the Grey Cup. His garage was a gathering place of eclectic personalities and eclectic CKUA was his radio station, so it was common to hear music, the crack of opening beer cans, and raucous laugher coming from inside.
 

Shawn cherished family gatherings, board games with his family and especially spirited rounds of Name That Tune, where his musical knowledge and competitive streak shone. Favourite artists incuded Jerry Jeff Walker, Jimmy Buffet, Linda Ronstadt, The Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, Waylon, The Who and Merle Haggard. As his wife Paula noted, music was almost sacred to Shawn, so it was apt that his last hours were spent with his girls watching music videos.

His interest and curiosity about the natural world made him an avid birder, botanist, and amateur entomologist. He also loved being outdoors and enjoyed countless golfing, camping, hunting, and fishing trips with family and friends. He was creative and had a talent for woodwork and drawing.  Travel was another source of joy, with Hawaii holding a special place in his heart, especially during trips with Paula and his daughters.

Shawn is lovingly remembered by his wife Paula; daughters Signe (Max) and Kali (Talyn); siblings Gary (Donna), Arol, Dave (Elena), Monte (Deb), and Kjelli (Jim) and their families; in-laws Daryl Phillips (Gail), Sharlene Woods, Wendy Vanderveen, Duane Phillips, Terry Phillips,Denise Thiessen (Mike) and their families, Aunt Kaye Rud as well as numerous cherished cousins, incredible friends and coworkers. Cousin Bob Persson was also a close friend and cousins Janis O’Neil and Tammy O’Neil remained close after living with the Solbergs in Rosetown.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Shawn’s honour to CKUA Radio or the Drumheller Humane Society. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the community for their generous gifts of food, friendship, and support during this difficult time.

A service for Shawn will be held at Badlands Community Centre, 80 Veterans Way on Monday, December 15th at 2:00 PM.