Shawn Ivan Albretsen

Shawn Ivan Albretsen was born on April 14, 1970, in Ogden, Utah to Jerry Don and Sarah Louise (Sally).  He grew up in the Ogden area and graduated from Ben Lomond High School.  Throughout his life, he lived in Ogden, Harrisville, Jackson WY, Pleasant View, Midway, and South Ogden.

Shawn and Colette Code met when they were just 16 years old, while they were both working at Wendy’s in Ogden.  They were soulmates and were married on August 4, 1989.  Shawn and Colette were always a team, always together, always inspiring others.

Along with Colette, Shawn was the proud father of two boys, who he loved with his whole heart: Tyler Shawn and Codey Dale.  Codey’s wife, Tara, held a very special place in his heart.  Shawn enjoyed watching them grow up into the adults they are today, teaching them and sharing his knowledge, and just spending time with them.  All three of them brought him great joy. Colette, Tyler, Codey, and Tara meant everything to Shawn.

Shawn loved dogs and all dogs loved him. The family dogs brought him immeasurable comfort and companionship; they were all members of his family, especially his beloved Mia.

Shawn was a dedicated BMX and soccer dad, traveling all over the United States with his boys, happy to be the support crew for them and their friends.  He was the typical sports dad, never able to sit in a chair and watch, but always moving up and down the field or around the track, loudly cheering them on in all of their endeavors.  Shawn and Colette really cherished that they were able to spend their vacations with their children, supporting their interests.  A few favorite trips include San Francisco, Arizona, St. George, Chula Vista, and Hawaii.  The Albretsens “adopted” so many other BMXers and soccer players who traveled with them around the country and benefitted from Shawn’s support and kindness.

Shawn had a close bond with his siblings and their extended families.  Since he stopped working full-time, he grew even closer to his sisters Teresa and Debbie.  He loved all of his siblings and their extended families very much.  He had fond memories of their Christmas parties and looked forward to gathering with his big Albretsen family.  Throwing a great party is in the Albretsen DNA.

Family was very important to Shawn, and he was considered a treasured member of Colette’s family.  The words ‘in-law’ didn’t matter, he was a son to Shar and Dale, a brother to Shawna and Brent, and went beyond uncle for Sterling and Ashton.  He embraced the Codes as his own family and likewise, they embraced him.

Shawn worked for Big-D Construction for most of his life, starting when he was 18 years old.  He made countless friends, and served as a mentor to others, during his more than 30-year career with Big-D.  Shawn was truly a builder who was invested in something bigger than himself, the success of the company, and the success of each individual who worked there.  He always considered Big-D family.  

In addition to being a father, husband, son, brother, and uncle, he was a best friend. He enjoyed nothing more than hanging out with his friends and family.  Shawn was the ultimate host and always the life of the party.  Some of his favorite spots were under the stars around a campfire, riding his Harley in the mountains, and being connected with nature and loved ones. He may have looked tough, but he was really just a big softie.  He enjoyed cheering for the Denver Broncos and the Utah Jazz.

Countless friends and family members have reached out with beautiful tributes that have brought much comfort to the family.  Some of the common threads from those comments were that Shawn was a hard worker dedicated to something bigger than himself. That he was as humble and honest as he was hardworking. He is remembered as being fun, larger than life, having a great sense of humor, with a wonderful smile and gentle spirit.  He was generous, kind, and well-loved.  He made friends easily; even people who hadn’t known him for long considered him an immediate lifelong friend.

A couple of years prior to his death, Shawn suffered a traumatic brain injury.  During the last few years of his life, he wasn’t able to do all of the same things he had previously done, but he found great comfort, calm, peace, friendship, and independence at the cabin, riding around in his side-by-side visiting with the cabin neighbors.  He would have loved to have lived full-time at the cabin.  While he lived with the side effects and pain from that injury every day for the remainder of his life, this particular battle and struggle doesn’t define his life or his legacy. 

Shawn would want you to know that each and every one of you is loved and valued.  His family shares this belief.  If you are struggling or battling with something, know that you are not alone.  If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, or experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 988.

Shawn passed away at his home on Sunday, May 7th, 2023.

He joins many cherished family members in heaven, including his parents; his brother, Jack Albretsen; his father-in-law, Dale Code; and his brother-in-law, Brent Code.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 19, 2023,at 2:00 p.m., at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd.  Friends may visit with the family on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Friday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., at the mortuary.

Immediately following the funeral, Shawn's family will lead a procession to a Celebration of Life Open House. Extended family and friends are invited to join the procession and or drop in between 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. at The River View Ranch, 5800 Adams Avenue Parkway

Services will be live-streamed and available by scrolling to the bottom of Shawn’s obituary page.

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