Remembering Michael Shaun Dolan — A Life Filled with Music, Friendship, and Laughter
This section includes announcements of important events in our lives–births, graduations, engagements, marriages, and deaths. If you want to share an event with your community, please send a photo and a written piece to [email protected].
Michael Shaun “Shaun” Dolan
April 14, 1965 – July 28, 2025Michael Shaun Dolan, affectionately known to most as “Shaun,” was loved just as much as “Milt” or S.D.” left us much too soon on Monday, July 28, 2025. He was born on April 14th, 1965, in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Columbia, Maryland. Shaun had passions for sports, music, and spreading smiles. He loved the Grateful Dead, The Meters, The Baltimore Orioles, and the Washington Redskins.
Shaun attended Atholton High School before graduating from St. Vincent Pallotti High School. He excelled as both a baseball and football player. He continued his athletic journey at Salem University on a partial baseball scholarship. After college, Shaun’s adventurous path took him to Ocean City, Maryland. He made his way to Eureka, California, via Allentown, Pennsylvania, Lake Tahoe, and San Francisco. Shaun’s web of love and friendships spread far and wide. Shaun found his true calling in the music industry. His talent for booking and promoting musical acts was invaluable to many bands who appreciated his hard work. From George Porter of the Meters, Melvin Seals of the Jerry Garcia Band, and many others. Perhaps one of his best-known accomplishments was the “Las Tortugas” festival, hosted at the Evergreen Lodge near Yosemite National Park.
Shaun is survived first and foremost by his daughter, Avery, who was the light of his life and the pride of his heart. He is also survived by his sister Erin Leishear and stepbrothers, Bob Newman and Scott Hildreth, and countless friends.
Shaun will be remembered as a beloved father, friend, teammate, mentor, coach, umpire, and presence at many community and musical gatherings. Whether on the sports field, enlivening the Medieval Fair, or dancing with you at a live show, Shaun’s presence brought people together and filled every gathering with warmth and laughter. His wide circle of friends is a testament to his generous spirit and irrepressible humor.
Shaun’s family and friends invite all who knew him to remember his vibrant spirit—with music, laughter, and stories shared in his honor.
A Celebration of Life/Memorial will be held on October 18th, 2025, at the Septentrio Winery, beginning at 12:00 p.m., for close friends and family. There will be a fundraising celebration, including music for all, starting at 6:00 pm
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That’s a great picture of Shaun! Bummer of a loss for us. He was definitely good people. We had many conversations over the years about the scene here and elsewhere and he had enough salt to discern good folk from the posers or predators. He was more generous than I lol! His daughter’s arrival sweetened his outlook. She was the love of his life and he became one of the most positive people I’ve known. Every time spent with him left me also feeling positive. Fare thee well, Shaun! Love you, brother….
Hey Now! The celebration will be held at The Barrel Room…NOT at the winery!! It’s a common mistake but they are 2 different locations. The Barrel Room is also owned by Septentrio so yes the mistake is common. The Septentrio Barrel Room is located next to Salt, across from Hensels Hardware…
Dude had a big heart and did a lot for the local community, rip