Numerous folks were looking for information regarding services or a gathering to remember/celebrate Shane. Thanks to family and friends I have the following information to share if anyone needs it or wants it. Thank you for all those who have reached out, and/or shared stories, memories, or thoughts. Please feel free to continue commenting here as Shane’s life can continue to be written and remembered for some time to come. Thank you.
Update: Celebrating the life of Shane Milianes – Saturday, May 5th, 2018 from 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm at St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center, 329 Camp Merrimac Rd, Contoocook, NH 03229.
April 27, 2018:
It is with tears in my eyes and a heavy heart that I pass on the news that the Goffstown Hockey family, our community, friends, and family have lost a dear one of our own earlier today. Shane Milianes passed away this morning after a long battle with Lou Gehrig Disease (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis – ALS). Shane’s two sons Bryce Milianes (class of 2015) and Theo Milianes (class of 2020) both have played varsity hockey for the Grizzlies and both have worn the uniform #3. We will miss Shane’s smile around the rinks throughout NH. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.
I encourage any who wish to comment or share stories of Shane to do so here in the comments section. (I am sharing a few pictures that were shared with me by close friends and family.)
https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/shane-milianes-obituary?pid=188905461
Shane Milianes Obituary
Shane Milianes died on Friday, April 27, 2018 after living beautifully and courageously with ALS for 4 years. He fit a full lifetime’s worth into his 46 years, by loving fully and caring deeply about his passions: his family, hockey, the outdoors, music and cooking. As Shane always said, “Food is love.”
Shane was born in 1972 in Concord, New Hampshire to Jewel L’Esperance and Thomas Milianes. He spent the first half of his childhood in Concord, riding bikes with his friends and stopping in at his grandparents’ bakery – Betsy’s, on Loudon Road. Shane moved from Concord to Londonderry at the age of 12 and graduated from Londonderry High School in 1990. During his Londonderry years, Shane became close with Mike Cook, a.k.a. “Friday.” Friday became like family to Shane. Shane’s innate honesty, trust, empathy and humor drew people to him. When Shane became close to someone, his loyalty was lifelong. When he was by your side in friendship, he was truly by your side – and unwavering.
From the time he could walk, Shane was in the kitchen, starting with his grandparents’ bakery. As a small boy in the pack ‘n play, he learned how to make rolled dough with his Papous. He began working in his family donut stand at the Hopkinton State Fair, a tradition that would last a lifetime and extend to the Deerfield, Fryeburg and Sandwich Fairs. People lined up year after year for those famous jumbo donuts. He studied in the culinary program at NHC for two years, then decided to venture into the real world, working in several kitchens around NH. Along the way, he was lucky to land in the kitchen of Chef David Smith, a true mentor to him. He worked at Whippersnappers for several years where he eventually came to run the kitchen. True to Shane’s understated style, he preferred the term “kitchen manager” to the more formal “Chef.” Shane went on to run the kitchen at the Common Man in Concord where he would be for seven years. It was in this kitchen that he met the love of his life, Kara Byrne.
One of the things that Kara admired about Shane was his love and adoration of his two sons, Bryce and Theo. His heart and life revolved around them. He took great joy in watching them play hockey from a young age. He coached in their leagues and built a backyard hockey rink for them winter after winter. From the age of 4, Kiernan Byrne became the third tiny planet in Shane’s orbit – and Shane loved to watch Kier play baseball, football and lacrosse as he grew.
Shane and Kara spent 13 years together, raising their boys in Contoocook, NH, gardening, splitting wood and travelling. When he was given the diagnosis of ALS, Shane and Kara looked at their twist in the road, took each other’s hand, and got down to the business of sucking the marrow out of life. Shane worked as long as he could, running the kitchen at the Concord Country Club – passionate as always about food and people. As his body changed, they started the famous “Wheelchair Tour” – from Coast to Coast, and down to New Orleans for JazzFest, with concerts and Bruins games in between. His sense of adventure and strength was palpable right up until the very end. Kara was there, by his side, every day, making it happen.
Many people came to support Shane and his family over the years. They are grateful to every one of them, and especially thankful to two women: Mary Anne Byrne, and Jewel L’Esperance. Their mothers were present and helpful in the most practical, capable, spirited and loving way.
Bolstered by the support of people who love him, Shane was able to stay within the beating heart of his passions. His group of friends was by his side – stalwart, steadfast and wild. Even up to last spring, Shane’s inner circle of guys set out for their yearly canoe trip down the Saco River. He could walk only a few steps, but the guys happily portaged him down the river: Shane in a kilt, drinking beer, cracking jokes, with a smile on his face.
Shane was able to be drummed home, listening to his cousin, Konah Azure of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewas in North Dakota, drumming the Chippewa Traveling Song. Shane is survived by his mother, Jewel L’Esperance, his father and stepmother Tom Milianes and Deb Geary and brother Thomas, his wife Kara Byrne and their sons, Bryce Milianes, Theodore Milianes, and Kiernan Byrne.
SERVICES: A celebration of Shane’s life will be held at St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center, 329 Camp Merrimac Rd. in Contoocook, NH on Saturday, May 5, from 3-8pm. Loved ones are welcome to come to all or part of the celebration. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Compassionate Care ALS, at ccals.org.
Published in Union Leader on May 4, 2018
Sarah says
We are going to miss Shane so very much and his devotion and love for hockey and watching his son Theo play for the remainder of his High School career. The loss of a parent is like no other and the roller coaster to come will be challenging at time. I for one know the loss of losing a dad at the age of 7 and then my mother at 35 yo. I don’t care what age you are, it’s not easy losing someone that means the world to you. Peace, love and hugs to the Milianes Family
Steve Beal Sr. says
Thank you for sharing Sarah.
Deb Marcou says
Shane was a great guy and he will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Steve Beal Sr. says
Thank you.
Karen Charron & Family says
We have lost a good man today. I am happy that I had the opportunity to know Shane. I have no words, only a heavy heart. My deepest of sympathies to Bryce, Theo and the entire Milianes Family.
Steve Beal Sr. says
Thank you, Karen & family. I feel the same way.
Shana Perry says
From our Hockey family to yours, we are truly sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you Grizzlies.🏒🙏
Steve Beal Sr. says
Thank you.
Nick Therrien says
I’m shocked and didn’t know about his ALS. I feel like it was just yesterday that I was coaching Theo at the JFK and WSA. Shane was always a positive light and he loved talking hockey. I’m sad to hear of his passing. May he Rest In Peace from this terrible disease. God bless!
Steve Beal Sr. says
I’m sorry you had to learn of this here. Thank you for sharing Nick.
Sarah says
Nick, so many good memories of you being Griffin’s coach and that’s where we met Shane & Theo.
Cathy Berube says
Thank you for sharing Steve. We don’t know the family but they will be in our prayers today and in the days to come❤️ God Bless
Steve Beal Sr. says
Thank you Cathy.
Peg Seguin says
I remember Shane in high school as being quiet and shy. He was a good hearted person and smiled alot. I appreciate that he was always kind to me. Prayers go out to his family. R.I.P. Shane
Steve Beal Sr. says
Thank you for sharing this.
Brian Silvia says
I’m sitting here and I’m too stunned to type. So I’m just going with what’s in my mind right now. Shane was a very close friend in High School. Whether we were “questing” or just hanging out with the crew (Shane, Friday, Andy, terry, and more) listening to GnR or Alice Cooper… he was a good friend. His smile was infectious and he always had a quick wit. We drifted apart after high school, but I always had fond thoughts of those days. My heart goes out to his family….
Brian “Moose”
Will there be services?
Steve Beal Sr. says
Brian, thank you for sharing this. I’ll update info when I have it. Thanks again, I’m sorry for your loss.
Joy Maglio says
To my fellow “Venturer” back in high school. You had a great smile and a badass rock star persona with the outfits to match. We had matching tails. I’m sorry I did not keep in touch through the years. My prayers and condolences to the family.
Steve Beal Sr. says
Thank you for sharing.