JOHN SHAUL

June 5, 1934 - May 6, 2009
SOUTH BEND - John Shaul peacefully passed away while fulfilling his dream of sailing the Great Loop and Beyond. He died aboard his beloved sailboat, the Mariposa, on May 6, 2009, in Boot Key Harbor, Marathon, FL. Captain John as he was affectionately called is survived by his former wife and close friend, Marilyn of South Bend, IN; their son, Frederick of Santa Clara, CA; their daughter, Pamela of Stamford, CT; and three grandchildren, Henry, Connor and Samantha.

Capt. John was born in South Bend, IN, in 1934 and was preceded in death by his parents, Emmet and Martha Vinning Shaul, as well as his two brothers, Milton and Brandt.

He attended Central High School, was drafted into the Army and served in Germany. Upon his return he married and completed his degree from Purdue University. John spent his career working at Shaul Wholesale Plumbing and Heating and was respected as an honest and fair person by all. John touched the lives of many people. He was the ultimate dreamer and doer and challenged his friends to live life to the fullest. His early involvement included Presbyterian Players, the South Bend Community School Corporation Building Trades Program, the Unitarian Church and the American Red Cross.

He and his family hosted many foreign students at Notre Dame and two high school foreign exchange students. Many years were spent being a Boy Scout leader for Troop 453 and later for the Explorer Post. John is remembered by many young persons for his numerous high adventure excursions-like trips out West, spelunking in southern Indiana, lots of canoeing and skiing, but most of all for his annual sailing trips to the Bahamas for spring break. John was a good listener, adviser and second father to many of these youth.

After retirement Capt. John founded Shaul Sails in South Haven, MI, and earned his USCG Captain's license. He spent the last 12 years sharing his love of sailing with friends, family and countless charter customers...even performing a few marriage ceremonies on board! Capt. John was very involved with the South Bend Sail and Power Squadron, the South Haven Harbor Commission, and the Maritime Museum in South Haven, MI. In late 2001, Captain John and friends sailed the Mariposa from South Haven via New York to the Bahamas where they spent the winter making new friends and hosting old ones before bringing Mariposa back home. In October 2008, he started his next adventure going down the Mississippi out into the Gulf of Mexico and down to Florida, plotting a course to Lake Izabal, Guatemala. He was a peaceful man whose lifetime joy was helping others. Capt. John was a man impeccable to his word. Most of all he enjoyed being a Grandpa. Henry, Connor and Samantha were the lights of his life. Everyone will remember Capt. John for his exciting and interesting stories and adventures.

In lieu of flowers, the family has established the John Shaul Memorial Fund at the Michigan Maritime Museum, which will benefit the museum and the historic tall ship, Friends Good Will. Donations may be sent to the Michigan Maritime Museum, 260 Dyckman Road, South Haven, MI 49090. A memorial service will be held at the First Unitarian Church in South Bend, IN, located at 101 East North Shore Drive, on Friday, May 22, 2009, at 11 a.m. A reception will follow. Welsheimer Family Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Published by South Bend Tribune on May 17, 2009.

03/01/2023 EJS