Recent Obituaries

Shane Paul Jason McDaid, 59, of Sacramento, California, passed away on March 16, 2026.

Shane was born on October 11, 1966, in Inglewood, California. Raised by his mother, Juliet, he later gained a devoted father when she married Robert in 1983.

He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and Media Studies, graduating magna cum laude from California State University, Sacramento in 1995. Driven by a passion for education, he was actively pursuing a Master’s degree in Communication Studies at California State University, Sacramento.

Even before graduating, Shane demonstrated a pioneering spirit, serving as the European Editor for the Paris office of FAD Magazine in 1992 and 1993, and photographing fashion and art across Europe. A visionary well ahead of his time, Shane founded one of the earliest online marketing and website design companies, ESSE New Media, in 1995—long before the internet became widely understood. His innovative work included creating Auto-Site.com, one of the first auto sales websites, and FantasyFootball98.com, an early fantasy sports platform. Over the years, he built countless websites and remained at the forefront of emerging technology.

In 2008, Shane founded POWERIT.ORG, an organization dedicated to environmental sustainability and bridging the digital divide. Through this work, he recycled electronic waste into reliable, open-source computer systems and provided both equipment and training to underserved communities, empowering others to participate in the connected world.

Through McDaid Systems Consulting, Shane continued his passion for technology by helping individuals and businesses set up networks and troubleshoot computer systems, always offering his knowledge with generosity and care.

Shane recently developed a nonprofit organization, Fall2Flight, which aimed to use cutting-edge technology, including artificial intelligence, to support those living with PTSD and chronic pain. Inspired by his own journey with these conditions, he found healing through the transformative power of flow states. His daughter, Madeleine, will continue carrying this vision forward.

Shane shared over 42 years of love and partnership with his wife, Janette, whom he had been with since high school. He was a devoted father to his daughter, Madeleine, and a cherished father-in-law to Vincent.

He lived a life full of curiosity, creativity, and compassion. Shane found joy in photography, music, songwriting, art, writing, flying drones, fishing, boating, the ocean, the river, animals, movies, philosophy, shooting, technology, politics, finance, and current events. He loved attending concerts, throwing gatherings such as tiki parties, spending time with family and friends, and swimming with his daughter. He especially cherished the time he spent living at his home on the Sacramento River, where he found peace, beauty, and a deep connection to nature. Despite living with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Shane never allowed it to limit his sense of adventure or appreciation for the beauty of life. Flying drones, in particular, gave him the freedom to explore the world in ways his body could not.

Known for his kindness and courage, Shane consistently stood up for others and offered help wherever it was needed. His impact on those around him and the communities he served will not be forgotten.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Janette; his daughter, Madeleine; his father, Robert; his siblings, Kimberlee and Roxanne; his son-in-law, Vincent; his aunt, Estelle and her children; his uncle, Roger and his children; and his nephews and nieces Kaine, Genevieve, Payton, and Dax.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Juliet, and his grandparents John and Eileen.

Shane will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his brilliance, his heart, and his unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.

A private graveside service will be held at Morgan Oaks Eternal Preserve in Lincoln, CA. A Celebration of Life Memorial will be held on Saturday, June 13th, 2026 in Sacramento, CA.