Shawn Finnegan

Shawn Finnegan passed away at his home on Jan. 12, 2016, just two days short of his 42nd birthday. Shawn was born in Butte, Montana, and was the oldest son of Phyllis Daly-Cunningham and Don Finnegan.

He spent his childhood growing up in Anaconda and Bozeman until he moved to Billings to live with his father in 1987. Shawn attended Billings West High and graduated from Montana State University with a degree in Criminal Justice.

While attending MSU, he met the love of his life, Natalie Kalitowski, and they were married on July 19, 1997. To this marriage came their son Patrick, who was Shawn's pride and joy.

Shawn was an 18-year veteran of the Billings Police Department and, during his career, he was a constant force in protecting and serving the people of his community that he dearly loved. He achieved the rank of sergeant and was recently assigned as a sergeant in the detective division. Shawn was a highly respected officer by all who knew him, and he did his best to be proactive in fighting crime and keeping the streets of Billings safe.

He was an avid fisherman and spent many of his favorite times keeping a tight line on the Big Horn River.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Pete and Dorothy Finnegan, and John and Betty Daly, uncles, Brian Daly and Rob White, a cousin Craig Finnegan and his grandpa White.

Shawn was a wonderful son, husband, father, brother and friend. He will be so dearly missed by his wife and son; mother Phyllis; his father, Don and wife Karen; brother Riley (Amy) Finnegan; and sisters Adrianna Fantigrossi (Mark) and Kelsy McKim (Justin); his father and mother-in-law, Jim and Ester Kalitowski; and sister-in-law Shawna Kalitowski (Jed). Shawn is also survived by nieces Megan and Adeline and his nephew Wink. In addition, he leaves behind numerous uncles, aunts and cousins.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 17, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave. Memorial services will be held 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 18, at the Metra Park Pavilion.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to a scholarship fund for Shawn and Natalie's son Patrick at Rimrock Credit Union.