Shane M.A. Badger "From a person comes a family, and from a family comes a community; from a community comes a nation, and from a nation comes the world." (Lao Tzu) It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a wonderful man. Shane M.A. Badger, 36, of Irondequoit, NY passed away unexpectedly on August 5, 2012 while hiking Sawmill Pass, part of Inyo National Forest, located north of Independence, CA. The son of Mark A.B. Badger and Darlene L. (Chapin) Badger, Shane was born on September 30, 1975 in Berlin, VT. Shane graduated from Colchester High School in 1993 and upon graduation, entered the United States Marine Corps proudly serving his country and achieving the rank of Sergeant. Shane's true passion was his service to the Corps, committed to excellence in his actions so he could set a proper example for other Marines. After Shane's honorable discharge from the USMC, Shane settled, with his family, in Fort Plain, NY. Shane's accomplishments also included an Associate's Degree in Business from Herkimer Community College, as well as certification in food processing studies from Cornell University. While living in Fort Plain and surrounding communities, he was a major contributor to the agricultural community, serving as owner and operator of Walking Clover Farm, alongside his mother Darlene, founder. Additionally, Shane owned and operated Hestad Star Farm, was a founding member of the Mohawk Valley Garlic and Herb Festival, and worked as the head gardener for the Utica Community Gardens where he helped teach the disadvantaged how to grow food in an urban environment. In addition to Shane's contributions to the agricultural community, Shane was a passionate soccer supporter, formerly serving as Regional Commissioner for Region 829 of the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), as well as coaching the varsity girls' soccer team at Owen D. Young Central School during the 2010 – 2011 season. Believing that every child should have an opportunity regardless of their financial means, Shane devoted countless hours and financial support to the AYSO, serving as a coach, mentor and friend, enriching the lives of many children. Most recently, he was an enthusiastic member of the Rochester chapter of the American Outlaws soccer supporters club and a lifetime ticket holder with the Rochester Lancers. In addition, Shane was a contributor to Indoor Soccer News, covering the Rochester Lancers. Serving as an expression of Shane's many talents was his distinctive writing ability, culminating in works published in The Mountain Review, a statewide publication of the best high school creative writings, as well as nationally recognized poems housed at the United States Library of Congress. Shane moved to Rochester in 2011 and at the time of his passing, was employed as Grounds Supervisor for the Rochester Institute of Technology. Shane will be deeply missed by his wife Erica L. (Handlewich) Badger, daughter Susie L. Miner, and son Jackson W.A. Badger, of Irondequoit, NY, as well as his mother Darlene L. (Chapin) Badger of East Montpelier, VT, sister Serin E. Badger and niece Maeghan M.L. Badger of Moretown, VT. In addition to Shane's immediate family, his passing will be mourned by a large extended family including Gary J. Chapin and wife Susan of Williamstown, VT, Timothy E. Chapin and wife Lisa, of East Montpelier, VT, Ann Marie Preman and husband Brian of Perry, FL, Richard Breer of Perry, FL, Evelyn Holmes formerly of Montpelier, VT, David Badger of ND, Madonna Russ and husband Stanley of Bethel, VT, William Noakes and wife Yolanda of Troy, NY, Milton Badger of Williamstown, VT, and Marion Moulton and husband John of Tunbridge, VT, as well as many cousins and true friends including Forrest Beacraft, Nate Drummond, Hope Lynch, Dan Dowling, Cheryl Aor, and Derek Leon all of New York, Troy and Alecia Haynes of North Carolina, and Brian and Kelly Roma of Connecticut. Shane was predeceased by his father, Mark A.B. Badger. A memorial service with military honors celebrating Shane's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 8, 2012 at the Vermont Veterans' Memorial Cemetery in Randolph Center, VT. A reception will follow at VFW Post 792 located on Pioneer Street in Montpelier, VT. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to AYSO Region 829, c/o Heather Teachout, 367 Dugan Road, Richfield Springs, NY 13439. A bright soul extinguished too soon…..