Shaun Harrington

“You can take the boy out of Butte, but you can’t take Butte out of the boy” as the saying goes, and this rang true for Shaun Patrick Harrington.  Shaun was born March 31, 1957, 13 minutes behind his twin brother, best friend and loyal confidant, Bernie. He was the son of Bernie and Betty Ann (Anderson) Harrington, and shared his life with his sister JoAnn, brothers Gary and Brian, and his twin Bernie.  When the Harrington family gathered, the Maloney family was a natural extension. Uncle Babe and Aunt Mary D. Maloney, along with Kathy, Sherrie, Lori, Bubba, and Steve, were more than cousins, they completed this Irish Clan.

Shaun grew up surrounded by faith, family, and the lively spirit of Butte. He was a proud graduate of the Butte Catholic School system in 1975.  When asked to volunteer at the Montana State Special Olympics being held in Butte, he initially declined. But when he learned it meant missing a few days of school, he quickly changed his mind. What began as an excuse to skip class, turned into a life-changing experience. He instantly fell in love with students with special needs, and from then on, his path in education was set.

In 1975, Shaun enrolled at Eastern Montana College in Billings, where he pursued a degree in special education. Upon graduation in 1981, Shaun began his teaching career at Lewis & Clark Middle School, where he dedicated his heart and soul to working with students with special needs for 12 years. In recognition of his passion, dedication and excellence as an educator, Shaun was honoured with the prestigious Golden Apple Award.

Shaun began his career in school administration in 1993. For the next 23 years he was either the Associate Principal or the Principal at Riverside, Lewis and Clark, or Castle Rock middle schools. He dearly loved, and was dedicated to, the success of the students, teachers, and staff at Billings Public Schools.  He was one of only a few to receive the Golden Apple Award as both a teacher and an administrator. 

After 35 years of devoted service in the public school system, Shaun was honoured to become the President of Billings Catholic Schools. Leading the dedicated faculty, staff, and students over the next seven years brought him immense joy. He was proud to be present for the groundbreaking of the new St. Francis School, and just a year later, stood proudly at the ribbon cutting.

Shaun wed Kim (Fabricius) Yorgason on July 8, 2005, beginning nearly 20 years filled with love, laughter, and deep companionship. Together, they shared a passion for education and a joy for life’s simple pleasures—attending Notre Dame Football Games (Go Irish!), floating in a pool with a slushy drink, traveling far and wide for concerts, and savouring quiet moments together. Their adventures took them to many places, but their happiest place was always in each other’s company.

Preceded in death by his parents, Bernie and Betty Ann Harrington; sister, JoAnn Nobili and her husband Bud; brother, Brian; and cherished 'siblings' Kathy, Sherrie, Lori, and Bubba Maloney. Also reunited with Shaun is his father-in-law, Art Fabricius, and sister-in-law, Kris Fabricius—all now rejoicing in Shaun’s heavenly presence.

Surviving Shaun are his beloved wife of nearly twenty years, Kim; twin brother Bernie and wife Lynn, nephew Jase (Randi), their children Jahdyn, Trayce, Talyn, and Wyatt; niece Kali (Nick) Meadors; brother Gary and wife Meg, nephew TJ, sons Braden and Austin; nephew Chad (Heather), children Regan and Prestynn; niece Dana (Monte); niece Heather; nephew Mike (Rendy) Nobili, children Nick (JP) and Natalie (Ryan); nephew Mark (Leila) Nobili, children Indy, Farah, Merit, and Eva; nephew Brock (Shannon) Nobili, children Luke, Gabe, and Khloe; cousin Steve (Celine) Maloney, sons Sam and Jackson; Kelli Harrington; mother-in-law Bennie Lou Fabricius; brother-in-law Michael Fabricius.  Shaun is also survived by lifelong friends in the Bowman and Hartwick Families.

We would like to sincerely thank the Billings medical community for the outstanding care Shaun received. The Frontier Cancer Center, Dr. Frank Lamm and Dr. Marty Lucas and their team were incredible. The Riverstone Hospice staff walked beside us, day and night.  We will never forget their kindness.  Nurses Machaela, Sue, and Kristine, you are rockstars!

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Billings Education Foundation (SD2) https://efbps.org/donate/, Billings Catholic Schools Foundation https://www.billingscatholicschoolsfoundation.org/give/, or Butte Catholic Schools Foundation https://www.buttecentralschools.org/donation. You may also bring a backpack with school supplies to support students in need that will be distributed at various schools in Billings.

Shaun lived a life of purpose, passion, humour, and unwavering dedication to others. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched, the students he inspired, and the love he gave so freely. He will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always cherished.

A vigil service will be held at 5:30 pm, Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at Saint Francis Catholic School, located at 2202 Colton Blvd, Billings, MT 59102.

The Memorial Mass will be held at 11 am, Thursday, July 10, 2025, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, located at 717 18th St W, Billings, MT 59102.

Livestream Shaun’s service at:  www.stpiusxblgs.org