Corbin Brooke Shays, 44, died on the evening of January 4, 2011, after a courageous fight against brain cancer. He was at home in Mosier, Oregon surrounded by his wife and two children.

Born in Massachusetts on November 11, 1966 to E. Michael Shays and Nancy Shurmon Shays, he was the youngest child of three. Corbin spent his childhood in New Canaan, Connecticut, and his youth in Hillsborough, California, graduating from Aragon High School in 1985. He attended Principia College, and graduated from Whitman College in 1989 with a B.A. in History. Corbin married Melissa Allen, of Morgan, Utah, in 2002. He worked in Portland and Hood River County as a builder and his work was recognized for its breakthrough design by the City of Portland.

An accomplished athlete, he learned how to wind surf on the Isle of Jersey, in the Channel Islands, and taught snow ski lessons in France and at Mt. Hood Meadows. He was also an avid road biker and kiter, and continued participating in these activities even during his illness and treatment with perseverance and patience.

Corbin was passionate about his love for mountains, living in Mosier, and the view of the Gorge from his home. Corbin explored the world, including hiking the Silk Road in Asia, but said that even after all his travels and the activities he was passionate about, he loved being a father best.

Corbin is survived by his wife, Melissa Allen Shays; his sons, Kai Oliver Shays, age 4; Tate Allen Shays, age 1; his parents, Michael and Nancy Shays of Normandy Park, Washington; his sisters and brother-in-laws, Timathea Shays Workman and Lyle Workman of Glendale, California, and Heather Shays Powell and Brooks Powell of Normandy Park, Washington; his nephews and nieces Devon Powell, Amanda Powell, and Reed Powell of Normandy Park, Washington, and Wyatt Shays Workman of Glendale, California; his in-laws Ray and Amy Allen, of Morgan, Utah, and his brother-in-law, Chad Allen, of Morgan, Utah; and many close and supportive friends.

A celebration of Corbin’s life will take place on January 15, 2011 at Springhouse Cellars, 13 Railroad Ave., Hood River at 1pm. There will be a benefit party that evening at 7pm. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers a memorial college fund has been established for Corbin’s children.
Payable to College America Kai Shays #82103608 Tate Shays #85362833
Mail to: Koenig Financial Group
FBO: Kai and Tate Shays
120 5Th Ave S Suite B, Edmonds, WA 98020

Corbin lived to make the world a better place while he was in it. His life touched many and he will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, and loyal friend, a man with a great sense of humor, a graceful strength, and a thoughtful, generous nature. He is loved and will be missed.

“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” Abraham Lincoln

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Please visit our website to leave a note of condolence for family www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com.