Desmond Shorland Obituary

Shorland
Desmond James
Shorland
May 5, 2023


Desmond James Shorland, 90, died 5th May 2023 at UC Health Memorial-Hospital in Colorado Springs, Colorado. His funeral service will be held this Saturday, July 15, 2023, 2pm at St. Michaels Episcopal Church, 7400 Tudor Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Desmond was born on 16th November, 1932 in Broadchalke, Wiltshire, England to James and Bessie Shorland. He immigrated to the United States in 1945. He married Pansy Hazelwood in December 1951. He joined the US Airforce in 1952 and worked as a surgical technician. Desmond was stationed in Georgia, England, Texas, Greenland, Colorado, Arizona, and Virginia. They raised 3 sons during his time in the service. Following his retirement, he returned to Colorado Springs where he worked as a cartographer for Macvan Maps.
Throughout his life he enjoyed service in the Boys Scouts of America, singing in many chorale groups and served four medical missions to Haiti. He was a talented artist, modeler, photographer and enjoyed spending time in the great outdoors. He hiked all over the Western United States, including eight trips to the Grand Canyon. Many a railroad grade was visited and rocks collected to include on his railroad layout. Desmond enjoyed building model railroads, cars, ships and collecting art, lighthouses, and Native American articles. All his life he was an avid cyclist and rode over 2,000 miles when he was 86 years old, reaching the distance of the Tour De France.
He is survived by nine children [three biological sons by Pansy Shorland (deceased) and six step-children from his marriage to Inez McNabb (deceased)].
Michael (Patricia) Shorland, Kevin Shorland, Timothy (Diane) Shorland, Judy McNabb, Dennis McNabb, Gregory (Lori) McNabb, James (Cheria) McNabb, John McNabb, Daniel (Mary) McNabb
Grandchildren: 29
Great-grandchildren: 43
As a long-time resident of Colorado Springs, he was well loved, respected and admired for his service in the community.