David Kenneth Shute, 70
David died August 14, 2026, from complications of end-stage multiple sclerosis.
David Kenneth Shute, elder son of Lorna and David Shute Sr., was born in a Navy hospital in New York City on November 28, 1955. He grew up in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, and Arlington, Virginia. After graduating from Hampshire College, David moved to the Boston area and built a career in software development, documentation, and training.
Along the way, David founded Bison Tales Productions to amuse, encourage, and inspire people with audio content. He also wrote short stories, novels, and screenplays; invented board and card games; and generated a constant stream of business and tech ideas.
David was a lightning-quick, agile, and out-of-the-box thinker. He had a remarkable facility with, and memory for, numbers; a colorful, quirky, sometimes brash way with words; and a huge, generous heart. David was a massive extrovert and would strike up conversations with anyone, anywhere. He was adventurous and creative; a faithful and devoted provider, protector, and advocate for his family; an avid intellectual and spiritual explorer; an ebullient lover of life.
David died August 14, 2026, from complications of end-stage multiple sclerosis — the disease that he had suffered from, and responded to with astonishing determination, strength, and resilience, for more than 30 years. He is survived by his life partner, Ellen Oak, and their children Katherine Emma and Alexander David.
Plans for a public event in memory and celebration of David will be announced in time.
Donations in David’s honor can be made to The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, P.O. Box 91891, Washington, DC 20090, nationalmssociety.org
Arrangements are under the care of Acton Funeral Home, A Life Celebration Home, Acton. To share a memory or offer a condolence, visit concordfuneral.com
