A native of Toronto, Canada, Shank is a 1968 graduate of Stanford University with a political science degree. He pitched four years in the California Angels organization.
An avid nature photographer, Shank had one of his pictures featured on the cover of a national publication, Nature Photographer magazine. In addition, he enjoys golf and currently sports an impressive two-handicap.
Born July 29, 1946, Shank was married to his wife, Maryse, in 1988. His son, Jon, played baseball at Stanford. Shank is active in Living Streams Christian Church and is also a board member for Crisis Nursery.