It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of (Gordon) David Shaw on August 20, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Jack & Enid Shaw, and dear brother, John Macdonald Shaw. David leaves to mourn his beloved wife, Evelyn; children (and his pride & joys!), Michael, Laura & Jennifer; granddaughter, Freja; brother, Douglas (Tracy); sister, Ruth (Jack Arnet); sister-in-law, Becky, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.
David was born on November 15, 1945 in Swan River, Manitoba, into an Air Force family where his early years were spent moving from one airbase to another in both Canada and the US. David became a fine athlete in his teens, frequently throwing the winning touchdown as quarterback of the high school football team in Ottawa. He was also an excellent basketball player, provincial level wrestler, golfer, water skier and scuba diver. David finished high school in Saskatoon and attended the University of Saskatchewan. He moved to Victoria in 1968 to run Sidney Sporting Goods as part of the family business, and subsequently returned to the University of Saskatchewan to pursue a law degree. He then returned to Victoria to practice law, partnering with Horne Coupar Manson & Shaw, and later Shaw Sauder.
David’s love of family was the fundamental motivator in his life, and the pride he took in his wife and children was evident…he was also known as the “Uncle with the big voice but soft touch” by his nieces and nephews, and a caring friend by the many folks he popped in on regularly to visit and challenge to a game of crib or engage in a political or philosophical discussion! David’s wry sense of humour was well-known, as displayed in his annual letters that all on his Christmas card list waited for with bated breath! He had a passion for golf, and even managed a hole-in-one at Uplands Golf Course just three weeks before his passing.
David lived life on his terms, often in a style where rules were made to be challenged, political correctness was tossed aside, and life was lived in the moment. He was a mentor, baseball coach, hang glider, pilot, and an unconventional yet excellent bridge player. He genuinely loved people and nothing made him happier than hearing about someone’s life journey while sipping his beer.
David was a character, larger than life, and will be sadly missed by family and friends near and far.
A Celebration of David’s life was held at 2pm on Saturday, September 28, 2024, in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the SPCA.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
22 Responses
I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to Evelyn, Michael, Laura, and family. Dave was one of those remarkable individuals you feel privileged to know. It was inspiring the way he kindled a sense of community wherever he went. I will miss crossing paths, his kindness to everyone around, and the uplifting takeaways like, “Shut up and hug!” May God bless his Soul, and bring peace and happiness to his loved ones.
Eleanor, my sincere condolences on your loss of David. David and I were in law school together and became part of the same social group, together with Jack McMillan, during our early days in Victoria. David was always very positive and energetic – a very entertaining force of nature. I feel very privileged to have known him You will undoubtedly miss David terribly. Sincerely, Judith Milliken