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
Evelyn and family,
Our thoughts have been with you daily. David was one of a kind, loved his Christmas letters. We will miss his unscheduled visits, stopping in the driveway for a chin wag, head done the street and stop at our kids house as well. He had a way of warming ones heart and making you feel that you matter. One can only aspire to bring as much joy as David did to everyone he encountered. We will truly miss him.
Evelyn and family
As per the obituary, David was one to live life on his terms. A life he enjoyed.
Dear Evelyn and family:
Please accept our heartfelt condolences. We will always remember David’s infectious laugh and big heart.
In Sympathy,
Tom and Sheena
Dear Evelyn, Mike, Laura and Jen,
David had such a kind heart and generous spirit; we will be forever grateful to have been in his orbit.
Love and Condolences, Colin, Eric, and Deborah Beban
Evelyn and family.
Rod and I were so sorry to read about David’s passing.
He was a kind and charming character. From the Caddy Bay to Shelbourne Plaza Starbucks, David was always there to get his coffee with a bright hello and big smile. He often sat with us to catch up about life and share stories about travel and life overall. He welcomed us to Victoria over 14 years ago and up until a couple of weeks ago enjoyed stopping by to chat and chuckle. We will miss him.
Our thoughts are with you all.
So sorry for your loss.
Dear Evelyn and family: We were very saddened to learn of David’s passing and we send our most sincere and heartfelt condolences. We have had the honor and pleasure of knowing David for over 40 years and will always, fondly, remember him. David was truly one of a kind, he will be missed! Please know that our thoughts are with you and your family at this sad time.
Evelyn & Michael and Laura. We met at your days at St. Christopher’s Montessori, later SMU. Remembering both your contributions you made. Feel lucky we reconnected through bridge. I wish I had the chance to play with him. I am sure there would have been a lot of schooling & laughter. What an amazingly full life he experienced. So wonderful to remember all our community connections. We are are here for for you whenever it’s time
Claudette Colby ❤️
Dear Evelyn and Family: We can’t even imagine your grief and loss right now. Dave was a unique individual and we were glad that we were able to meet him over the years and enjoy his sense of humour. Sending our deep condolensces to you and the family. Hugs, Patti and Terry Hunter
Dear Evelyn and family
Our sincere condolences!
Having been with David on a few golf junkets with “the lads”, I can assure you these trips were truly memorable! Always fun to be around!
He was genuinely interested in what was happening in your world.
Truly, Shawsy was one of the good guys who will be missed