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
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Mali Flynn
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Judith Milliken 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
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Lorraine and Edward Gee 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.
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Joan Craig Deans Peggs Evelyn and family
As per the obituary, David was one to live life on his terms. A life he enjoyed.
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Tom & Sheena Matthews 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
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Deborah Beban 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
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Jim Langley 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.
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Carreiro Family So sorry for your loss.
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Tindall Family 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.
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Claudette Colby 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 ❤️
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Patti Hunter 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
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Ray Logan 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
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Dennis and Margaret Dale Ev, Mike, Laura and Jen,
We are all struggling to come to terms with Dave’s passing. He has been an important part of our family life since the beginning – our two families grew up together. We shared lots of the laughs and adventures that make up a life. Dave was a people person and had his own unique perspective on life which he didn’t hesitate to share with everyone he met. He will be sorely missed by all of us who had the pleasure and privilege of knowing him. Our sincere condolences from the Dale family.
Dennis, Margaret, Daniel and Laura.
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Melinda What a beautifully written obituary. I learned so much about Dave and the life he lived. Thinking about you Ev and hope you are surrounded by love and support at this difficult time.
Melinda and Joe Weicker
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Christine Sereda Hi Evelyn
I am so sorry for your loss. Love to you and your family
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Roxana Dear Evelyn and kids: My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of mourning. All I can say, from my experience, is that the sadness and loss dissipates with time.These words of consolation must include that our loved ones are not gone ….. they are traveling in another dimension. And when you hear his voice or are able to share feelings, thoughts and hopes with him, he is there with you. Love you lots. From your book club, buddy Who you brought the soup and medicine to only weeks ago
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Kate Mansell I have nothing but very fond memories and lots of smiles and chuckles when remembering Dave. We had a lot of fun with the ‘Best Mikey’ contest at the golf event that supported Boys and Girls Clubs. He will be greatly missed.
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Shelley and Bill Evans David will be missed by so many..we will remember all the good times☀️Condolences and love to the family.
Bill and Shelley
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Michelle So sorry Ev. Love to you and your family.
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Emily We will miss you on Woodburn. But will absolutely never forget you!
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Terry & Bev Edwards Eve and family❣️…..We always enjoyed our conversations with David either at the Golf Club or down in Caddy Bay. Yes, larger than life, a great sense of humour , a curious, caring & gregarious nature , David always brought a smile to our chats. Whether an “on the fly” chat or “serious” discussion, we always took a mutual interest in each other’s lives…We’re going to miss him. Our sincere condolences.
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Jerry Donaldson So sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. He was a good man.
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.