Geoffrey David Thompson Shaw passed away surrounded by the love of his family on March 28, 2023, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Vancouver on July 5, 1955. Geoff was predeceased by his father Millo; and is survived by his loving wife Caroline; children James, Joshua (Sara), Tatiana, Alexandra (Toan), and Willem; his mother Julia; siblings Millo, Jennifer (Tom) and Michelle (Cam); his father-in-law Pieter; and numerous nieces and nephews. Geoff loved his family as much as they loved him.
Geoff grew up and was educated in Vancouver, Kenya, Victoria and Winnipeg, receiving his PhD in history from the University of Manitoba. He served as a Professor of History for the American Military University, and was President of the Alexandrian Defence Group. Geoff’s book, The Lost Mandate of Heaven, was published by Ignatius Press in 2015. He wrote and spoke extensively on military history, particularly the American intervention in Vietnam and the Middle East. In retirement, he pursued his interest in gunsmithing. Geoff liked hiking, especially with his “wolves” Timber and Howlie, as well as camping and cross-country skiing. He had a great love of music and enjoyed playing the guitar, and was a founding member of a Winnipeg band in his earlier years. Above all, Geoff’s Christian faith was central to his life, work and family.
The Requiem Mass will be held at 2:00 pm Monday, April 3, 2023 at the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Evangelist, 990 Falmouth Road, Victoria, BC with Archbishop Shane Janzen to officiate.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing” (2 Timothy 4: 7-8). 

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

  • Trong Q Phan

    Dr. Geoffrey Shaw was a remarkable gentleman. We felt so fortunate to know and work with him on “The Mandate of Heaven” Vietnamese translation project. May he rest peacefully in the care of our beloved Creator.

  • Tony Ambrosetti

    Please accept my most sincere condolences on the passing of Dr. Geoffrey Shaw. I only found out today, November 1, that Dr. Shaw had died. We are all indebted to Dr. Geoffrey Shaw for his indefatigable research and brilliant writing. May he rest in peace.

    With the utmost sympathy,
    Tony Ambrosetti
    Lieutenant Commander, USN – Ret.
    Post Falls, Idaho, USA

  • Barry Gibson

    I met Geoff while working in retail in Winnipeg in the late 1970’s. I played drums
    and was in a band I wasn’t happy with. He had a band that needed a new drummer – voila! We joined forces. Geoff widened my musical vistas and inspired me with his
    talent, dedication and work ethic. Many a night after rehearsal we piled into his
    VW beetle and later the maxi van (also the band “bus.”) and headed to the Winnipeg
    Airport for coffee. We went on some memorable road trips-especially a “mad dash”
    to Miami Florida – a bet with our boss that we could make it in 48 hours. Geoff was one determined fellow. With just the two drivers we made it.

    Geoff moved back to BC and we both moved on with our respective lives – eventually
    re-forming a band in the 90’s when he came home to work on his degree. Sadly for
    all his friends in Winnipeg he moved to the coast again.

    His passing leaves a hole in the lives of everyone who knew him, but the memories
    of who he was and what he believed in so resolutely and made him Geoff are what
    remain vividly in our hearts and minds.

  • Romulus Ciric

    Geoff has been a great friend since we met in the summer of 1989 while taking the same History course at the University of Manitoba. He was the most courageous, honest and hard working individual I have ever met and even though we hadn’t seen each other in person for many years, I will miss him immensely. May God rest his soul in His eternal kingdom.

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