Obituary for Robert Shaw
Robert E. Shaw
September 27, 1927 – January 30, 2023
The family sadly announces the passing of Robert E. Shaw at home, Glacier Ridge, with his family by his side on January 30, 2023.
Rob was born in Fort William on September 27, 1927 to James and Annie Shaw. He was the fifth of six children and grew up in Westfort. He attended Francis Street School and amazingly survived. During recess in the warm weather he and his friends raced down Ford Street to the Kam River peeled off their clothes and jumped in, had a quick swim and then ran back to school before the bell rang. He attended Selkirk High School until he enlisted in the Navy at 17. He was stationed in Dartmouth Nova Scotia for training in the Bay of Fundy and in International waters.
After the war he returned home and entered the work force. He started at Chapples and delivered furniture with his brother Bill. At the time a lot of apartments had staircases that went up the outside of the buildings. This resulted in a lot of fancy footwork and extreme positioning. Maybe it helped that Dad was only 5 ft 6 in and weighed 140 lbs.
On September 3, 1947 Rob married Shirley Kirk his childhood crush. Shortly after he went to work for his father-in-law Thomas Kirk at Mountain View Cemetery. He worked there for 38 years starting as laborer, foreman and then as superintendent. During this time Rob and Shirley had a daughter Valerie and when she married he became a Poppa and then his greatest achievement a great Poppa. He was especially proud when the great grandkids came along as he and Shirley got to babysit and show them off to all their friends.
Rob was fortunate that he was able to take early retirement and he and Shirley became snowbirds and spent 12 winters in New Port Richey Florida.
Rob always wanted 5 girls and he got his wish. His granddaughter Robyn really gave him a run for his money and he loved it.
Rob was an avid Blue Jays and Toronto Maple Leafs fan. When he and his grandson Rob got together during hockey season the war was on about who was the best, Leafs or Habs. All of us, except grandson Rob, knew the Leafs were best.
Rob is survived by his wife of 75 years Shirley, his daughter Valerie Barten, grandson Rob (Melissa Helwig) granddaughter Robyn Johnston (Leo Brown), and great granddaughters Gabby and Jesyca Johnston. Nieces and nephews also survive.
Rob was predeceased by his parents, his brothers Bill (Ethelyne), and Jack, his sisters Irene (Bert) Walker, Elva (Wilf) Garton and Betty, his in-laws Thomas and Florence Kirk, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Harry and Sophie Kirk and son-in-law Paul Barten.
In lieu of flowers donations in Rob’s name to the George Jeffries Children’s Foundation would be appreciated.
Cremation has taken place and private family interment will take place at a later date.
Robert’s family would like to give special thanks to the staff of Glacier Ridge for their loving care and compassion shown to Rob and his family. We are especially grateful for all their help in granting Rob’s wish to remain in his home. Also thanks to Paramed for their care of Rob. Special thanks to our Paramed angels Monica, Carolyn, Linda and nurse Georgette.
September 27, 1927 – January 30, 2023
The family sadly announces the passing of Robert E. Shaw at home, Glacier Ridge, with his family by his side on January 30, 2023.
Rob was born in Fort William on September 27, 1927 to James and Annie Shaw. He was the fifth of six children and grew up in Westfort. He attended Francis Street School and amazingly survived. During recess in the warm weather he and his friends raced down Ford Street to the Kam River peeled off their clothes and jumped in, had a quick swim and then ran back to school before the bell rang. He attended Selkirk High School until he enlisted in the Navy at 17. He was stationed in Dartmouth Nova Scotia for training in the Bay of Fundy and in International waters.
After the war he returned home and entered the work force. He started at Chapples and delivered furniture with his brother Bill. At the time a lot of apartments had staircases that went up the outside of the buildings. This resulted in a lot of fancy footwork and extreme positioning. Maybe it helped that Dad was only 5 ft 6 in and weighed 140 lbs.
On September 3, 1947 Rob married Shirley Kirk his childhood crush. Shortly after he went to work for his father-in-law Thomas Kirk at Mountain View Cemetery. He worked there for 38 years starting as laborer, foreman and then as superintendent. During this time Rob and Shirley had a daughter Valerie and when she married he became a Poppa and then his greatest achievement a great Poppa. He was especially proud when the great grandkids came along as he and Shirley got to babysit and show them off to all their friends.
Rob was fortunate that he was able to take early retirement and he and Shirley became snowbirds and spent 12 winters in New Port Richey Florida.
Rob always wanted 5 girls and he got his wish. His granddaughter Robyn really gave him a run for his money and he loved it.
Rob was an avid Blue Jays and Toronto Maple Leafs fan. When he and his grandson Rob got together during hockey season the war was on about who was the best, Leafs or Habs. All of us, except grandson Rob, knew the Leafs were best.
Rob is survived by his wife of 75 years Shirley, his daughter Valerie Barten, grandson Rob (Melissa Helwig) granddaughter Robyn Johnston (Leo Brown), and great granddaughters Gabby and Jesyca Johnston. Nieces and nephews also survive.
Rob was predeceased by his parents, his brothers Bill (Ethelyne), and Jack, his sisters Irene (Bert) Walker, Elva (Wilf) Garton and Betty, his in-laws Thomas and Florence Kirk, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Harry and Sophie Kirk and son-in-law Paul Barten.
In lieu of flowers donations in Rob’s name to the George Jeffries Children’s Foundation would be appreciated.
Cremation has taken place and private family interment will take place at a later date.
Robert’s family would like to give special thanks to the staff of Glacier Ridge for their loving care and compassion shown to Rob and his family. We are especially grateful for all their help in granting Rob’s wish to remain in his home. Also thanks to Paramed for their care of Rob. Special thanks to our Paramed angels Monica, Carolyn, Linda and nurse Georgette.