Obituary of Robert Shaw

Robert Reginald Shaw, age 83, entered into the presence of his Lord while family faithfully and lovingly held him in their hearts, December 7, 2008, from Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital. Beloved husband of Etna June (Shaufler) Shaw for over 60 years, father of Margaret Laurie (late Peter Hessel) Shaw of London, the Reverend Robert Mason (Valerie) Shaw of Rodney, and Donald Thomas (Linda) Shaw of St. Thomas. Loving grandfather of Michael (Krystyna) Hessel of St. Thomas, Robert Nathaniel Shaw of Rodney, Matthew Thomas, Peter Andrew and Heidi Lynn Shaw of St. Thomas. Will be missed by brother Gerald Mason Shaw of Tennessee, and sister-in-law Mavis Dell of South Carolina, brother-in-law James Carey of Sarnia, Margaret and the Reverend Howard Steinburg of Chatham, Edythe Reid of Chatham, Diana and the Reverend Gordon McAuslan of Mount Brydges and Sharon and Jim Johnston of Windsor, 46 nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews. Predeased by sisters Nyla Carey of Sarnia, Marion Churchill of South Hampton, brother-in-laws Harry Reid of Chatham, John Dodman of Chatham and Stuart Churchill of Sarnia, and nephews Joel Shaw of Tennessee and Robert (Bob) Dodman of Blenheim. Robert (Bob) was the son of the late Albert Mason and Margaret Melissa Shaw of Wallaceburg. In his hometown of Wallaceburg Bob enjoyed membership in the Kiltie Band, participated in various sports, including shotput and sprinting and was later inducted as a member of the Wallaceburg "Hall of Fame" in recognition of his membership on the 1939 W.O.S.S.A. Football 'Rugby' team. Bob took pleasure in his role as a Troop Leader in Boy Scouts of Canada. Bob volunteered for active duty in WWII serving on the Frigate H.M.C.S. Antigonish. Upon returning home he worked for Canada Post, went oil drilling in the fields of South Western Ontario, briefly worked for Canada Customs before beginning a career with Canada Immigration which would last some 35 years. He served as President of the Manpower and Immigration union of the Public Service Alliance of Canada for 10 years. He was a member of the Chatham Naval Association, Royal Canadian Legion of Mount Brydges and Masonic Lodge Ashler 610 of Byron (Past Master 1982). He enjoyed his responsibilities as an elder at Oakridge Presbyterian Church and more recently North Caradoc, St. Andrew's. Bob was dedicated to his family, his faith, his friends and his work throughout his life. The family expresses heartfelt gratitude for the compassion the health care professionals of Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital extended to them during Bob's brief stay and to family physician Dr. Rene Martin for his faithful care. Visitation will be held at Denning Bros. Funeral Home, Strathroy on Wednesday, December 10 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. A funeral service will be held at the Mt. Brydges United Church on Saturday, December 13 at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers the family invites donations to the Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital, the Mount Brydges United Church, or the charity of your choice. "In the sweet bye and bye we shall meet on that beautiful shore."