Cecil MacMurchy Shaw’s long and fulfilling life came to a peaceful close on May 2, 2011 at the age of 97. Cec (as he was known to friends) was born on April 1, 1914 at Alert Bay, BC.
The son of a Methodist minister, he moved to various towns in B.C. before settling in Sardis in the late 30’s. He graduated from Salmon Arm High school and took post- secondary teacher training in Vancouver. He served in the RCAF during WW II as a radar mechanic in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia.
Cec married Lorna Pearson in 1939, and the two of them worked as a team for the rest of their 69 years together. They operated and eventually owned Pearson’s General Store in Sardis until they closed shop in 1974. Not yet ready to retire, Cec and Lorna then ventured into the field of real estate, in which they practiced for another 10 years.
Cec loved to spend time outdoors. From summer fun at the Cultus Lake cottage, to watching his grandchildren play soccer, to maintaining the family home and garden on Britton Ave., as long as there was daylight, Cec would be outside.
In his younger years he played on baseball and baskeball teams in the valley and was an avid badminton player. At the Shaw home, Hockey Night in Canada was an open invitation to spend Saturday night in the Shaw rec room (cheering for the ‘right’ team, of course). Cec and Lorna were also charter season ticket holders to the B.C. Lions football games.
Cec was predeceased by his wife Lorna and son Gordon. He is survived by his daughter Sheri Allen (Gail & Keith), daughter-in-law Donna Shaw of Edmonton (Carla & Scott), Marilyn Gaudette (Patti, Garth and Glenda), several great-grandchildren, and a group of caring nurses at Eden Care facility whose efforts in his last months are appreciated.
A selfless, widely respected, yet fun-loving man possessed of an incomparable dry wit, Cec found his greatest pleasure relaxing in the company of his family and friends. To those close to him, Cec was a stabilizing moral influence, like a sturdy, dependable anchor amid shifting seas. He will be missed by all.
Online condolences can be left at www.hendersonsfunerals.com