In this already tragic time, with this Pandemic changing our world as we know it, the Shaw family would like to share with you all that our brother and son Robert James Shaw, age 55, passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2020, from a Basal Hemorrhage. (small aneurysm) along with fluid around his brain. In this time, we are not able to have a funeral service for him. Instead, we will be setting up a link with the funeral home for everyone to “share memories” of Bob via Facebook.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.  Stephens Funeral Service – Westbrook Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Robert James Shaw was born in Tracy, Minnesota to Jim and Diane Shaw on November 3, 1964.  Bob is survived by his sisters: Denise of Hutchinson and Melissa of Madisonville, LA; brother Brian (Alisa Schweigert) of Dovray; two nieces: Nicole and Ashley; two nephews: Tyler and Gavin. Bob adored them all and loved being their Uncle. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins from the Shaw and Pemble families, as well as goddaughters: Ashley Haarstad of Hutchinson, Jamie Munson of Walnut Grove and Hann Morrissey of Oakmont, PA.

After high school, Bob went to Washington DC to the American University (AU), studied at Oxford, England and graduated from New York City Law.  At American, while working at the University to help pay his way through school, he joined Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity (Beta Chi chapter), and later became its President.  He went on to become an advisor to both the AU/Beta Chi chapter, the AU/Beta Chi chapter alumni association, and National fraternity helping raise funds and organize the fraternity’s national 150^th anniversary.   He was a recipient of several awards from the fraternity for his service.

After graduation from law school in 1992, Bob worked for a time at Hughes and Whitaker Attorneys at Law in New York as an Associate.  He then worked for the American Civil Liberties Union “(ACLU’) as Director of Gift Planning.  He also spent several years with the Empire State Pride Agenda, where he organized fundraisers for over 10,000 members of the LGBT community.  At the Grand Ball Gala, he associated with major political representatives and incredible talents such as Rufus Wainwright and Jimmy Fallon supporting the cause.  He also worked for New York Law School, in their fundraising department.

After living in New York, Bob came home to Minnesota and lived in Golden Valley for the last eight years of his life with his partner, Gary Remick.  They loved their dog, Toby, gardening, going to the Minnesota State Fair, cooking, and of course organizing- making everyone’s life more “Feng Shui.”

Bob had an enormous passion for animals, especially dogs.  His long-time companion “Jake” traveled the world with him -they never left each other.  Bob lived in the heart of New York City, loved riding his bike around the City his heart loved for so many wonderful years.  He also had another dog “Luke,” who his dear friend Lois Vitti has been taking care of like her own.

Bob also loved Star Trek, watched every Thursday with his amazing friends and family Matthew Morrissey, Lois Vitti, Tony Cannataro, and even had the pleasure of meeting actor Patrick Stewart who played Captain Picard on the show.  Bob met and worked with many famous people, including Penn Jillette (Magician/Comedian), Willard Scott (the Weather Man), Antonin Scalia Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court, Hubert (Skip) Humphrey and President and First Lady Bill and Hillary Clinton.

Bob was an incredible spirit and was loved by so many.  We miss him dearly.

Jim, Diane, Denise, Melissa, Brian, Nicole, Ashley, Tyler and Gavin Shaw 

Bob Shaw Memorial Fund Link:

 https://www.facebook.com/donate/215714429780394/215714436447060/