Obituary of John Allison Shaw

The family of John Allison Shaw sadly announces his passing on Sunday, February 9th, at Churchill Place Retirement Home in Oakville, Ontario. 

He is survived by his wife, Jean (Myshrall) Shaw; two children Graham Shaw (Toronto) and Heather Shaw (Oakville); daughter-in-law Susannah Shaw; grandchildren Ethan, Elliot, Gianluca and Anna; siblings George Edward Shaw, Mary Granato and Annie-Mae Tysick; many loving cousins, nieces and nephews; Luigi Nieto Giovanini and Stephane Dufour. 

He was born on June 4th, 1941, to Erma (Corey) Shaw and Allison Shaw, in Simonds, New Brunswick. 

Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his son, David Matthew Shaw; siblings Margaret Monroe, David Shaw, Eleanor Shaw and Alice Long; half-siblings Grace, Roy, Gordon, Carvel, Helen, Mildred and Austin. 

From Simonds, John traveled to Nova Scotia to complete high school at Bethany Bible College. He then moved to Texas to study at LeTourneau University, where he supported himself by driving short-haul trucks. Following a long bout with TB in Saint John, he worked for N.B. Power while completing his degree in Electrical Engineering at UNB Fredericton. 

He married his beloved wife, Jean, in 1969. They raised their three children in a home that prioritized honesty, kindness and responsibility. They were selfless and reliable parents who never failed to support their children and loved them unconditionally.

John enjoyed curling, skiing, frequent bridge games with friends, HAM radio, golf, guitar, boating, fishing, hiking and travel. His long-term project was building his beautiful barn-shaped cottage on Grand Lake where Jean and he graciously hosted many people over the years. 

After 38 years working for N.B. Power, mostly at Point Lepreau Generating Station, John was offered contract work in the nuclear power industry around the world. These jobs took him and Jean to Atlanta, China and Romania. They treasured these years, meeting many friends and traveling far and wide. 

Post-retirement, John and Jean embraced life to the fullest at their condo in Florida where they spent many wonderful winters enjoying the sunshine, an active lifestyle, and a close-knit community of friends. 

Most important to John was his faith in God. He lived as he learned through the Bible—putting others first, taking care of those in need, and faithfully praying. John extended kindness to many, especially his senior neighbors, who were grateful for his generosity and care. He was also a devoted son and family member, making frequent visits to Hartland to be with his mother whenever possible and maintaining the family farm for thirty years after her passing.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Oakville Hospital and Churchill Place for their compassionate care.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McAdam’s Funeral Home in Fredericton. There will be a memorial service held on May 10th, 2025 at 12:00 pm in the J.A. McAdam Memorial Chapel, with Pastor Scott Kohler as officiant, with a celebration of John's life to follow from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Interment will take place at the Fredericton Rural Cemetery. For those unable to attend the service, a live stream will be available at the following link: https://vimeo.com/event/5044223 

Online condolences are gratefully accepted at www.mcadamsfh.com. Donations made in John's name to Hospice House or The Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family.