John D. Shaw
June 28, 2022
With great sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of John Donald Ponsford Shaw Maj (retd) at LHSC – University Hospital on Thursday, June 28, 2022, one-day shy of his 90th birthday. Predeceased by parents Robert J. Shaw and Leola (Ponsford) Shaw. Beloved husband of 38 years to Catherine, and loving father to Jon (Lisa) Shaw and Jill (John) Schitka. Grandfather to Moriah (Rob), Morgan (Chase), Caleb, Kyra (Phil), Luke, and Noah (Meaghan) and great-grandfather to Gabriel, Rylie, Emmett, and Jeremy. Caring brother to Rosamond Trowhill and Mary Jane (Ron) Vachon and their children Kathleen, Jamie (Deb), and Geoff.
During a career in heavy equipment manufacturing, he served the Queen and Canada for 29 years with The Elgin Regiment, St. Thomas, earning the Canadian Decoration with bar and concluding as Acting Commanding Officer. Upon retirement from active duty, he became the founding president of The Elgin Regiment Association and continued to support the Regiment for many years including chairing the organizational committee for its 125th anniversary dinner. Proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion and the Royal London Military Institute. Member of the Rotary Club of London East and recipient of the Paul Harris Award. Fondly remembered by his fellow Scottish country dancers in the London Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society serving on the Committee of Management and as Chair. Volunteer Co-manager of TACSound for the Teachers’ Association (Canada) importing and distributing recorded Scottish Country Dance music all over the world. Known for his culinary skills, he loved to entertain friends and family with BBQs, brunches, and dinners. This included pancake suppers and chili lunches at St. Aidan’s Anglican Church where he also sang in the choir and sat on the Board of Management. For eight years, he organized Antiques Appraisal Days, a McIntosh Gallery fundraiser that attracted hundreds of attendees. A visit to other Ponsfords in El Paso, Texas, developed into three decades of trips to explore the American Southwest.
Friends will be received at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on Monday, July 25, 2022 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 7:00-9:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life service will be held at St. Aidan’s Anglican Church, 1246 Oxford Street West, London at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 26, 2022, with a reception following in the church hall. Scottish attire is appreciated. Donations to St. Aidan’s Church, the London Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, McIntosh Gallery at Western University, East London Rotary Club or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
Leave a tribute for John D. Shaw
Leave a tribute
Dear Catherine and Jon and the rest of your families. We have many fond memories of John's time with the Elgin Regiment and after. John was a skilled and dedicated officer and left a positive lasting impression on those he served with. His tireless work promoting and organizing the Elgin Regiment Association has been invaluable to former Regimental members and is a fitting legacy. Herb & Doreen
Dear Jon, Jill, Catherine, and your entire family We are so sorry to hear of your father's passing. May happy memories and the love of family and friends help support you during this difficult time. Love Dave and Cheryl
A donation has been made to McIntosh Gallery at Western Ontario. Message from the donator: Our thoughts are with you, Catherine, and the family at this very sad and difficult time.
Dear Catherine, I am so sorry to learn of John's passing. I remember him as an enthusiastic and positive man who will be missed by many but not forgotten. Love, Cydna
Catherine, Our condolences to you and your Family on the passing of John. He will be missed by many. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Armin and Judy
A donation has been made to Macintosh Gallery. Message from the donator: Jill and Jon, So sorry to read about your dad’s passing. One day sh.y of 90 is pretty darn good. None the less, there is a new void in .your family. I know there are lots of fond and funny memories that will provide comfort as you grieve. Love Ted and Liz
Dear Catherine, we are very sorry for your loss. Our sincere condolences to you and all of John’s family. John was so caring and supportive to so many. We know he will be greatly missed. In friendship, Jamelie & Ron
Services for John D. Shaw
Visitation will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
July 25, 2022 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Visitation will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
July 25, 2022 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Celebration of Life will be held at:
St. Aidan's Anglican Church
1246 Oxford Street West
London, Ontario
July 26, 2022 11:00 am
Make a donation
St. Aidan’s Church
- Please mail cheque to 1246 Oxford St W, London, ON N6H 1V7
- e-transfer office@staidans.net (please email the security question separately to the same email)
RSCDS London Ontario Canada (Royal Scottish Country Dance Society)
- Please mail cheque to 72 Augusta Crescent, London ON N6E 2E1 (RSDCS London Canada Branch)
- e-transfer treasurer.rscdslondon@gmail.com
Rotary Club of East London
- Please mail cheque to 1249 Glenora Drive, London, ON N5X 1T4
- e-transfer donate@rotaryclublondoneast.com (please email the security question separately to the same email)
If you wish to make a donation, please consider one of the charities listed below. You will be taken to the charity's website to process your payment.
A donation has been made to St Aidens. Message from the donator: With loving memory of John and his love for The Dance, the Military, the Church and Catherine and family. He was a dear friend! Words fail us but memories will last a lifetime.
~ Ray and Elaine Hook