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Michael Stewart Shaw
September 15, 1932 - December 21, 2014
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<div itemprop="description">Michael Stewart Shaw<br />September 15, 1932 - December 21, 2014<br /> <br />A gentle man and a gentleman, Michael died at home with family at his side. He will be missed dearly by his soul mate Robina - &ldquo;Bobbi&rdquo; - and their cherished children Yasmina-Hilary (Norbert), Alexa-Frances (Brian), Patrick (Leea) and Ian, and by his beloved grandchildren, Simone, Devon and Harris. He will be remembered lovingly by his extended family in Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, especially by brother Philip (Sally), nieces Paddy, Carey and Tracey, and nephew Thomas. <br />Born in New Zealand, Michael&rsquo;s career began as a reporter at the Wanganui Herald and then the Dominion, Wellington&rsquo;s principal daily. His interest in Canada was sparked and nurtured by reading the books of Grey Owl as a child. Michael worked his passage as a deck hand on a freighter bound for Liverpool, finally arriving in Canada in 1954. Here he continued his career in journalism as a newspaper reporter, then as a writer, editor and public relations and communications consultant in Montreal, Windsor and Toronto. A member of the Royal Canadian Yacht Club for 30 years, Michael was an avid sailor and spent his last 10 working years in Kingston where he served as the Executive Director of the Ontario Marina Operators Association. <br />While professionally successful, Michael was devoted to his family and friends, always keen for the next adventure. He and Bobbi travelled widely, taking backpacking trips to the Greek Islands, visiting both the Arctic and the Antarctic, and volunteering in Bolivia with Canadian Executive Service Overseas. Closer to home, he was an active contributor to community life in Barriefield and Amherst Island and an enthusiastic member of the Kingston chapter of the Taoist Tai Chi Society. He eagerly embraced new experiences and new acquaintances, and his friends were many. All will miss his infectious zest for life, his graciousness, and lively sense of humour. His unflagging courage while living with cancer these past few years will never be forgotten.<br />The family sincerely thanks all the wonderful friends who gave Michael their commitment, compassion and support during the last year of his illness. Along with the love of his wife, children and grandchildren, your presence brought a tremendous joy and comfort to Michael on his final voyage. The family thanks the caring staff of the KGH Cancer Centre, and is especially grateful for the kindness shown to Michael by the palliative care team. Thank you also to Saint Elizabeth, Care Partners, VON, CCAC and to Hospice Kingston whose services were invaluable. In lieu of flowers, donations in Michael&rsquo;s memory to M&eacute;decins Sans Fronti&egrave;res / Doctors Without Borders would be appreciated.<br />A funeral service will be held at St George&rsquo;s Cathedral, 270 King Street East, Kingston, on Saturday December 27, at 12:00 noon. A reception will follow in the Great Hall of St. George's. All are invited to attend.</div>