Shaw, John Allan Of Bloomfield Station, loving husband, devoted father, proud Poppa, renowned storyteller, lawyer, community leader, volunteer, coach, and mentor passed away peacefully at home on September 4, 2024. Loving husband of Wendy Lee (LaFountain) Shaw. Father of Rory (Ola) Shaw, Edmonton; Anne (Tylan) Robinson, Arlington; Libby (Andrew MacFarlane), Bloomfield Station; Moira (Brandon Turner), Alberton. Proud Poppa of Neely, Spencer, Darcy and Parker Robinson; Sophie Shaw; Hank, Harrison, and Bridget MacFarlane; and Alastair and Cordelia Turner. Allan was born February 24, 1952 in O'Leary, PE. The youngest child of Robert and Ada (Thomson) Shaw, Allan grew up helping his parents drive the mail route, and getting to know everyone along the countryside. He made many friends, something that came easy to him all his life. Allan attended the country school in Bloomfield Station, and then went on to O'Leary Regional High School. He attended UPEI, where he graduated with a B.A., and then went on to get a Masters in Adult Education from St. Francis Xavier University. He worked as a Rural Development Officer and Community Resource Worker at the Regional Services Centre, and then transitioned to working as a teacher and program development officer at the Holland College Leadership Institute. In 1985 he returned to university with the support of his wife, Wendy, and he earned his law degree from the University of New Brunswick. He worked as a lawyer in Alberton, PE, until 2007, when he retired due to illness. He was proud to serve the members of his community, and he delighted in sitting down and sharing stories with others. Allan grew up as an animal lover. He showed cows with his 4-H club in O'Leary, and he particularly loved owning horses and dogs. A staunch supporter of rural Prince Edward Island and agriculture, he served on many agricultural boards and committees to which he humbly devoted his time and energy. He was a long time board member and past president of the Prince County Exhibition, past president and board member of the PEI Association of Exhibitions, a long time 4-H leader, a past Sunday school teacher at Elmsdale United Church, a contributor to writing the O'Leary Hockeyville book, and a member of a large variety of other boards and committees. Allan was an avid sports fan. He coached many sports teams across western Prince Edward Island, and he was proud of the many teams that he had coached to winning provincial titles. He was equally as proud of the many teams he coached who didn't make it to the finals but tried their best. He was an enthusiastic parent and grandparent in the stands, and he did not like to miss any of his children or grandchildren's games. You could often hear his voice booming across the field or arena, encouraging you to try your best. An innovator and forward thinker, he was always trying to expand his knowledge and learn new things. He encouraged those around him to always improve and continue to grow. He truly believed that you should leave this world a better place for those who come after you. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Ada (Thomson) Shaw; and by his parents-in-law, Ralph and Eileen LaFountain; as well as by his siblings and siblings-in-law, Elaine and Glendon MacKendrick, Fenton and Hazel Shaw, and Wendell Shaw; and by his niece, Ruth MacKendrick. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Jean Shaw; and by his sister and brothers-in-law, Arle and Debbie (LaFountain) Nelson, Lance LaFountain, Gordon LaFountain, and Erroll and Ruth (LaFountain) Simington; and many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Resting at Ferguson Funeral Home, O'Leary with visiting hours Friday 4-7 p.m., Funeral services in the chapel Saturday at 2 p.m. Interment to follow in the Union Baptist Cemetery, Cascumpec.
John Allan SHAW — Bloomfield Station
