Alexander Shaw

SHAW, Alexander - Peacefully in his sleep with soul mate and beloved wife Jean by his side, at Lakeland Long-term Care Facility in Parry Sound, on Friday, January 4, 2013. Cherished father of Stuart and Adrienne Shaw of Parry Sound and Jackie & Andy Sanvido of Guelph. Treasured Grandad of Andrew, Rachael, Danielle, Nicole & Lauren. Dearly loved uncle of Wendy and Jason Hardy, Derek, Paige and Roxanne Evans. Adored brother of Marian Galbraith and brother-in-law of Eleanor Collins. Esteemed uncle of Stuart and Nancy Munro, David Munro, Lisa Munro Jones, Donna and Paul Allan, Ross and Scott Galbraith, Steve, Beth, Sam, Jillian, Keith, Scott, and Danny Collins. Longtime friend of brother-in-law Bill Rowley. Born on November 22, 1924 in a tenement building in Glasgow, Scotland, Alex lived a full life before immigrating to Canada in 1951. At 18, he joined the Royal Air Force and became a wireless operator and air gunner of a Halifax bomber. He flew numerous missions including operations at Normandy. Despite his diminutive size, he realized a lifelong dream and began a professional soccer career at age 17. He played for teams in Scotland, England and Wales and after 16 years, ended by playing for Canada’s first world cup team in 1957. Once retired from soccer, he kept his foot in the game by coaching his son Stuart’s rep soccer teams and by becoming involved in Guelph minor hockey at the management level. Despite disliking the cold, you could find him sitting faithfully in the bleacher’s at Stuart’s 6:00 am hockey practices at the arena. He was a die hard fan at his daughter Jackie’s highland dance competitions and track meets too. He founded and developed a steel fabricating business in Guelph, Quinton Steel, enjoying a successful partnership with Albert Sumowski and Rick Gajewski for many years until his retirement in 1987. But his road to happiness began when he married Jean Keith in 1958. They enjoyed 54 years of love and laughter. Family was the centre of his life and brought him great joy. A passion for life, a hunger for knowledge, a sweet, generous, loving spirit, a feisty, perseverant soul and a quick wit are qualities that defined this gentleman. He was an eternal optimist, a positive and empowering force in the world; the finest of men. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Alex’s family will receive friends and family at Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Funeral Home, Hart Chapel, 1099 Gordon St., Guelph (Friday from 7-9 p.m.) A Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Saturday, January 12, 2013 at 11 a.m. Cremation to follow. As expressions of sympathy, donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Cards available at the funeral home 519-821-5077 or condolences at www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com.

A Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Saturday, January 12, 2013 at 11 a.m.