OBITUARY
Richard A. Shaw
January 29, 1950 – January 2, 2013
Richard A. Shaw January 29, 1950 – January 2, 2013
Rick died of natural causes at his home on Wednesday. He was born in Lakewood, Ohio and moved to Omaha in 1962. A graduate of Benson High School, Rick earned a degree in Education from University of Nebraska-Omaha. He taught elementary grades in Ralston, and later taught at Elkhorn Middle School until his retirement in 2006. Rick continued his support of the school system as a bus driver and substitute teacher for Elkhorn until his death. His students will remember him as a great storyteller. Rick was an avid historian of cultures past and present, an automotive enthusiast, and lover of nature. He was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather who devoted himself to his family and will be greatly missed.
He is preceded in death by his parents Wilbur and Eleanor Shaw. Rick is survived by his wife, Nancy; sister; Barbara (Gregg) Hiney; daughter, Teri (Tim) Bader; son, Jon (Angela) Shaw; grandchildren Shelby and Abbi Bader, and Ansel Shaw.
Memorial service to be held Monday at 10 a.m. at Countryside Community Church. Memorials can be sent to the Rocky Mountain Nature Association- Next Generation Fund in Estes Park, CO or online at www.rmna.org
Services
- Memorial Service Monday, January 7, 2013
REMEMBERING
Richard A. Shaw
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RECEIVE UPDATESJessica Bowden
January 9, 2013
Mr. Rick Shaw,
You were a wonderful neighbor! I remember when I first met you when my family moved next door. You immediately picked up on my interest in your horses. From this interest, you allowed me to meet Sierra, who was only a few days old. From that point on, we spent many mornings training and riding the horses. I will forever remember being this first person Sierra almost bucked off. You appreciated the fact that I did not allow Sierra to buck me off. I also remember many conversations and the comfort of a grandfather that I felt from you. When I moved to college, you helped me out numerous times will all my college stuff. Even then, I appreciated everything you taught me and helped me and my family out with. When I came home to visit the family, I oftentimes visited you as well. You will forever be missed and I feel like I have lost another family member. Whenever I look at horses, I will remember all the times we had. Whenever I go to Colorado, I will remember your love for the state. Whenever I return home, I will forever remember the wonderful neighbor next door who was more than a neighbor and close friend. May you rest in peace.
Jessica Bowden
Greg Bowden
January 9, 2013
Nobody on this earth could be a better next-door country neighbor than you Rick. We can never repay you for the countless times you helped haul hay, fix cars, feed animals when we were gone, etc. etc. etc. Our little girl Julia will miss being your only trick-or-treater every Halloween, when each year you made her a special bag of goodies, knowing she would be the only one to stop by. Thank you Rick, for the 10 wonderful years as the best next-door neighbor we could ever hope for. We miss you terribly.
Mark Flott
January 8, 2013
Mr. Shaw,
I remember your tan jeep with ballon tires. You touched many with your skills of teaching and life. Always enjoyed stopping by Maywood to visit.
Nan Cunningham
January 7, 2013
All of Jon Shaw's students and colleagues at Fremont Middle School send their prayers to the Shaw family at this sad time. The tributes are a true and lasting testament to the power of a teacher. What a wonderful man your dad was, Jon. We are glad you are carrying on that tradition of teaching. I am sure that made him very proud.
Your Fremont Middle School Family
Adrienne McCormick
January 7, 2013
Adrienne McCormick
January 7, 2013
Uncle Rick taught me how to ride a horse. I will miss him so much.
Scarlett Wilson
January 7, 2013
Nancy:
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Mr. Shaw was a wonderful teacher, with immense humor, patience, and love of people. God Bless.
Anne Kunneman
January 7, 2013
Nancy,
I was so saddened to hear of Rick's passing. I want you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers. You can tell by all the tributes that he was a truly wonderful man. Let me know if I can help with anything.
Hannah Johnson
January 7, 2013
I first met Mr. Shaw when I was in his history class in 7th grade between the years of 2004-2005. Yes, he was my history teacher but he did not just teach me about history. Richard A. Shaw is one of the teachers who has given me my passion for teaching. He understood what it meant to be an effective and fun teacher, always challenging us to think outside of the box. Mr. Shaw was still very present in my life after I left that 7th grade classroom. I continued to see him throughout my career at Elkhorn, seeing that he was the awesome bus driver he was! He was loved by all who boarded his yellow school bus. Then as I continued on to college, he was still there. My first year at The University of Nebraska at Lincoln, where I now study Music Education, I participated the Cornhusker Marching Band. As I sat down for my first game in the stands, I turn to my right to see the fans beside me, and there Mr. Shaw was. For every game he would go out of his to say hi and make small conversation to a student he had 6 years ago. After all of this one could call him a wonderful teacher but obviously an outstanding human being as well. He will be missed by so many, but what he has taught me will always caring on.
Lee and Jackie Baggett
January 7, 2013
Nancy, Jackie and I are holding you and the family in our prayerful thoughts. We hope from a far that the sadness and grief you feel now is lessened by the care and compassion of family and friends.
Amanda Lovitt
January 7, 2013
Mr. Shaw was a wonderful teacher. I have fond memories of him to this day. The world has lost a great man. My sympathies and prayers go to his loved ones.
Jeff & Stephanie Byers
January 7, 2013
Nancy,
Stephanie and I were so sad to hear the news. We send our deepest sympathy to you and your family. We want you to know that you all will be in our thoughts and Prayers.
Tim & Katrina Snyder
January 7, 2013
Was one of our favorite teachers ever in all my our years of school, he will be dearly missed, our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones.
Rick & Claudia Baumgardner
January 6, 2013
Nancy,
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Angie Amenta-Bellus
January 6, 2013
I am so thankful for all my teachers at Maywood Elementary, how blessed we were! Mr. Shaw, I can still remember you reading to us...Camp Hitchcock...I still have a smiley message note you gave me, almost 34 years ago. Thank you for your gift of teaching...God Bless!
Mindy, Bryon & Blake Miller
January 6, 2013
Our deepest sympathy is with your family. Our son who is now 21 really enjoyed having Mr. Shaw in Middle School and history became one of his favorite subjects. He has many fond memories of him. May God comfort your grieving hearts. So sorry for your loss.
Bob, Barb, Jenny, and Bobby Kalisch
January 6, 2013
As a young adult, Rick spent several summers in Colorado working at the Western Hills Lodge and Trail Ridge Marina located in the upper Colorado River basin and on the shores of Shadow Mountain Reservoir near the village of Grand Lake. He was 18 and I was 13. He was a family friend.
When our family was in Colorado camping, we met up with Rick. He remembered my birthday and baked me a cake from scratch. I have a picture of us enjoying that cake in my parents' camper. And it happened again, the following year. Another rendezvous, and another unexpected cake. Ordinary 18-year olds don't do this. And a 13-year old boy will never forget. The year was 1968.
Rick introduced my brothers and me to off-roading in a 1946 Willys Jeep in the hills of West Omaha and Council Bluffs. Soon we had Jeeps of our own and learned how to restore them, again with Rick's encouragement and help. It was a ton of fun. And a 14-year old boy will never forget.
When I turned 16, Rick helped teach me to drive. OK, maybe it was really before I was 16. He was always positive and encouraging, even when I committed the inevitable errors. I remember the yellow push-button automatic. I can't remember the model. And a 16-year old boy will never forget.
When I was 25, my wife and I were camped at Longs Peak campground on a snowbound Christmas Eve high in the Rockies at the end of a nearly impassable road. We got there in a 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser, a clear byproduct of Rick's influence. After 10 PM, and in our tent and sleeping bags, out of the wind and snow we heard a vehicle roaring up the road. “Who in the world would be up here? Are they crazy?” It was a Ford Bronco and it stopped at our space. Out of the howling wing and snow bounded Rick's voice. He had found out that we were there from my parents, and he and Barb came to visit us. We huddled in the tent that night and enjoyed hot chocolate for several hours. And a 25-year old young man will never forget.
Into adulthood, my wife and I have enjoyed Rick's company many times with both of our families. We knew Wilbur and Eleanor well and enjoyed many meals his parents' home in Estes Park and at our home on Colorado's Front Range (the Valley to Rick). More birthday cakes and Eleanor's blue cheese chip dip. And an aging man will never forget.
Rick was always outgoing, friendly, selfless, and kind; a born extravert, a born teacher. He helped shape the lives of my family and me. And a 57-year old friend will never forget.
To Nancy, Teri, and Jon, we wish you strength and love and every memory of what a special person Rick was to all of us.
Lisa Stageman-Pavelski
January 6, 2013
I will always remember when he dressed up as Lincoln and put his head into the ceiling tiles so we would always remember that 'a lot' are two words. Rest in peace and thank you for your love of teaching!
Michelle Haley
January 5, 2013
What a profound loss. Mr. Shaw was my teacher nearly 20 years ago, but left an impression so lasting that I tell my kids stories about what kind of teacher he was, and how he shared his stories. My deepest heartfelt condolences are with his family.
Tammie Wiegand (Larson)
January 5, 2013
There are so many wonderful memories with Mr. Shaw. He is the reason why people can read my writing and why I love history. One of the greatest teachers of all time. Prayers to his family because without them he wouldn't have been the wonderful man he was.
Hilary McDonald
January 5, 2013
Thank you Rick for allowing me to leave my classroom with you, knowing it was in good hands. I would have never been able to enjoy my new little ones without you as my long-term sub. I knew the kids at school would be in the best hands possible with you and I always admired your dedication to children, abilitiy to tell stories and love of nature. You will be truly missed.
Corey & Kelly King
January 5, 2013
Mr. Shaw will be greatly missed. He was an amazing teacher. We will never forget him.
chad shoeman
January 5, 2013
Mr. Shaw thanks for being you. Thanks for the stories, the bad jokes, and all that knowledge. You know everyone loved you right? And the world was truly blessed to have you in it.
Chad Shoeman Maywood Elementry
January 5, 2013
Dear family and friends of Mr. Shaw, He was one of the best teachers I could have ever had, always patient and caring. Also his love of teaching shone through and made history an interesting topic to learn. I am greatly saddened by the news and I hope he somehow knows how greatly he will be missed. Much love and to his family at this hard time.
Natalie christianson
January 4, 2013
to one of the greaest subs i will forever miss all the crazy stories RIP Mr.Shaw
Jessica Rowe
January 4, 2013
I was very priviledged to be a classmate of Jon's and a student in Mr. Shaw's history class. I actually remember the room we were in and the passion he had for teaching and this was almost 20 years ago. I am so sorry for your loss and please know you are in my prayers
Katie Wherry
January 4, 2013
We will miss u mr. Shaw n prayers are with ur family
Ashley Tompkins
January 4, 2013
Mr.Shaw you were my history teacher and high five teacher every year! i remember the way you gave us xtra credit, which was if we complimented on you. everyone fought over who got to be the first one. :) Your stories every day was what i looked foward to! We will miss you, R.I.P!!
Alejandra Garcia
January 4, 2013
When i walked into the classroom and found mr shaw there i always knew that it was going to be a great day and have a new story in my mind.
Colton Stanislav
January 4, 2013
Mr. Shaw was always one of my favorite teachers through all the school Ive had, me and my friends even now tell stories about Mr. Shaw in class. Even when a kid fell asleep in history class and he snuck behind him and rang this handbell as loud as he could and the kid fell out of his chair in surprise :)
Erin McMullen
January 4, 2013
I was lucky enough to be in Mr.Shaw's history class growing up. He was always willing to give a helping hand and told the best stories. You will always be remembered and held dear in the Elkhorn community.
Lacey Hollrah
January 4, 2013
Mr. Shaw was a great teacher and greatly influenced my decision to become a teacher. The respect and care he showed for each student spoke volumes about his character. He will be greatly missed. God bless and keep you.
Shirley Fox
January 4, 2013
Nancy,
I am so very sorry! In reading his tributes I thought of how wonderful to know that one person truly can make a positive impact in this world that will affect generations to come. I hope that gives you all some comfort during this very difficult time. I will be praying for you all.
Brenda Stursma (friend of Nancy)
January 4, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with Rick's family. So sorry to hear of your loss.
Erika Frisch
January 4, 2013
Mr. Shaw was an amazing man. He was a great teacher and did a great job getting us involved in his class. I was honored to be a part of his last 6th Grade class at Maywood Elementary and to continue to keep in touch with him all these years. Nancy, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. What a great man who will be greatly missed.
Donna Rehtmeyer
January 4, 2013
Nancy I'm so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers your way for you and your family
Gerry Goetz Cordes
January 4, 2013
God's blessings to Rick's family. Benson classmate,
Andrew Stiles
January 4, 2013
I remembered the stories he'd tell, half of the story was told with his hands. He was a sympathetic and dedicated teacher. Very sad to hear of his passing.
Sue Ludvik
January 4, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May The Lord hold you tight during this difficult time.
Sheri Wagner (Aldridge)
January 4, 2013
Mr. Shaw was a great influence on my life and decision to become a teacher! He truly loved learning and sharing that with all whom he came into contact. You will be missed Mr. Shaw.
Kylee Medina
January 4, 2013
Mr. Shaw was the best History teacher that anyone could ever ask for. He was always good at storytelling and made learning so enjoyable. I was fortunate enough to have him as my 7th grade teacher the year he retired in 2006 from Elkhorn Middle School. My sympathies and prayers go out to his family. He will sincerly missed by all of those he has impacted. Rest In Peace Mr. Shaw
Your daughter
January 4, 2013
Miss you so much already Dad. I will never hike another trail, hear a story told, take a summer vacation....without thinking of you. Thank you so much for all of the wonderful memories and the knowledge that you were always there for me. My girls had the best grandfather in the world! They will carry your love for them in their hearts forever. There is no greater gift. Love you always
Nicholas Hoag
January 4, 2013
Mr. Shaw was my teacher in 7th grade. He was the first teacher I ever had in middle school and in the Elkhorn Public school district for that matter. He quickly became my favorite teacher. He was kind and thoughtful and oh so funny. His stories were the greatest among the greatest. And when he would stop lecture randomly just to say orlando blum so that heather cazahous would freak out, it was the best. He always stated that if he drank a pop in class then the next day we could bring a pop in and drink as well. Never happened, it was first period, too early to drink. And he would always give us the stats on the super bowl commercials, even when he was my sub one year. This man inspired me, and helped grow my love for history. I will miss him dearly, and it truly is a shame. He was so young, I wish his family the best, and want them to know that I am sorry for their loss. Mr. Shaw truly was a great man, he made me believe that there was always hope. He was my idol.
Kylee Medina
January 4, 2013
Rest In Peace Mr. Shaw. You were great at storytelling and you made learning enjoyable. You inspired me to want to one day teacher History in Europe. My sympathies and prayers go out to Mr. Shaw's family. Rest In Peace Mr. Shaw.
Kylee Medina
January 4, 2013
Mr. Shaw was the best History teacher that anyone could ever ask for. He told the best stories and made learning so much fun. I'm honored God gave me the chance to have him as my 7th grade teacher the year he retired in 2006. He has made an everlasting impact on my life and has greatly inspired me to teacher history in Europe. Mr. Shaw will be missed by all of those he has impacted. Rest In Peace Mr. Shaw.
January 4, 2013
Mr. Shaw was an amazing teacher and was always prepared to tell a great story. I never was interested in history until I attended his history class in 2004 when he actually made the past "come alive" while having us act out important scenes and described the events. He will be missed.
-------------------------------------------
I was also a student in Mr. Shaw's history class at Elkhorn Middle School in 2004. Mr. Shaw was one of those teachers that made you want to come to class! He had such a passion for teaching that he could get all of his middle school students interested in history. I have one memory of him telling us all about Greek Mythology and we each got to act out different skits playing the roles of our favorite Greek Gods and Goddesses. Today, I still use the note taking skills that Mr. Shaw taught us in college. I'm finishing up getting my degree and I'm hoping to make a difference in the world like Mr. Shaw has. Thank you, Mr. Shaw.
-Former Students
Pam & Stan Vaughn
January 4, 2013
Stan & I both taught in Ralston with Rick & have many fond memories. Rick & I were in the same class at Benson, so my memories go way back. He loved children & was a wonderful mentor. He always had time to listen & was compassionate about each child. Our sincere sympathy to his family . We lift you in prayer.
sagan weis
January 4, 2013
You will be missed! You were such a fun teacher when I was in middle school even after all those detentions you gave me ;)
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