Richard Shaw

Richard S. Shaw, 62, of Wellfleet, died on Aug. 31 following a short illness, with family and friends by his side.

Rick, beloved husband of Robin Bauer Shaw, loving son of Joseph T. Shaw of Brewster, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in June and fought courageously through his illness.

Born in New Haven, CT, he grew up in Scarsdale, NY and was a graduate of Scarsdale High School, where he played football and ice hockey. His senior year, he became an Eagle Scout with Troop 60 of Scarsdale.

Following graduation, he moved to Cape Cod and enrolled in Cape Cod Community College. He later graduated with degrees in Business Administration and Hotel/Restaurant Management.

Rather than move off the Cape for employment opportunities, he decided to pursue a career in plumbing. He started as an apprentice and later became a master plumber, as well as being licensed in heating, ventilation and air-conditioning.

In 1973, he created Rick Shaw Plumbing & Heating, and for the next 38 years built a successful business servicing both residential and commercial clients. In the early 1980s, he taught an evening course in plumbing at Cape Cod Tech in Harwich. He also became a licensed realtor in 2004, working for Coldwell Banker in Orleans.

Rick was as hard working at business as he was pursuing his pleasures. He was a creative landscaper, an avid golfer, and an exceptional cook.

On a plot of land in Wellfleet that was deemed undesirable by many, Rick designed and built a beautiful home with harbor views surrounded by lovely lawns and gardens.

As a golfer, he played countless rounds at Highland Links in Truro, and in 2003 became a charter member of his most loved course, Cape Cod National. He also belonged to Heritage Oaks Golf & Country Club in Sarasota, FL.

Rick delighted in ending his day at the stove or grill. Using old family recipes, creating new ones, or pilfering from local restaurants and friends; his true joy was sharing his cooking with others. Many memories were made with family and close friends, eating and sitting on the deck or around the dining room table, talking into the night.

He enjoyed skiing in the winters at their condo in Vermont, and later at their condo in Florida, where he savored a warm winter hiatus, relaxing and playing golf. During the summers, he loved boating with close friends, or just sitting on the deck overlooking his koi pond and “setting the world straight.”

Richard will be missed by the many people he touched in his 44 years on the Cape, for his warmth and humor, generosity and love of life.

In addition to his wife of 26 years, and his father, he is survived by two brothers, Christopher J. Shaw and wife Mary of Rowayton, CT, and David T. Shaw and wife Susan, of Wayne, PA, a niece and several nephews. He is predeceased by his mother, Helen J. Shaw, who died in 2009, and a brother, Peter G. Shaw, who died in 1980.

Visiting hours will be held Friday, Sept. 9 at Nickerson Funeral Home, 77 Eldredge Park Way, Orleans, from 5 pm to 8 pm. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Sept. 10 at 11 am at First Congregational Church, 697 Main Street, Harwich. Burial will be private.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers, may be made in his name to the "Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund/CCN Scholarship", 300 Arnold Palmer Blvd., Norton, MA 02766, to The American Cancer Society, or to a charity of your choice.