Perrin "Spike" Kendall Shaw

Perrin Kendall "Spike" Shaw, Sr. passed away June 11, 2023, while stationed at Fort Humphreys, South Korea, days before his planned return to the United States. While an undiagnosed heart condition took him too soon, Perrin's zest for life and love of family will be forever remembered.

Perrin was born October 24, 1986, the third of three boys to Felicia and Kenneth "Pete" Shaw, and raised in Carlsbad, California. Full of spunk and personality, "Spike" – a nickname given at birth - was known for his athleticism, imagination, and fearless sense of adventure. Always on the move, his daredevil stunts on bikes, rollerblades, and skateboards, would land him in time-outs and bandages. Whatever his mind could conceive and believe, Spike was game to try.

When Spike was of age, he discovered team sports and the world of baseball, football, and track, receiving many accolades and awards. He nurtured his creativity by teaching himself to draw, juggle, play drums, and create electronic beats. He had an ear for languages and was conversant in Tagalog, Spanish, and Khmer. His curiosity and openness to the world made him the unique person he was.

With high school behind him, Spike held odd jobs until hired by Viejas Casino, where he met Kozeth Edwards, his best friend and forever love. Married, with one son barely walking and another on the way, Spike enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving with distinction until his final days.

In typical Spike spirit, he approached his military career with gusto. After completing basic training in 2011, he was assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, 82nd Airborne Division, and deployed to Afghanistan shortly afterward. Hard work, good humor, and humility helped him rise through the ranks earning many awards and decorations. One of Spike's shining achievements was becoming a "Black Hat" Jumpmaster and joining the Army's elite Paratrooper unit of Airborne School Instructors.

Spike was most recently stationed with the 643rd Engineer Construction Company at Fort Humphreys in South Korea, where he served for two years and enjoyed leading and mentoring the many young men and women under his charge. Spike ended his career as Sergeant First Class (E-7), a posthumous and well-deserved promotion.

Set to return to the U.S. on June 15, Spike was looking forward to riding "Delores," his prized Harley motorcycle, spending time with his wife and three sons, and surprising his family in San Diego with a visit after being away for nearly 12 years.

Spike is survived by his wife, Kozeth Atichvong Shaw, and three sons, Perrin Kendall ("PJ") Shaw, Jr., Jaylen Michael Shaw, and Brenan Kenneth Shaw; parents, Felicia W. Shaw (Daniel "Danny" K. Wright) and Kenneth E. "Pete" Shaw (Kari Shaw), step-sister Emily Prideaux ; brothers, Kenneth R. "Ryan" Shaw (Lauren) and Keenan A. Shaw (Lauren); maternal grandmother Mildred Willis; and, mother and father-in-law Monita Edwards and Soksann Edwards. He leaves behind a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends whose fond memories of Spike will live on.