Lavar Shaw

Born on April 16, 1946, in Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies, Lavar Monroe Shaw hailed from a lineage of Agatha Lewis and Kenute Shaw. His upbringing unfolded in Duhaney Park, where he attended Boys Town Primary School. While formal education in Jamaica didn't see its completion, Lavar embarked on an apprenticeship, honing his skills in operating printing presses.

In 1969, the blessings of fatherhood bestowed upon him a son, Conrad O. Cresser. Two years later, in 1971, Lavar made the life-altering decision to migrate to the United States. There, he commenced his journey at the United Nations, serving diligently as a Printer in the Reproduction and Distribution Department until his well-deserved retirement in 2006.

On June 15, 1974, he exchanged vows with Patricia A. Brooks in Brooklyn, New York. Their shared journey brought forth the joy of parenthood with the arrival of two children: a daughter named Karen N. Shaw and a son named Adrian M. Shaw.

Driven by a thirst for knowledge and personal growth, Lavar pursued his GED and later achieved a bachelor's degree from York College, majoring in Social Work, solidifying his commitment to community and service.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Lavar exuded a profound passion for various interests, including education, photography, table tennis, and music. His affinity for capturing moments through the lens extended beyond a mere hobby; it was a testament to his desire to preserve timeless memories of family and friends. This ardor for photography was infectious, as evidenced by his son Conrad's admiration at the tender age of 14, marveling at his father's ability to craft intimate family portraits within the comfort of their living room. Music served as another cornerstone of Lavar's life, transcending genres and resonating with his soul through diverse beats and melodies. This musical inclination left an indelible mark on his youngest son, Adrian, who, like his father, immersed himself in the world of rhythm and harmony. Deeply committed to the transformative power of education, Lavar held firm to the principle that academic success was of utmost importance. He tirelessly championed for his children to not just attain high school diplomas, but to also aspire towards the pinnacle of educational attainment—a bachelor's degree. Karen, his daughter, epitomized this dedication by surpassing these expectations, serving as a shining example of his unwavering commitment to scholarly excellence.

Lavar imparted upon his grandchildren a timeless mantra: "With education, no one can compete, for without it, life ain't very sweet." This cherished quote encapsulated his belief in the profound significance of knowledge, inspiring future generations to embrace learning as the cornerstone of personal growth and achievement.

While diligently contributing to the United Nations, Lavar found solace and camaraderie on the international stage of table tennis, representing the organization with pride and skill as a member of the United Nations Table Tennis Team.

Lavar's legacy extended beyond his immediate family, as he was blessed with seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, each one a cherished addition to his life. Among them were Conrad Cresser Jr., Taylor Sparrow, Creshaun Cresser, Kendall Sparrow, Carlysia Cresser, Carrie Cresser, Amya Shaw, Khaza Johnson, Kodi Sparrow-Lipscomb, and Zyaire Sparrow-Lipscomb. With boundless love and affection, he nurtured, teased, and adored every single one, leaving an imprint of warmth and joy on their lives.

Beyond his lineage, Lavar is survived by his eldest brother, Gladston Lewis, his sister Veronica Shaw, and his younger brother, Aston Shaw. Preceding him in passing wss his wife Patricia Shaw and his siblings Lasalle Shaw, Dorthy Shaw, and Leroy Shaw.

Outside the confines of his immediate family, he leaves behind a wide network of nieces, nephews, and a cherished community of friends. Their lives were enriched by the profound depth of his companionship and the enduring warmth of his spirit.