No pictures just good memories.

I remember when I showed my rosary to Mr. Shaw and he said he hoped one day to see it well worn.

All good memories of a time long past.

RIP Mr. Shaw

I miss you. Thank you for the penny today.

In the summer of 1982, David, Ford and myself were in Nantucket. We came upon an art society party, we looked in the window and everyone was well dressed and very stylish. The three of us were in sport shirts and rather shabby. David led the charge, when we entered a lady approached us, before she could speak David said with authority…”We’re artists”. We proceeded to have our fill of drink and food as David captivated a section of the room with his conversation. 

In 1966, I met David in seventh grade at Hackley. I broke my glasses, the next day David brought me his extra pair. He was an original and a real friend. Every fifth conversation we had resulted in an argument, he never held a grudge.

You will never meet anyone close to David in your lifetime!!!
 He’s presently having a scotch and a cigarette in his favorite chair while discussing religious philosophy with the God. 

I owe David Shaw many great lifelong debts, not the least of which is my Roman Catholic faith.  I am a convert to Catholicism from Episcopalianism and David is my Godfather.  He told me, "Look. read the Catechism of the Council of Trent, and if there is nothing in there you disagree with, you are obligated to convert to the one true faith."  Eventually, that seed took root.   

David and I met in 1974 and have been partners in various projects ever since.   Our method, and sort of pact, was to debate as intensely as required to get the mental juices flowing, but to never, ever take it personally over the long run.  After all, David could not help it if a brilliant insight came into his head on a regular daily basis that could not be readily articulated.  I remember when we were working on the geometry of visual perception and David was convinced he had conceived the solution, but not possessing any sort of mathematical vocabulary, became frustrated  in explaining it to me.  It turns out, as I would learn years later rummaging through old science stacks at RPI, that David had re-discovered stereographic projection (known to Hipparchus, but only used for astronomy), and that, yes, indeed, it is a very important part of the solution to the geometry of visual perception.   

We continued debating and sharing ideas up until two days before he died.   Such debates will continue in my head for the rest of my life, because both David and I were/are philosophically convinced of the immortality of the human soul, and I believe I can almost hear his voice.

Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.  May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed,  through the mercy of God, rest in peace.                                                                


"You don't want to buy that."  The voice was clear and resonant, and the tone was firm.  I looked up from the glass vase I had just begun to examine, and the shop owner explained that these particular vases never had beveled lips, indicating the edge had been chipped and ground smooth.  He said it was only good as a decorator piece, assuming correctly that I was not a decorator.  David Shaw was honest, open and direct - as a dealer in antiquities, as a school teacher, and as a man.  Over time I bought some antiques (and "decorator pieces") from him, and gradually got to know him in other situations and circumstances.  His knowledge of antiques was as broad based and as deep across the board as that of any other dealer I have encountered.  But to take a break and spend some time in Antiques & Fine Art was - if David were in, and he usually was - an opportunity for sophisticated intellectual frolic. David Shaw was as much a lay philosopher as he was an historian.  He was absolutely laden with interesting things to talk about, and he shared them generously.  
And he was sensitive and empathetic to a point most will not go.  He graced this Earth in our presence and he will grace whatever space and dimension he may visit.  RIP David.  

David was a dear friend of mine at The Royal Academy of Art in London. For some time he lived with me and my brother.  He manifested an unusual combination of being both an intellectual philosopher and a mischievous schoolboy.  Consequently,, while he relished challenging you at every point of what he viewed as a logical inconsistency, he could do it in a way that endeared you to him.  Over the last few years we texted or phoned each other on a weekly basis and talked mostly about the Grace of God. I look forward to seeing him again in that bright land where one is granted entrance entirely on the basis of Christ’s merits and his amazing Grace.

David was a great friend to me & my kids. My Son worked at his Antique store many years ago. And, I became acquainted with him moreso about 10yrs ago, maybe more, thru Antiques. When I hit hard times, he let me have a room in his wonderfully eclectic home, so I could work multiple jobs to get back on my feet. Many evenings spent talking about everything, lol. I'm grateful to have known him in this life. He was an amazing person, & will be missed. RIP David 💖

I am a second cousin and my name is James Talbot. I live in the south of France in Menton. David’s father, Hugh, was my mothers first cousin so mine as well, once removed. I keep in touch with him every few weeks. Like David I have been an art and antiques dealer for most of my working life. The last time we met was probably around 50 plus years ago at Fortnums and Mason
In London and my brother, Hargrave and I remember that day well. We are sorry to learn of his early passing for he contributed greatly to the life of others. May his soul rest in peace

James

I’m deeply saddened to hear of the passing of David Shaw. Although I lost touch in recent years, he was a dear and good friend. I met David after my divorce. He and Al (one of Davids fav customers), we’re my “bachelor buddies”. When I started to date again, I’d always bring my dates to our fav wine bar in old market for his approval. I’d have David to my house for dinner, or we’d go out for dinner on holidays. I bought David a TV, pots and pans…got him into the modern age, & taught him how to drive…although he still refused to do so.  David found beauty in everything. While I have no pics of David, this is a pic he took of me and I developed it in my photography class. David inspired me. He will be truly missed. 

Mr. Shaw was the BEST teacher I've ever had!  He taught me ancient history and drama.   His dramatic personality made every single class interesting.   His artistic ability was exceptional and beautiful!  He was always in a great mood when gold and silver went up in value.   I had never forgotten this wonderful teacher.   He truly had an impact on my life!  The world will miss him, as I did after he left St. Mary's.   Sending my thoughts and prayers to his family, and the repose of his soul.  💛

Nothing is the same anymore down here, I hope the candy rock mountains is everything you thought it was going to be I am so glad we met, Thank you so much for everything, most of all your laughter 

Mr. Shaw paid me to clean his office and I would turn on the radio and listen to rock music!  I think he knew and never told. Lol. He was such a great teacher! Very theatrical when he taught.  Rest In Peace Mr. Shaw ❤️

I didn't know David, but he must of been a wonderful man. I know Kathleen Shaw through her Mom Susan Dawson. 
May he rest in peace. 

I wish I had a photo… I so wish I did. But don’t. I however have some amazing memories of Mr Shaw teaching me at St Mary’s Kansas. His ability to captivate me during those warm St Mary’s days when we had no air conditioning was unmatched. I would listen intently learning about world history. To say Mr Shaw was my favorite teaching would be and understatement. He gave me an appreciation for civics and history for life! Which served me well in my US Army 30 year career. Thank you to the Shaw family for giving me this precious gift. RIP Mr Shaw I already miss you. 
Damon Darakjy 
819 Gallagher Rd 
McQueeney TX 78123 

Uncle David had such a refreshing spirit.  I loved his interest in antiques and what he taught me about them.  Prayers of peace and comfort to all the family at this sad time.   Rest in peace Uncle David.  Maine vacations were always more fun when you were there too!  Love always, Kathleen Rinaldi xoxoxo

David, I will never forget the special lesson you shared with me about the significance of the crucifix!! May you rest in Blessed Peace forever:)
PS.. You can count on the wish that you had for me to never again consider the prices of food in restaurants!!xoxoxoxox
Diane Shaw

I don't even know what to say except thank you for leaving us with those beautiful words from your friends and students. We missed having you here in our neck of the woods and would always be happy to get a glimpse of you during the Maine summers!!! I think of you often as a fellow artist..kind of and admire those works of yours that have travelled my life with me and always found a place in our home. I hope we meet again Dave... so many things to go deep into. You would be proud of your cousins the twins they are philosophers  too and  wished they had gotten to know you better. Lets plan on it ! Thanks for always saying such kind words about my mom and dad also. You were special to them both .Love from Helene, Stefan ,Bernard and Angela Rest in Peace!

David Shaw taught me history when I was a high school student in Kansas.  I  can never overestimate the effect he had on my love of the past.  In his classroom,  Greek battles came to life and one could almost hear the clash of swords, long ago silenced.  He fed the fire that was my ever growing interest in all things history,  I passed that passion on to my children and one of my daughters is currently pursuing a graduate degree in archaeology studying in Israel.  I know David would be pleased to know that his gift of bringing the past to the present is shining brightly in yet another generation.   He was,  without a doubt, the best teacher I've ever had the honor of knowing.  

Mr. Shaw was my favorite teacher in high school. Many of his funny or thoughtful expressions and words have stayed with me to this day. He loved his students and they loved him. His dedication was outstanding and he never shrunk from giving his time to us. I spent many happy and relaxed hours along with my friends in his studio - his doors were always open to us, and during those happy times he taught us to paint or just talked. He left Saint Mary's too soon, but I am sure that his generosity and kind spirit transformed those around him wherever he went. He will be in my family's prayers for a long time. God speed, dear teacher, and thank you.

I met David through my sister Darla years ago.  I had just moved back to the Midwest and she mentioned her friend David needed a driver for a trip to Main.  When I first met him I thought him to be very essentric  and a bit odd but I agreed to drive him.  It didn’t take long for us to become great friends as we got along very well.  Since he has passed the memories have came flooding back and so many that I cherish and put me into laughter.  One that I remember the most is that he loved to do my make up and tell me how handsome I was in the mornings before we would antique shop.  I would giggle the whole time .  His artist was busy telling me all about my facial structure and features and how I should and shouldn’t paint it.   Upon our return we became very very close and remained great friends and often had dinners together long after the trip.  My favorite memories with him was having quality time in his music room.  I would have wine and he would have scotch and we would sit there for hours having the most stimulating, personable conversations.  I will always be thankful that David and I crossed paths.  He believed in me in a way that no one else did and that meant the world to me.  Unfortunately life pulls people in different directions and time went by very quickly.   I would love more than anything to c him one last time to tell him how much I love and adore him.  He was certainly one of a kind.   I am blessed to have known him.  Forever great full.  Love always, Tara.

David was a fellow teacher at St. Mary's Academy in Kansas when I arrived there in 1982 and joined the staff in accounting as well as teaching.  He taught art and history and the students were very fond of him.  He got me interested in art and antiques and we went to auctions and estate sales together; he also got me interested in sailing, inviting me to his mother's Maine cottage a couple of summers where he kept his sailboat.  Many good memories.

OBITUARY

David Malcolm Shaw

October 19, 1954 – February 7, 2022

Westlawn-Hillcrest Funeral Home & Westlawn-Hillcrest Memorial Park

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