In Loving Memory of

John Shaw

of Edmonton
Apr 17, 1943 - Mar 9, 2018

 

 

I extend sympathy for John's family. John spent a sabbatical term at our research organization in Nova Scotia. During that time he generously shared his wisdom and insight into processes by which glacial landscapes were modified. His insight was crucial for solving problems in understanding the formation of problematic features detected in underwater surveys. John will always be remembered for his passion and scientific prowess.
posted by Mike Lewis : See message above. : Mar 20, 2018

 

As a former colleague I am saddened to learn of John's death. He is remembered with affection by those he knew at Queen's, and sincere condolences are offered to Jean and family.
posted by Gerald McGrath : Former colleague at Queen's University : Mar 19, 2018

 

Jean, our sympathies fly out to you from Queen's Geography. I was a new faculty member when he left for the West, but I remember John very well. He was a wonderful speaker and teacher and was an original thinker with deep excitement about his work. He was a wonderful friend to Bob Gilbert, who we also lost far too early. John was superb at calling things what they were, a trait I value. I have some very fond memories of meetings we attended.
posted by Anne Godlewska : - : Mar 19, 2018

 

I am so very sorry to hear this sad news. My sincere condolences to Jean and all the family.
posted by Sue McCalla : My cousin Joan and Jean are dear friends : Mar 19, 2018

 

I am so sorry for your loss. John was my first mentor. As a struggling undergraduate at Queen's University in the 1980s, I remember sitting in his lectures, mesmerized by his simple, matter-of-fact style that made complex concepts so much easier to understand. He would share his research on drumlin formation, and ask us what we thought. That respect for our opinion, along with his humility and sense of humour, made us believe we could understand the material and actually discuss it with an expert. I had an interest in geographic information systems and an aptitude for computers, so John hired me as a research assistant the summer I graduated. I absolutely loved coming to work each day, spending hours digitizing glacial features from air photos, and discussing my work with him. I remember sitting in his class when I first got the idea that maybe I could actually contemplate graduate school, and he wrote me a reference letter that convinced the admissions committee to take a chance on a young man with a spotty transcript, but who showed some promise. Now a geography professor myself, I can say that without a doubt I would not be where I am today without him, and for that I am forever grateful. I'm sure he had a similar influence on innumerable students over his long career, and I hope you can take some small comfort in that.
posted by Don Boyes : Student of John's at Queen's University : Mar 16, 2018

 

Please accept my deepest sympathy. Geomorphology has lost a deeply original thinker, passionate about the subject. I regret my current travels will keep me from St.Paul's next week .
posted by David Cruden : He was a valued colleague : Mar 16, 2018

 

Deepest sympathies Jean. John is fondly remembered from Pigeon Lake times. We appreciated his warmth and humour. Gord and Cathy Beirnes
posted by Gord Beirnes : Neighbours at the lake. : Mar 16, 2018