Ronald Stanley Shaw
On Aug. 30, 2012, in Logan Utah, our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, brother, partner and friend, Ron Shaw,
passed away peacefully following 17 years living with and bravely fighting against incurable chronic lymphatic leukemia and lymphoma. Throughout the time he lived with cancer, Ron continued to live with an upbeat, cheerful and positive attitude.
Ron was born in Philadelphia, Penn., on May 21, 1945, to Elmer and Vera Shaw. He grew up in Philadelphia, attended Cardinal Dougherty Catholic School and later went on to play football for Juniata College. After football Ron went into the Army, serving as both military police as well as a lieutenant. It was during this time he met and married Lisa Salisbury. Together they had one daughter, Jessica. Jessica was her father’s pride and joy and he often referred to parenting as “the greatest accomplishment of my life.”
His comprehensive understanding of legal history and his athletic ability helped to get him a position as a special agent in the FBI. In 1978 the family moved to Logan to spend more time together as well as take advantage of its many opportunities to ski, backpack, camp, bike and hike. Ron cherished his free time to read, explore the beauty of the West, exercise (he was regularly seen running on Center Street), travel, ski, and study current events. He thus turned down several high-pressure jobs and chose to sell life insurance for Equitable Insurance Company. Ron loved being active – he competed in bike races, marathons and triathlons, and also was an avid hiker, skier and backpacker. Ron and Lisa separated in the 1984 but remained close friends. It was also this year that Ron started working for the U.S. Postal Service, where he later met Cathy Kogianes, who has been his companion and partner for 17 years. He and Cathy traveled extensively throughout North America and the world. Ron spent nearly every weekend at Cathy’s expounding and expertly opening the wine with dinner at the ranch in Lewiston where he loved the views.
For those who knew Ron, our lives have been elevated by his effervescence and humor. He was the delightful curmudgeon who continuously reminded us of the absurdities of humanity. Forever
opinionated, self-deprecating and humble as he was, Ron was unaware of the great influence he has had on so many others. He was always the first to offer sympathy or support to friends in need and quick with a sarcastic retort or advice. He was genuine, sincere and compassionate. Ron showed great determination and courage over the course of his illness. Even near the end, he was more concerned about others than himself. Ron will be greatly missed by all who had the opportunity to know him.
Ron volunteered much of his time over the past 20 years working with hospice patients, at the Ogden soup kitchen and St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, as well as for NPR. He was fortunate to be able to hold his 2-day-old grandson in his arms a few days before his death. He was so proud of his “beautiful grandson.”