Ronald William Shaw “Ron”, “Ronnie” passed away on August 31, 2021, in his home with his loving wife of 63 years Joan by his side. Ron was born on August 6, 1933, in Olean, New York, the son of Edward and Alice Shaw. Ron was one of six children, Sisters Phyllis, Deanna and Brothers Edward, Charles, and Richard.
The Shaw family would later move from Olean to Elmira, New York where Ron lived until he was drafted by the Army at age 18. Ron served in the Korean War as an Army Corporal and was honorably discharged in 1956. After serving his country Ron moved to Southern California to be close to his family who had relocated from Elmira, New York.
God knew that for Ron to become the best Earth Angel he could become he would need to partner with another Earth Angel and guided Ron to meet his Sweetheart and Wife of over 63 years Joan L. Witheridge. Ron and Joan knew they had met the right one and married on November 29th, 1957, at the United Methodist Church of San Fernando. Ron and Joan would soon start a family and welcomed Daughter Laura and Son Lance to start the Shaw family journey.
Ron and Joan’s 63-year plus dedication to the Methodist Church blessed and enriched their lives with precious Friendships and Cherished memories. Ron sang as a Tenor in the Church Choir and with some urging from his wife Joan, he and his friends spawned a Barbershop Quartet called Harmony Plus who would sing the National Anthem for the Los Angeles Lakers, Dodgers, and Anaheim Angels.
Ron often worked two plus jobs to provide for his family including work with Thatcher’s Glass, U.S. Postal Service, Pepperidge Farm and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power where he worked as a lineman for 25 years before retiring in 1988.
Ron loved the outdoors especially Huntington Lake in the Sierra mountains where camping and fishing with Family and Friends was at the top of his happy list.
Ron always had an extra smile to offer, would provide a kind word of encouragement or share a quick joke to bring a laugh. Ron loved watching the Dodgers and Lakers and loved playing cards with friends and family.
Ron loved children and for twenty plus years kids went to sleep replaying his “Secret Santa” calls with the “Ho, Ho, Ho” and reindeer bells ringing in the background.
On his last day on Earth, God asked Ron to do one more kind deed. So, that morning Ron and his dear wife Joan left to help a fellow Elks Club member in need. When Ron returned home, God said, “Well Done Ronnie, Well Done” and called him home in Heaven.
Ron is survived by his wife Joan, Daughter Laura, Son in Law Terry, Son Lance, Sisters Phyllis and Deanna, Granddaughter Chloe, Grandson Shawn, his precious Great Grandchildren, his cherished Elmira and Port Townsend Family, Nieces and Nephews.
Memorial services information to follow