Shaw David KINSLEY

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University of Arizona University of Colorado

Shaw KINSLEY Obituary

KINSLEY, Shaw David October 6, 1947 - July 6, 2017 He was born as an only child to the late Wynn Kinsley from Oregon and Faith Anderson Kinsley from New York, in Denver, Colorado. His beloved partner was the late Michael Wolfarth of Tucson and New York City. He graduated high school from Taft School in Watertown, Connecticut, Bachelor of Arts from the University of Colorado, Library Science from the Pratt Institute, Masters of Science from the University of Oxford. He was an Army drill sergeant and in the reserves from 1968-1974. Among his many accomplishments, he worked at the Center for Creative Photography, University of Arizona from 2000-2005. For several years, he was heard on Tucson's classical music radio station KUAT. Shaw was a member of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem also known as the Order of Malta and numerous organizations. He left behind a significant legacy having been the Director of the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park since 2010. His love of history led him to rescue the first Arizona state park from closing its doors. By recruiting volunteers and keeping them dedicated with his leadership and charismatic personality, Shaw was able to maintain and expand the park to become a major Tubac destination. Shaw was the recipient of the Arizona Historical Society Al Merito award that recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions and served as role models for preserving Arizona's rich history. A Memorial Service is planned in November and a Requiem Mass is planned soon. Dates and times may be obtained by calling the Tubac Presidio at 520-398-2252. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park.

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Published by Arizona Daily Star on Jul. 16, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Shaw KINSLEY

15 Entries

Mary oconnor

July 11, 2024

Shaw was my boss in NYC . I was starting out in the garment Industry back in 1980 .He was the merchandise manager . I was a 20 year old just starting my journey in the garment industry .He was a great boss learned so much from him .There was one thing he did that I did not understand the significance of it at the time . I was a young woman and he got me into the University Club where women were not allowed .Wasn't till 1986 women were allowed . From what I have read he left behind a postive legacy many friends and Coworkers love him .

Jim Rogers

December 22, 2017

My heart breaks at this news..... I now live in Alabama and just today, Dec. 22nd, I learned of Shaw's death! He was a man of tireless energy and vision! His contributions to the Presidio will never be matched. I spent five years knowing and working with Shaw! All to my benefit more than his! He was a friend and is missed as a friend! Audios, amigo..... Jim Rogers

September 19, 2017

This wonderful man was a much loved part of my childhood. His zany humor and love of a good read made a lasting impression upon me. The copy of Jane Eyre he gave me at age 10 was a treasured possession. His uncanny ability to mimic Scottish, Irish and English accents + his love of improvising little comic bits made for wonderful funny memories. We used to laugh so much in our backyard making up ridiculous "shows" with him!
Grateful to have told him all of this recently; deeply saddened by the news of his passing.

Mary Livoni

September 13, 2017

Diana DeLugan

September 11, 2017

My sincere condolences to Shaw's extended family. Shaw was a tireless advocate for the preservation of Arizona history. I just recently learned of his passing and am saddened to know we lost a friend way too soon. We all mourn his loss and will celebrate his memory forever. Please contact the Tubac Presidio State Park and Museum if you are interested in being notified of the Memorial in Shaw's honor that is being planned for this fall of 2017. Thank you.

Amy Rule

August 7, 2017

Can it be a whole month since Shaw left us? It is hard to believe that we will no longer see him striding through the Presidio garden, settling into a seat at the Symphony, selecting a beautiful book from his packed bookcases, or presenting a lecture filled with insights and humor. His approach to life was an inspiration and a challenge to his friends to meet each day as he did -- with joy, gratitude, curiosity, enthusiasm, and compassion. And gratitude is what we feel for the gift of his friendship. We miss you, dear Shaw.

Ed Gastellum

July 28, 2017

Shaw was an enlightened individual. My brothers and I met him in April of 2016 to talk about a potential exhibit on the Baca Float and the loss of many homesteads with displaced families. Our family lost their homesteads in this episode of Santa Cruz Valley history.
Shaw was intrigued by our presentation and made the exhibit happen despite being diagnosed with the illness he succumbed to.

He was a magical person. He was very positive with a can do attitude despite some personal issues he had to fight. He made our family exhibit his last at the Tubac Presidio Museum. We are thankful for this story to be told but we like everybody else who knew and worked with him daily, will miss his strong guidance and good cheer.

Bob Phillips

July 24, 2017

Touched and saddened to hear that one of the true lights and luminaries of the border region has gone out. We are all the poorer for this loss.
Shaw was truly a noble and selfless servant to the causes and the people who were blessed to be part of his life. He was gracious, educated, intelligent, funny and warm. I will treasure the times I spent in his presence. He took every endeavor and challenge presented to him to a higher level of understanding and service. In that way he was a constant source of inspiration and enlightenment to everyone he touched.
Singlehandedly he not only rescued the Tubac Presidio from its financial predicament but also rescued all of us, including the thousands of visitors, from our ignorance about the historical jewel lying right before us. For me he helped show how knowing and honoring the past informs and brightens the future.
Shaw's inextinguishable spirit will forever be a guiding force for the Presidio and all it represents.
May God's Love surround him.
Bob Phillips

KELLEY

July 18, 2017

MAY THE THOUGHT OF KNOWING THAT FAMILY AND FRIENDS SHARE IN YOUR GRIEF BRING YOU A MEASURE OF COMFORT.PLEASE READ PROV.17:17

Hector and Mickie Soza

July 16, 2017

Hector and Mickie Soza

S Howell

July 16, 2017

Many-many thanks for being such a caring human, and enjoying life! Peace!

Ellen Dickinson

July 16, 2017

Goodbye dear Shaw. You were a gentle, sweet, interesting man. I'm so glad you were in my father's life as such a good biblio-maniac companion! You were a deeply intelligent man, with so many facets to your personality, and were a wonderfully devoted friend. My dad treasured you. I never got to ride in your Rolls, but love the photos of you and Amy and my dad "slumming it" at the Arizona Inn and hanging out around the car. Thank you for saving the Tubac Presidio; and sharing your knowledge of printing with many enthusiastic students! I'm so sorry that you left this world, one less beautiful soul, you will be mourned and missed by those who loved you. Peace to your friends and family. Love Ellen

July 16, 2017

May the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this time of deep sorrow. Those who pass on, God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. My sincerest condolences. (Psalms 116:15)

July 12, 2017

My condolences to family and friends. Take time to grieve and celebrate a life well-lived. The loss of a loved one is truly difficult no matter how long we have them with us, but remember Almighty God promises to be near to all those calling on him (Psalm 145:18)

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