Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Clay Shaw Obituary
Shaw's family said in a statement that he died Tuesday at Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale. He was 74.
The veteran member of Congress rode into office with President Ronald Reagan in 1980 and survived spirited challenges to his seat over three decades only to lose to a Democratic wave in 2006. He campaigned that year to keep his job months after he had a tumor removed from his lung.
"Clay cherished his time in the U.S. Congress representing the people of South Florida," said his wife Emilie Shaw in a statement. "He was a devoted family man setting a fine example for our 15 grandchildren. They will always be proud of Clay's love of country."
One of Shaw's signature moments was his role in sponsoring a nd helping shepherd in 1996 a contentious bill backed by then-President Bill Clinton to reform the nation's safety net known as welfare. Shaw's political career was derailed a decade later by attacks by his Democratic opponent over Medicare, the federal health care program for the elderly.
"He spent a long career in Congress trying to accomplish, without partisanship or rancor, what was best for the people in his congressional district," said former Republican U.S. Sen. George LeMieux, who once interned for Shaw.
During his lengthy career in Congress, Shaw also led an effort to eliminate social security earning penalties for working seniors and he also pushed through federal legislation to help restore the Everglades.
Shaw was born in Miami and earned degrees, including a law degree, from Stetson University while also earning a MBA from the University of Alabama. He was elected mayor of Fort Lauderdale in 1975.
He is survived by his wife Emilie, four c hildren and 15 grandchildren. He will be buried in Cuba, Ala.
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
86 Entries
September 11, 2015
Forever a light, our friend "Clay". Love Dick and Bev Briggs
Debbie Pollard
October 18, 2013
I'm so saddened to hear of the passing of Sen. Clay Shaw....My condolences goes out to his wife Emilie, his children (Jennifer) and grandchildren....May his soul Rest In Peace..
Kathy DiBona
September 22, 2013
Sur Mayor, You will always remain our mayor! No matter the other great positions, you brought us together in all of SE Fl like no other. RIP sweet man. Kathy DiBona family
How you can show support
Betty Lynch
September 21, 2013
Was just catching up on my hometown news when I read about the passing of Clay.
The first telephone campaign I was a volunteer for was to re-elect Clay. Everyone made the calls from an office building in downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Emilie, my thoughts are with you.
Betty Mayhue Lynch
The Villages, Florida
September 21, 2013
We moved to Fort Lauderdale only a few years ago. Very soon we learned about Senator Shaw, he certainly has many friends in the area! We had the honor of meeting him at an event organized for him shortly after we moved here. We send our deepest condolences and our prayers to his wife and to his entire family.
Peter and Maria Kosinsk, Fort Lauderdale
William Yakel
September 20, 2013
I first met Clay Shaw Jr. back in early 90's after I moved here in 1990. At first I was just his Auto Detailer on his Jaguar which had a Florida License Plate on the back of it which was had the letters - (FT LAUD). Clay Shaw Jr. also had a classic 442 Oldsmobile (Convertible) which I also worked on as well. Then as time progressed me and Clay Shaw Jr. Eventually we became friends. Clay Shaw Jr. back then was one of my very first clients here in South Florida. Clay Shaw Jr. introduced me to his son J.C. Shaw and his other son who is also named Clay Shaw as well and his wife Emilie. This indeed was a family to be proud of. Clay Shaw Jr. in my opinion was one of the most down to earth human beings that no one could hold a candle to EVER!!!!!!!! I definitely down through the years could easily see why Clay Shaw Jr. always ran unopposed and it was because of his accountability and integrity which was engrained into his very being. At times he was a man of few words but when he did speak he definitely would let you know what was on his mind. He was the type of person who enjoyed meeting people and he also had a "HEART" bigger than the whole State of Texas. God definitely broke the mold when he created Clay Shaw Jr. I will forever treasure the friendship which GOD allowed me and Clay Shaw Jr. to have. Rest in Peace. God Bless the entire SHAW Family. William Yakel (Bill The Detailer).................
Robert Davis
September 20, 2013
I am saddened of passing of Congressman. My he rest in peace
Beverly Kennedy
September 20, 2013
There has never been a Statesman, Congressman, A Fort Lauderdale Mayor, a Municipal Judge, a loving husband to his wonderful wife Emily and always serving us with honor and dignity like E. CLAY SHAW. HE WAS OUR VERY BEST OF EVERYTHING! MY husband Ed and I send our very deepest sympathy to Emily, and Clay's loving family. May God Bless his family. Thankfully we have our wonderful memories forever
September 20, 2013
Our deepest sympathy to you all on your loss of a wonderful man.
Johnet and Bailey Grimm
Maureen & Gary Meller
September 20, 2013
Our deepest condolences to the Shaw family.
September 18, 2013
Our sincere condolences to the Shaw family.
Drs. Arturo & Silvia Flores
September 18, 2013
My sincere condolences to the Shaw family
Sam Morrison
Ira Sabin
September 17, 2013
Clay was a true gentleman and statesman, he will be missed. It was an honor a pleasure to know him
Michael Gale
September 16, 2013
Clay was the epitome of a statesman. If more of the Representatives and Senators approached their responsibilities like Clay did, we would not have the gridlock in DC we have today.
Dan Liftman
September 16, 2013
Clay Shaw was much more than a talented politician. He was a true gentleman and an honest man.
Jack and Diane Brewer
September 16, 2013
Clay Shaw was a true gentleman and a genuine patriot.
Our sincere condolences to the Shaw family.
John Mike
September 15, 2013
Mr. Shaw was a public servant, and brought intelligence, diligence, and integrity to that service. We were so fortunate. There won't be many like him.
Cynthia Hancock
September 14, 2013
My condolences to a special family. Clay & Emilie also graduated from Stetson as did I. Although we did not know each other well, Clay stepped forward in 1984 and because he knew the importance of the ocean, he spearheaded through Congress HR 151, an important challenge now nationally observed for more than 30 years - the commemmorative for National Week of the Ocean. His message rings as true today, "Today we must look to the oceans to meet the challenge that tomorrow brings."
Elizabeth Gresh
September 13, 2013
We will always admire you for your honesty and love for the service to our county,state,and federal government. We remember the first barbecue at your nursery.
God bless you and family.
Elaine Miceli-Vasquez
September 13, 2013
My condolences to the Shaw Family. Clay was a longtime friend and I was proud to be a part of his political career from Mayor of Fort Lauderdale to Congressman and all in between. Rest in peace.
Congressman E Clay Shaw, FL-22
Robert Easton
September 13, 2013
God Bless the Shaw family for lending Clay to us for 26 years in the Congress.
Clay was a southern gentleman, a consensus builder, a leader, a "down to earth common sense man" who gave his time for the good of America. When I visited Washington, DC, Clay's office staff welcomed me with open arms and Clay spent time with me talking about eye care related issues. He was always consistent, truthful, and did all he could to keep both sides happy, a rarity in Congress today.
My heart and goes out to his beautiful family he so graciously loved. It was "family first" with Clay.
I loved and respected Clay Shaw and I will truly miss him. Godspeed Congressman.
Tina
September 13, 2013
My condolences to the family. May the God who gives peace be with the family at this time of frief. Romans 15:33
James Neal
September 13, 2013
God bless my oldest friend, meet in jr. High and roomed at Stetson Un.
Marilyn and I send our best to Amily and family.
Jimmy(Loia)Neal
Jerry Afflerback
September 13, 2013
He was a great man! He changed my life when he gave me a Congressional Nomination to the Air Force Academy. God bless the Shaw Family.
Priscilla Roberts- Martz
September 13, 2013
I will miss hearing about Clay Shaw jn the news, A part of Ft.L. history. I feel your loss .
Denise Gianino
September 12, 2013
Was blessed to work for this great man while he was in office. South Florida will never see a politiician like him again. Praying for his family.
John Bennett
September 12, 2013
Doc, I am so sorry to hear about your father. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family
Ronald Weiss
September 12, 2013
My deepest condolences to the Shaw family. I needed his helped in the 1990"s, he assisted me. I wished I could have met him personally.
Matt Weidinger
September 12, 2013
Deepest sympathies to Emilie and the Shaw family on the passing of a great man and a great American. We are all blessed to have had Clay's example in our lives and will remember his grace, good humor, and dedication to family and country forever.
AMDG
September 12, 2013
My condolences to the Shaw family. May you find comfort from God's word recorded at Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10 regarding the loss of your loved one.
Sonny Pratt
September 12, 2013
Going to miss our cousin. Prayers for the Shaw family. Sonny Pratt ( Ollie Shaw's grandson)
Debbie Feldman Weiner
September 12, 2013
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Shaw family. Clay was a special person, smart and compassionate. I learned so much form him during my years as a member of his Washington DC staff. He had a wonderful sense of humor, did the right thing and was honest. He will be missed.
David Dale
September 12, 2013
Clay was a good friend and a good man. He will be missed. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Emily and the family.
George & Gretchen Brescher
September 12, 2013
We knew Clay for many years. He was a fine man and gave outstanding public service to the people of Broward County. He will be missed.
Randy Avon
September 12, 2013
I cherish the friendship that I enjoyed with Clay for almost 50 years . He was a great community and national leader. The congress and the people of America lost a sound fiscal leader when He left Congress. Aloha my friend, Randy Avon
mlb
September 12, 2013
My condolences to the family. May God's peace be with you.
Dwayne Bickham
September 12, 2013
in God's care rest in peace
Dennis Ulmer
September 11, 2013
Most people probably do not know, or do not remember, that Clay was Chairman of the City of Fort Lauderdale Blue Ribbon Committee on the General Obligation Bonds passed in the late 1980's. I was the Vice-Chairman of the G.O.B. Parks and Recreation Sub-committee. The main Blue Ribbon Committee would meet, which consisted of Clay as the Chairman, and all the sub-committee chairs. I often would have to attend, as our Parks and Recreation Chairman, could not. The meetings were on a Monday at 7:30 A.M. I would get to Fort Lauderdale City Hall half asleep, and Clay would be there, and was a sitting Congressman, and he knew all about what was going on with the bond programs. I was totally amazed. Clay a sitting Congressman, as busy as he was, could not only chair the group, he fully knew what was going on. Clay later chaired the City of Fort Lauderdale Centennial Celebration Committee for the City's 100th birthday. I believe this committee began meeting in 2009, and met until 2011, shortly before the City turned 100. I was not involved with City affairs during the time that Clay served as Mayor. He was a real asset to us here in Fort Lauderdale and Broward County, and the state too. Bringing home federal dollars to fund various projects. Thank you E. Clay Shaw for your many years of public service. My sympathies to Emillie and the Shaw family.
Nellie Shelton
September 11, 2013
I did several victory parties for Clay and Emilie during his campaigns...it was non monetary contributions for his service...it was my extreme pleasure because I believed in the man that he was..and Emilie was a friend of mine...proud of it!...Peace to you all
Jean Brown
September 11, 2013
I am fortunate to have been part of his district office staff when he first assumed office and learned how a person can serve constituents and country with honor. What a blessing to have been part of those years. My deepest sympathy to Emilie and her family. Jean Brown
September 11, 2013
To Emilie and Clay's wonderful family. Mel and I thank you for sharing this incredible man with our community and our nation. Always a gentleman while being a fierce warrior !
A good friend and great American.
Nicki and Mel Grossman
Ms. Cherryl Ann Cook
September 11, 2013
Mr. Clay Shaw and his wife, Emilie, were very good friends with
my late uncle, Mr. Marvin F. Buntrock and his surviving aunt
Mrs. Betsy Buntrock. In fact, my uncle just passed away, at age 76 yrs. on July 26th of this year.
They always volunteered and attended all of the political events,
parties and rallies with/for Mr. Shaw. In fact, I became involved by by joining them!
Mr. Shaw was kind enough to be our Guest Speaker at Coconut
Creek Elem. for my Student Council 'elected' students and our
Safety Patrol Students (5th graders). I was their Teacher Sponsor.
Such a fine role model, devout Christian, honest gentleman and
loyal servant to Broward Co., Florida and America.
My aunt and uncle gave me, each year, the Shaw Family's Christmas Card. I still have many of them inside my scrapbooks.
Thank you , Mr. Shaw, for all of your relentless work for my native
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and our country~ AMERICA!
May God give your family and friends comfort at this sorrowful
Time...
Glenn Tamblingson
September 11, 2013
Truly an honor to have known Clay both as a person, statesman and as a client. We'll miss him. May the Lord Jesus Christ comfort your family Clay. They will miss you most of all but we will miss your leadership too. God bless.
September 11, 2013
Sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. May our Heavenly Father bring you comfort during your grieving period. Roman 15:4
Mack Mc Cray
September 11, 2013
My sincere condolence to Emily and the Shaw family. A remarkable man in everyway. Will always be remembered voting for the residents of South Florida.
Chip & Eileen LaMarca
September 11, 2013
Mrs. Shaw, Eileen and I send our deepest sympathies to you and your family on the loss of our longtime public servant. Clay was my Mayor and my Congressman for nearly all of my life. I have learned valuable lessons from him, both in politics and life. His support was a confirming moment for me personally. For that I am forever grateful.
It bears saying that he could not have been the effective leader and servant without your constant support and sacrifice. Thank you for sharing your husband with our city, our district and our country. May God watch over your family and may he allow your faithful husband to continue to serve the people.
God Bless,
Diana Shaw
September 11, 2013
We met in one of the local hospitals in the mid '80's where one of my Twin Sons was being treated. There were many issues with the agencies that were suppose to help, & Mr. Shaw & his office staff, stepped up to assist my family. I have never forgotten & am still grateful to have met.
Jim and Carol Lansdale
September 11, 2013
South Florida will long remember Mr. Shaw. He was the best kind of politician and an honorable man. Our condolences to his family.
BOB & ALICIA HOYSGAARD
September 11, 2013
A GREAT MAN....WILL ALWAYS FODLY REMEMBER THOSE TRIPS TO D.C.
Cynthia
September 11, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Bob Finch
September 11, 2013
I will forever be indebted to Congressman Shaw for giving me my first big break in 1984. My prayers are with Emilie and his wonderfully large family. May God bless and keep him.
Sharon Turnau
September 11, 2013
Our sincere condolences to Emily and the Shaw family. South Florida was very fortunate to have been represented by such a true gentleman and statesman for so many years!
WOODY &SON SPRINKLERS
September 11, 2013
YOU WILL BE MISS. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
C. Black
September 11, 2013
I wanted to convey my deepest sympathies. The bible states " A name is better than good oil, and the day of death than the day of one's being born" Ecclesiastes 7:1 It is not easy to live a life of integrity. So serving in the capacity of a congressman is quite an undertaking. We are all indebted to men like him who maintain the fabric of honesty and justice. The God of justice never forgets faithful men. Hebrews 6:10
Bon Bekoff
September 11, 2013
No political figure ever did more for Fort Lauderdale. RIP
Rico Petrocelli
September 11, 2013
Congressman Shaw, great Representative, always Honest. One of his favorite lines I love: I don't have a good enough memory to lie..RIP Clay
Bob Castro
September 11, 2013
The sad news of Clay's passing made it half-way around the world to my location by morning. Clay loved and paid so much attention to Africa, long before his tenure as Trade Subcommittee chair. Although I served as his Deputy Chief of Staff only 2 years, I had admired his statesmanship and gentlemanly manner for a decade prior while staffing his colleague. No doubt, that period led to my marrying into a South Florida family of "Clay Shaw Democrats" who admired him as much as I did.
Anyone who knew Clay Shaw liked him. I was lucky to call him boss, friend & mentor; together we endured 9/11/01 in his Capitol Hill office & election nite 2000 in Broward/PB/Miami-Dade, plus re-counts and redistricting and other, bigger wins like the landmark Everglades bill. His evenhanded presence is missed at times like these...
But even more, we miss true partnerships like his with Emilie. When an Assistant Secretary at Treasury interviewed me for a job and asked "what did you learn working for Clay Shaw?" I stunned him with my reply: "What a good marriage looks like, and how a couple can serve with integrity." I've had other great jobs and bosses. But Clay was one-of-two-of-a-kind, and my heart goes out to his other-half, Emilie, and their whole family, for whom Clay would interrupt even the most "urgent" meeting to take their call on his private line, even a grandchild wanting to tell him about her day at school.
Carroll Ann Mears
September 11, 2013
When Mr. Shaw was in congress, I covered the House for NBC. He was a hardworking member who got along with everyone. He was always a gentleman. The House of Representatives sorely needs men and women like Mr. Shaw.
Stephen Tilbrook
September 11, 2013
Heartfelt thoughts and condolences to the family of Clay Shaw. He will be remembered for his outstanding public service on behalf of the Greater Fort Lauderdale community, and his leadership in Congress. I have fond memories of my opportunity to work for Clay during the Summer of 1987. God Bless.
jay caulk
September 11, 2013
Clay was like a Picasso..one of a kind. He culd never ever be replaced. RIP Clay..you did a great job.
September 11, 2013
A great man and Patriot. Well respected and charather of the highest standrds. Congressman Shaw, you will be truy missed.
God Bless - The Keno Brothers, Bruce, Brian and Cary.
Carlyle Gregory
September 11, 2013
Clay Shaw was a statesmen in the truest sense of the word. He will be missed.
Sharon Day
September 11, 2013
My deepest sympathies are with Emily and the family. When Congressman Shaw was not returned to Congress it was not a Republican loss or a Florida loss it was America's loss. Clay Shaw was never just a politician - he was a true Statesman and made our Country a better place by his leadership and his actions. May God bless and protect his
loved ones.
Jack Shifrel
September 11, 2013
I'm sorry to learn of the passing of my old friend Clay Shaw. Clay & I had political differences, but shared a mutual respect for each other as individuals. That's how he was, he never made it personal. While politics was an important part of who he was, he understood that there is much more to a person. Clay Shaw was a good & decent man who dedicated his life to making his community & our country better.
PAUL LUSKIN, JD
September 11, 2013
Good man and inspiration
LTC John S. Finazzo
September 11, 2013
Congressman Shaw you will be remembered as a man of dignity and civility. You took the time to really listen to your constituents. You will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to your family. We march on! Rest in Peace.
John Malloy
September 11, 2013
A true gentleman. Rest in Peace.
Michael Doran
September 11, 2013
I was on the Fort Lauderdale Police Department when he was a commissioner and mayor. He was honest, easy to talk to and worked for the people. He respected city employees and was willing to listen to them. He worked for the betterment of the city and avoided was has become routine political posturing. He truly was a man with great moral character.
Frank & Phyllis Loconto
September 11, 2013
Congressman E. Clay Shaw, Jr. a great American and outstanding public servant. May he rest in peace.
Commissioner Michael Long
September 11, 2013
A good man, leader, husband and father. His legacy will be more then that of a government servant. He worked for the people to do the right thing. Respected on both sides of the aisle, he will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to Emilie and the entire family.
Michelle Bubier
September 11, 2013
Clay was a man of great honor and integrity. He was someone whose life inspired others through his devotion and love to his family, friends and country. Thank-you for being such a wonderful friend to my parents.
DOUGLAS
September 11, 2013
MY CONDOLENCES TO THE SHAW FAMILY. REPRESENTATIVE CLAY WILL BE MISSED. CLAY WAS A GREAT MAN AND WE NEED PEOPLE LIKE HIM IN THE HALLS OF CONGRESS TODAY. THANK YOU SERVING IN THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES.
William Dooley
September 11, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
jack latona
September 11, 2013
Our condolences to the family. Clay was everything an elected official should be. He will be missed. Jack and Kay Latona
DB
September 11, 2013
May the God of All Comfort be there for the friends and family.
Don Schmitz
September 11, 2013
I was saddened to learn of Congressman Shaw's passing. He was good for Florida's environment and helped the state battle invasive plants in the Everglades. I have fond memories of working with him and his staff during the early 1990s. He was one of the first politicians to recognize the seriousness of invasive species and the threat they posed to what remains of natural Florida. He worked hard to clear federal bureaucratic hurdles and find funding for invasive plant management in Florida. Congressman Clay Shaw made a difference. My sincere condolences to his family.
Jane Dowling
September 11, 2013
God bless you and your loved ones ~ Rest in peace.
Luis Moose Valdes
September 11, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Shaw family! What a great man he was and a great congressman. May he rest in peace. God speed.
Jack Moss
September 11, 2013
Clay will be remembered for his wit, charm, brilliance and quick smile. He did so much for his community, and I shall always be proud to call him a friend. Jack Moss
Charles Schneider
September 11, 2013
Our deepest sympathy to the Shaw family Clay touched so many lifes. He was a great man and will be missed.
Nancy and Manny Cordova
September 11, 2013
It was a pleasure to meet him. I used to check him in at the airport. He always wanted first class. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. He will be missed. Rest in Peace Mr. Shaw...
Mark Menachem
September 11, 2013
Great statesmen such as Mr Shaw make important contributions to our society.
Thank you and your family for your service.
Richard and Deborah Rosenbaum
September 11, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Shaw family! May your loving and fond memories of your loved one always give you solace and peace!
Hugs the Rosenbaums xo
John Hart
September 11, 2013
Clay was always there when you needed statesmanship to show up. I am grateful to have known and worked with him and will miss his voice of reason and compromise
Richard Hartstein
September 11, 2013
He was a very good man liked by both Demarcates and Republicans I voted for him many times and I am a life long demarcate he represented all the people
Showing 1 - 86 of 86 results
Make a Donation
in Clay Shaw's name
How to support Clay's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Clay Shaw's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored