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Ronald Shaw Obituary
Son to John H. Shaw and Barbara S. Shaw, Ron was born in West Stewartstown, N.H. on February 1, 1941. Ron spent his childhood in the beautiful North Conway, loving the outdoors; an avid skier at Mt. Cranmore, under the tutelage of Hannes Schneider. Ron and twin brother Rick's singing began early with their father teaching them to harmonize and play the ukulele. A major joy of their childhood were summers spent as campers/counselors at their beloved Camp Huckins in West Ossipee, N.H. Their love of New Hampshire and the White Mountains would later become a recurring theme in the songs they wrote and sang.
Graduating Kennett High School in Conway in 1959, the brothers then went on to UNH where together with friends they began performing at fraternity parties (including their own Sigma Beta), as well as off-campus clubs and establishments. Known as the Windjammers, the Tradewinds, and finally The Brandywine Singers, the group received top honors at the first National Inter-Collegiate Music Competition in 1962, providing courage to put their studies on hold, and take their act on the road. They performed at 350+ colleges, night clubs, and state fairs throughout the USA and Canada- even touring with the Johnny Mathis Show, appearing on the TV show "Hootenany", and releasing their first album.
The Brandywine Singers disbanded in 1966 when Rick was drafted to Vietnam, and Ron went on for a two-year stint with The Pozo-Seco Singers. Returning to New Hampshire, Ron taught music in the Oyster River School District, as well as venturing out briefly as a solo gig, opening for Janis Joplin at UNH.
With Rick's return in 1968, the brothers became the duo, "The Shaw Brothers." Apart from joining "The Hillside Singers" in 1971 to record, "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing" (known as the Coca-Cola song), "The Shaw Brothers" went on to record multiple albums, beginning with "Follow Me" with RCA in 1975. They worked alongside many talented artists including: Milt Okun, Hal Brown, Tom Paxton, VanDyke Parks, Don McLean, Jay Leno, John Denver, Don Williams, Susan Taylor ("Pie"), Bob Hope, Tommy Makem, Liam Clancy and the Clancy Brothers, Dave Guard, and many more. Given the honor of performing on American Bandstand, The Tonight Show, ABC Wide World of Entertainment, among others, "The Shaw Brothers" were also named "New Hampshire's Musical Ambassadors to the world" by then NH Governor Hugh J. Gallen, and their song "New Hampshire Naturally" recognized as a state song in 1983.
Despite performing worldwide, one of their favorite venues was Portsmouth's own Prescott Park, where they drew some of the biggest crowds, helping to raise revenue for the park's Summer Concert Series.
Ron remained in the Seacoast area. An avid reader and lover of books, he never stopped learning. His mind was keen, curiosity boundless, and his wit was quick. Despite living most of his life on stage, Ron was a private man with a soft spoken word and demeanor. He was the best of friends, kind and loyal brother, loving father and grandpa, and devoted companion. Music Is Magic, and together with his brother Rick, Ron Shaw knew how to create that magic on stage for the audiences who loved and admired them. He lived his life doing what he loved and loving what he did- Teaching the World to Sing.
Ron leaves his beloved family: brother Richard R Shaw, daughter Jessica Shaw, grandchildren Keegan and Emma Landry, and his longtime companion and dearest friend Sallie Macintosh. He also leaves Jessica's mother, Pamela H. Shaw, cousins, and a treasure trove of friends.
SERVICES: A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. For donations in Ron's memory, the Music is Magic fund has been created at The Edgewood Centre to provide ongoing support for their wonderful music programs: www.edgewoodcentre.com. Please make checks payable to: The Edgewood Centre Recreation Fund. Please note on the check: For Music is Magic. Mail to: The Edgewood Centre, 928 South Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801, Att. Activities Director. Alternatively, tax deductible donations may be sent to The Music and Memory Program which comes under the egis of The New Hampshire Long Term Care Foundation.
Checks should be made payable to: Long Term Care Foundation - Music and Memory. Please note on the check: Memory of Ron Shaw. Mail to: Long Term Care Foundation - Music and Memory, 5 Sheep Davis Road, Pembroke, NH 03275. https://ltcf.nhhca.org/donate-to-music-memory-program/. For more information please visit Facebook Group "In Memory of Ron Shaw: The Rick & Ron Shaw 'Music Is Magic' Fund".
For online condolences, visit: www.jvwoodfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction and care of the J. Verne Wood Funeral Home – Buckminster Chapel.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Shaw
Sponsored by Sallie.
Jim Hoey
May 19, 2022
Ron and Rick were so talented ...so many memories from Sigma Beta...they played and sang from their hearts...and totally down to earth! I'm 83 now and I still play their music. My great grand daughter thinks they're terrific!
Joanne
June 6, 2021
I went to their local performances often when I lived in NH. Ron was the nicest person! Thank you for the gift of your music!
Joey Tutco
November 24, 2019
I speak for many Sigma Alpha Beta brothers and New England College classmates in celebrating Mr Shaw, who every night, sang a sweet lullaby to an entire generation ..
Jim Hoey
October 16, 2019
Ron and Rick filled so many fans with the joy of their music. They were genuine, and it shone from the stage to the hearts of their audiences. I never tire of listening to their music, from the Windjammer days right through their final release.
Cherie Leavitt
April 4, 2019
The music of the Shaw brothers was/is phenominal. I listen to it every night to this day
Joan MacNeil smith
March 21, 2019
Oh my rick I'm just seeing this now I'm shocked to seeing the passing of Ron I will let Mary Ann know may Ron R.I .P he is now singing to the angles !
Elizabeth Warshaw
January 3, 2019
So many years ago my family became friends withRon and Rick when they came to Hopkinton, Ma. and played encore after encore at the Sticky Wicket Pub. We freqently had dinner with them at our house before the gig and told stories of beloved folk music, of travels, of camp days, and of the pains and inconvenience of aging. Those were wonderful warm friendly days which seemlike yesterday. Ron and Rick, such kind, sincere, talented warm gentlemen who brought eternal youth to their songs, together with laughs, and the sadness of many tunes. Ron and Rick you were with us then, you will be with us forever,
Vicki Monis
December 12, 2018
Freezing cold here in Central Ma. Thot Purple Lilacs sung by Rick and Ron would brighten my day -So terribly sad to hear about Ron-
Im one if those Huckins Campers cr57
Vicki Boynick Monis
jane preston (hatch)
November 6, 2018
Rick and Ronnie used to sing around the campfires at Camp Huckins when I was a little kid......also would see them at the "bus stop" on the square in Portsmouth, NH. I have long since left the cold winters of NH but when I heard that Ronnie had died, I felt a stab of nostalgia and sadness, but lots of sweet memories.
My thoughts go out to his family and friends.....Jane Hatch
Genevieve Fraser
October 26, 2018
So very sad, indeed heartsick, to read of Ron's passing. I'm brought back to the 60s and 70s at UNH and my friendship with both brothers. What a handsome pair! They were superstars in that time and place, very much a part of the romance of being young, seemingly forever. A genteel pair with never a false note. They taught those of us who knew them "to sing in perfect harmony." Rest in Peace, Ron. Sending Love to Rick. Genevieve
Gretchen Meisel
June 24, 2018
I just learned of Rons passing. My heart is heavy to hear of this sad news. I have so many memories of Ron and his brother Rick. To his family and his brother Rick I want you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time. Thanks for all the memories that you brought to so many people through your music. RIP, Ron. Gretchen McKee Meisel
Steve & Lupe Emmond
May 16, 2018
RIP, Ron...THE SHAW BROTHERS will be forever remembered by the Steve, Lupe Emmond & Family of Rochester, NH! Steve used to set up their Audio System before performing in the days! It's how we first met the duo in the Stratham Fair Celebration. They're songs will be forever remembered!
ted kramer
May 11, 2018
It was difficult to choose who to be with... Rick or Ron. They were always together. But both... such
beautiful souls and genuine. Ron was the one whoever... who always seemed to make YOU the center
of conversation... always interested in you and your doings. He was so real, focused and in tune with
with where you were. A beautiful human being... a gift to us all. Be at peace Ron... you have served
Him well.
Ruth Zax
May 5, 2018
The magic of the Shaw Brothers began for me, as with many, around the campfires at Camp Huckins when I was a camper and they the "dreamy" counseling staff we all had crushes on. But it was around those campfires, as they and Dave Craig sang Old Shep and other beautiful folk tunes, that I learned how to harmonize and became enamored with American folk music, a love, like that with the brothers, has lasted throughout the decades. I brought the Brandywines to my high school in 1964 to perform and later still did several benefit concerts with the Shaw Brothers for non-profits close to my heart. What they gave to all of us musically and with their gentle and genuine spirit was very special. In recent years, it has been my pleasure to be able to give a little bit of that back to them, by helping to keep the magic of music alive even as they were no longer able to perform with song circles at Edgewood. They still had the music in them and Ron, right until the very last, sang along with us. How I cherish these times, and all the times I've shared with R&R, beginning around those campfires at Camp Huckins.
Donna Waterman
April 28, 2018
The magic has passed and with it so many, many wonderful memories. Ron was the first man I fell in love with I was all of 12-1/2 years old at Camp Huckins. So caught up with his great smile, warm personality, sense of humor and talents, I begged my parents to take me to No. Conway on visiting day so I could purchase a sweater for Ron so that he would be warm when he returned to Durham. The memory still evokes a smile.
For so many years thereafter I, like so many of us, followed Rick and Ron wherever they performed until my husband and I relocated to Colorado. His humor was electric as in the middle of a performance when he shared Jessicas request to trick or treat in another community so no one would recognize her.
His compassion for people and warmth will forever be missed. I hope the prayers and love of family and friends will be of comfort to Rons family in the days to come. He clearly left footprints over so many hearts. Rest in peace, dear friend.
Carol Trainor
April 27, 2018
I will forever remember Ron singing and laughing with his brother doing what they loved---bringing joy to people with their songs and music. Prayers and love to Ron and all the family from my family. We are sharing your sorrow as well as celebrating Ron's wonderful life! God bless him forever....
Meera & Bambi Rao
April 27, 2018
Sallie and I were at Colby Junior together in the mid-1960s and became very good friends, so much so that I had become a part of her family and she of mine. Indeed, she was present in India at our engagement.
We next met in the U. S. after a long gap of 28 years, in 1998 and heard all about the Shaw twins, the fabulous and famous singers if country music. Sallie was all excited and so, so happy. Ron was amazing, very charming, very caring, and a thorough gentleman. He was everything that Sallie wanted and needed and he gave her all the love and understanding that made her commitments that much easier to handle.
Ron, thank you for being there for my sister and for being her anchor. It was lovely spending quality time in 2016 with you both and Rick at the LBH and we will always cherish these memories. We all miss you very much. We hope you are now in a better place free of all the pain and discomfort that you had to endure.
May peace be with you wherever you are.
Brian Doherty
April 25, 2018
During the dreary winters on Hampton Beach, circa 1973, Rick and Ron Shaw performed on Wednesday evenings at the Ashworth Hotel. On any one of those evenings, the population of Hampton Beach might have been 200. Well, 100 of those folks could be found in the hotel's Patriot Lounge enjoying a truly great act by two great guys. Those were the days . . .
Rest in peace Ron, knowing that you brightened the lives of many people along the way . . .
Van Dyke Parks
April 24, 2018
Ron Shaw and his better-looking brother Rick (or is it the other way around?) treated me to one of the most spectacular chapters of my life from 63 through 64.
I was to join the Brandywine Singers, and bring them the zephyrs of California's folk idioms.
Those were green-lettuce days of the folk music revival. It all started in a blizzard blanketing Durham, when I arrived and checked into the attic room of nonagenarian Mrs. Runlett's almost-heated Colonial home.
Yet our great adventures were on the road, in a series of collegial concert triumphs.
They took us across the USA as far as Reno Nev., where Ron cautioned me not to fall in love with a poker dealer.
(I did anyway, and lost more than my shirt).
Fair to say, Ron and Rick paid me exactly what they earned, and shared their limelight with a talented sense of mutual empowerment rare in the grasping for show business.
The trips were hard but lucrative, and took us through a quilt-work of Americana.
So many anecdotes-
At the gubernatorial manse in Albany, our show was interrupted by Gov. Rockefeller's homecoming from his Presidential campaign. He'd just hit the hustings In California. When he entered the room, he had an orange in hand for his wife Happy.
A detour into DC to join the queue in the Capitol Rotunda to view an open casket on the bier with the body of General Douglas MacArthur.
-
Ron's curiosity about musical roots always kept the setlist evolving, outside the box.
We used every gig as an opportunity for Brandywine reinventions.
My late brother Carson and I so deeply appreciated the fraternal kindness the Shaws showered on us.
When such modesty is laced with super musical insight, my heart soars.
So, to have known Ron is to have walked with a gentle giant.
Ron Shaw: durable as denim.
To live in the hearts of those we leave behind is not to die!
Tom Rush
April 23, 2018
I have such fond memories of working with Ron and Rick. Ron and his brother could make musical magic, and that magic will reverberate for a long, long time!
Gidon Saks
April 23, 2018
Dearest Ron,
Thank you for the warmth of your smile, the generosity of your hospitality, and of course, the beauty, simplicity and engagement of your music. I can't imagine anyone, having spent even a brief time in your company, ever forgetting it. You were so loved when you were with is, and that love will never diminish.
Bon Voyage,
Gidon
Bill Powers
April 22, 2018
Ron was a very nice man who will be missed by many. His music will live on.
April 22, 2018
My days at UNH and many years after bring back memories of Ron Shaw and the Shaw brothers. My late husband and I went to North Conway many times to see them perform at The Leather Jug, skiing with Ron and Pam in Aspen, CO, a visit to our house trailer at UMaine, so many memories.
My sympathy to Sally, Jessica, Rick and Pam. Love to you all.
Kay Cushman
Tony Melachrino
April 22, 2018
May his memory be eternal.
Chris Alderson
April 22, 2018
I will always cherish the memories from Jarvis's Pub. My at the time boyfriend from Belfast would join them in Irish songs. Wonderful, you were great!
Don Wright
April 22, 2018
It is with a saddened heart that I learn of Rons passing. I remember all the good times we had at UNH. I will be forever greatful to Ron and Rick who taught me music through the guitar and voice. I still play the way they taught me. Rest In Peace my long time friend.
Chuck Petlick
April 22, 2018
Enjoyed the many nights I sat up front at Jarvis's Restaurant in Portsmouth, and listened to the Shaw Brothers play folk music. Late sixties and early seventies.
They tried to show me which end of the 5 string I was supposed to hold. I sure miss those days.
Donna Chick
April 22, 2018
I grew up with both coloring the background of my life. I have some musical treasures I was given by a close friend of yours that I will always cherish. We were gifted by your presence. Thank you Ron.
Danny Gravas
April 21, 2018
It is with the deepest sadness both towards Ronnie' s family and Ricky that I offer my deepest sympathies.
p.s. I hope this finds you in good health Pam and Ricky Shaw.
Maura Byrne
April 21, 2018
Ron will live on through his music and the many memories we all have of great times. The Music Community is better for having you be a part of it. Thank you Ron!
Left to right, Ron, Sam Jarvis & Rick
Jill Jarvis
April 20, 2018
Handsome, charming, kind and talented....that is how I will always remember Ron. May he Rest In Peace.
This photo was taken to promote the concert they did for my father and I at The Music Hall, to benefit my mothers endowment at Harvard Medical School.
Love, Jill Jarvis
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