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Thomas Shaw Obituary
Dec. 11, 1928 - Dec. 23, 2017
Heaven gained an angel with the passing of "Father Tom", as his family called him, after a long battle with Alzheimer's.He was born in Portland, Oregon and was an outstanding student athlete excelling in school, both scholastically and athletically. That passion for sports combined with his leadership led him to a scholarship at Stanford University where he played quarterback and also baseball. He completed his undergraduate degree at Stanford and also received an MBA.
After college he served in the Air Force where he was, among other things, a football coach. He met the love of his life, Barbara, in San Francisco and together they had three children. They lived in San Rafael, California for most of their 60 years together, only recently relocating to Los Gatos.
Tom was a Human Resource Executive and spent over 30 years with Crown Zellerbach. Tom was as passionate about people as he was sports, always there to mentor both inside and outside of work. Tom continued to excel at sports as an avid tennis player and golfer.
Tom is survived by his wife Barbara, sons Bill and Steve Shaw (Aubrey), and daughter Betsy Rafael (Steve) and 4 grandchildren (Ryan, Nick, Shelby and Kody).
All those that knew Tom, understood that he was truly a unique person that made the world a better place. His presence will be greatly missed.
Services will take place on Friday December 29th, 2017 at St. Mary's in Los Gatos, 219 Bean Avenue, Los Gatos at 11:00am.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Alzheimer's Association.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Shaw
Sponsored by Darling & Fischer Chapel of the Hills.
6 Entries
Mary Ann Bell
January 22, 2018
Tom was a lovely person and wonderful boss. I reported to him in the human resources dept. of Crown Zellerbach in the mid 1980's. He taught me a great deal about how to be a good interviewer and how to select job candidates based not just on their resume, but also how they spent their free time. (I remember he told me that if someone said they enjoyed fixing things, or did their own car repairs, they would be a great fit for a position in computer technology.) He was delightful and always had a kind word and a smile each morning.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Tom not only gave me the opportunity to begin a new career, he remained a friend and mentor for years. Tom was a heart driven man who wile missed.
January 3, 2018
In the early 70's I arrived in SF to look for a job after teaching for almost 10 years, and having a BS in ED No one would hire me, repeating, "What can we do with you, a high school English teacher?" Tom interviewed me for a sales position for the Printing Papaers Division for about half an hour, then sat up and put his cigar out. He said, "OK, I think you can do the job but you don't want to, right?" I replied honestly: "No, I want your job but
John McKearney
December 31, 2017
First a warm and caring person then a true professional. A life well lived. RIP Tom.
Donna and John Polman
December 29, 2017
My deepest condolences to Barbara and the entire family. Tom was a wonderful man and I know he will be missed. Love, Donna and Johnny
Darling-Fischer Chapel of the Hills
December 27, 2017
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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Darling & Fischer Chapel of the Hills615 North Santa Cruz Avenue, Los Gatos, CA 95030
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