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Michael D. Shaw

Michael Shaw Obituary

Michael D. Shaw

June 28, 1958 - January 18, 2021

Michael D. Shaw, born: June 28, 1958 final curtain: January 18, 2021. Dancer-Singer-Performer-Artist-Composer-Writer-Computer Expert, Michael put passion and excellence into every role. He graced stages at Busch Gardens-Tampa Bay, Tokyo Disneyland, Broadway Touring Company (Europe) with West Side Story, numerous regional theatres, and the Lincoln Community Playhouse.

A lover of music, art, and film, Michael is remembered for his great wit and quick laugh. His humor often expressed with a unique and subtle mastery of the understatement.

Michael leaves many friends and loved ones around the world. He is now featured on the Great Stage where the curtain never closes.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lincoln Journal Star on Jan. 20, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Shaw

46 Entries

Donna B Meketsy

January 14, 2025

4 years ago you left this world...and you will never be forgotten! SO MANY memories pop up throughout each year that make me think of you, wishing I could call you and laugh about it. I hope you are leading a choir up there & dancing up a storm! That´s what you were meant to do. Rest easy my friend!

Michael Ash

January 14, 2025

God rest you, Michael..

Stephen

September 5, 2024

As others have stated, your picture is how I remember you when last I saw you in DC. We had shared a very nice dinner together. When I think that we met as seniors in HS and kept somewhat in touch through the decades. I especially remember when you first moved to DC AAnd lived with Howard and I for a number of months. I loved going downtown with you to look for a place for you to call home. More than anything, I feel honored in how you were always so kind and so open when we would spend an afternoon or evening together, just being chill.

I miss you and I miss your love...

Donna "B"achem Meketsy

January 14, 2023

Almost 2 years now you´ve been gone Michael. Your picture is exactly how I´ll remember you always. More importantly tho, all the little JAPANESE stickers you left all over my house prior to going to work over there. Had I paid attention , I might know some Japanese now. Your name comes up often & I miss being able to know I can pick up the phone & call you. I hope you are spreading your wings up there, I´m sure there´s an ANGEL CHORUS up there singing your music.

Jana Monaco

January 19, 2022

A year has passed since you left this world Michael, but you come to mind often. I am forever grateful to have known you and worked with you with the hospital PFAC. You made a difference in so many ways and the world is a better place because you were in it. You are missed, but my memories with you will always make me smile. <3

Donna B Meketsy

January 18, 2022

1 yr. ago today you left this world...what I wouldn´t do to have one more conversation with you! So many people admired & loved you...I hope you know that now...looking down on us!!! Miss you & think of you often!!

Jennifer Yin

February 23, 2021

I just learned of Michael´s passing today. My first memory of him was around 10 years ago when he organized a "flash dance" in the hospital cafeteria (when such a thing was very cool). All eyes were on him - he was magical. I remember thinking "wow, he must be a trained dancer!"

After that I always remembered him and sought him out to say hello. He always smiled and giggled.

Children´s will never be the same.

Children's CSS Friends

Planted Trees

Christopher Rath

January 28, 2021

Michael was/is a shining star. And unforgettable spirit. RIP.

Sabrina Williams

January 26, 2021

My heart fell when I read the news. What a wonderful soul, a fabulous singer a ,great performer and a generous human being. He sang solo and with the choir at our Unity church in Washington D.C. He helped me with my singing and was always generous with his knowledge and time. What a wonderful soul. You'll be missed Michael and thank you for your contribution on this plane. I shall sing joyously for your home going.

Jill (Stapleton)

January 26, 2021

Prayers for your close friends and family. I will never forget the fun we had at Aubin Lane and how much laughter you brought into my life. You were immensely talented and will be remembered by so many.

Jon Lee

January 26, 2021

Michael was a member of my dance team the Manhattan Prairie Dogs and a good friend. We were all such amateurs compared to Michael. He added so much extra pizzazz to anything we did, raising us up from the just ordinary. He was instrumental in our first ever first, First Place competition win!
He also designing costumes that matched but were individual to each member for that same performance. I remember how each person was so thrilled at having their costume reflect their own personalities. His humor was infectious and he could tell stories of his days dancing in the theme parks that kept us up many a night. I learned a lot from Michael and I know that he's taking a twirl around the cosmos right now!

Terrie

January 26, 2021

Michael and I shared a spiritual journey for a few years. I appreciate his gentle spirit and his creative genius. Blessings to you, Michael, and safe travels on your next adventure!

Todd Lacey

January 25, 2021

Oh no, Michael. Our times in Baton Rouge are some of my fondest memories. RIP, my friend.

Jennifer Coldren

January 25, 2021

My colleagues and I are truly blessed to have know and worked alongside such a wonderful person at Children´s. Michael´s welcoming presence, smile and passion would greet our new employees on their first day of work. It is something all of us will remember and cherish. This photo is one of my favorites while at Children´s. It was only a few months after I had joined the team. Michael always offered to help and made me feel welcome to not only Children´s but also DC (I had moved across country). He will be missed! I express my deepest sympathy to his family and friends and hope they can find comfort in cherishing memories.

Meg Ferris

January 25, 2021

From the moment I met Michael at Children´s I knew i had a friend. He was a wonderful friend. May you rest in peace my friend. I am so grateful to have known you.

Kelly Marra

January 25, 2021

Michael Donaghy Shaw...
Oh my...where to begin?
I met Michael before my husband (my husband, Michael and I have been together 30 plus years.) I was an undergrad theatre and dance student at USF, he and Mark Klingermen would come to Henry Parishes Jazz class, where we first met.. We got on immediately, we both spoke "snarky". There were dance concerts and dinner theatre shows. He was the funniest head band boy ever in "A Chorus Line". His reputation at Busch Gardens, Tampa preceded him. By the time I arrived there all were petrified of him, which I found totally amusing, 'cause any guff he dished, I'd dish it right back. I believe people misinterpreted him. He simply held himself accountable to a particular level or degree of excellence and thus by proximity he held all those around him accountable to the same level. And, quite frankly, not everyone was up to the task. Thus, I think it terrified people.
We danced and sang together. In Manhattan we worked together in so many venues. We helped each other get work. We spent Sunday afternoons doing our own home "spa" days, masks, peels, mani/pedis.
Saturdays were often spent shopping in the village, Stick Stone and Bone, and drinking coffee, Cafe sha sha or Cafe Lalo. Even now, when I make coffee I think of him.
Always in search of "the best" Caesar salad, but coming back to Yellow Fingers with anchovy and parmesan covered baguettes. He loved going to the Cinema, not necessarily with me tho (I tend to talk, he did not like that)
His words/sayings ring in my ears things like- "Yummy yumsters", "Spring forward sister!" "But I want to juuuudge!" And calling one and all "Missy".His wit, sense of humor,facile mind,generosity, all gifts. We shared such a love of beautiful things. First visit to ABC carpet and home in Chelsea, 2nd floor fabrics and ribbon- cried from the beauty of it all. How excited he was to pick out the pattern and purchase his own China from Bloomingdales, along with his flatware that had handles that looked like sticks. Michael literally oozed creativity. We have art work, pottery,jewelry,stained glass,cards and ornaments all
Products of his fertile mind, active imagination and agile fingers. We sang his music, read his words in shows he wrote.
He didn't quantify, qualify, rationalize, or justify who he was he just was uniquely Michael Shaw.
His impact was huge..
and I didn't get to tell him that
Heart sick
I pray that some how or other he knew deep in his knower
Knowing what his spiritual beliefs were, he had many lessons and learned many this time around, but maybe there are still a few left to come back to learn, selfishly, I hope our paths cross again
Until then..."they'll be pennies from heaven for you and for me..."

Michael Ash

January 25, 2021

SO many funny times w/ his biting wit and WHAT a talented performer...

Thomas Powell

January 25, 2021

See you on the other side Michael,
Rest in Paradise.

T.P.

Donna and Wayne Gallops

January 24, 2021

Sweet Friend. So sorry to hear of your passing. You truly gave 100% of everything you did. Your love and work ethics of your craft and love of all the arts was immeasurable. Thank you for blessing us all with your talents, gifts, energy, determination and above all friendship. You have touched many of us and your spirit will live within us for a lifetime. I am a better person for having known you.
To Michaels family, I am so sorry for your loss. I pray you feel the comfort of those who knew him and pray you feel the Lord's comfort as you walk this road. Michael was loved by many.
Michael and I worked together at Busch Gardens. I still have my Bridal Bouquet that Michael made for me in 1986. It was beautiful, just like him.

Tanya Renwick

January 24, 2021

Micheal you will truly be missed. My condolences to his family. He was such a bright light that always shined smiling and speaking everytime he saw you.

Donna Bachem Maketsy

January 24, 2021

I am shocked & so sad to hear this. Michael & I go way back to his Busch Gardens days. He was my roommate, my co-worker, my sounding board & friend. We lost touch, we re-connected in 2014, lost touch & reconnected just this past June in his bday. I wish I´d known and just made another call to him

Sandy Van Pelt

January 23, 2021

Oh my gosh I'm speechless. I remember Michael. I vaguely remember clowning around with him but the theater. My most sincere condolences to Sybil Gruhl, his sister.
His presence among us made the world more colorful and entertaining place. He was a bright light that shown and touched so many people.

Lyn Ingersoll

January 23, 2021

I echo the sadness of so many of us from our time with Michael at Children´s. He was a generous font of knowledge and always very happy to share and help. He knew everyone and was a friend to all. Such a loss!

Pat Johnson

January 23, 2021

Michael was such a welcoming, warm presence in the halls of Children´s. And I loved when he would stop by for something and announce himself by singing a couple of lines of a lovely tune, then bow. May his family and friends be comforted and also filled with warmth by the many beautiful memories of Michael´s generous spirit.

Angela Wratney MD

January 23, 2021

Michael left a huge impression on me at Children's National, through our work as SafetyCoaches and Patient Experience trainers. I loved listening to his stories of the joys and hardworking delivering major theatrical performances every night for weeks on end, in various venues, and in foreign countries -- he stated "you can't fake it, the audience knows if you are being genuine and giving it your best and they demand and deserve it every night. They don't care this is your 100th#$@ show in a row!!" Hahahaha!! I thought of how wonderfully parallel that is to Healthcare, empathy, and delivering the best service to each and every patient. Plus, in Pediatrics we already know that; those 4 yr olds spot a "stinker, a grumpy person" a mile away and those teenagers let you know when "you're boring and out of touch wah,wah,wah,blah,blah" . Michael thank you for being so genuine, so unmistakably You!! and for allowing me to share on your stage a few times. You've touched many, I love that as your obituary says, "You are in the eternal stage where the curtain never closes!" To your family, loved ones and friends my sincerest condolences to you during this difficult time.

LATONYA CURRY

January 22, 2021

Michael Shaw!!! You Truly Will Be Missed!!!!! Thank for All the Hello's and YOUR Smile:):):)!!! Children's Hospital truly lost an Amazing Person!!! Rest Easy Michael!!!!!!

Jacquie

January 22, 2021

Michael was relentless in his quest for perfection in order to make others look good. It didn´t matter whether it was in a visual presentation or computer related presentation, your goal was met every time. Your message is planted and will be visible in all the work we produce going forward. Thank you for the memories.

Melissa Winter

January 22, 2021

During my nine years at Children´s, that had a lot of changes, Michael was one of the constants-a colleague always willing to help you learn; always willing to make you laugh; and always willing to jump in and help out. His theater background made him an exceptional trainer, captivating new employees with his quick wit and storytelling (and sometimes singing!); inspiring them to live the organization´s values and "make a difference." He touched thousands of lives through that training, and absolutely touched mine. (Photo is from a training day where we had hilariously worn matching outfits.) We had bumped into each other this past summer and I am so grateful for it. To have shared another smile. Another laugh. He was one of a kind and will be missed. May peace and comfort be with his family and friends. My deepest condolences.

Tara Floyd

January 21, 2021

Michael was one-of-a-kind and I always enjoyed working with him. He had a friendly word for everyone and told some wonderful stories about his favorite musical theatre performances. He will be very missed.

Neil Bhattarai

January 21, 2021

Michael was a guiding light, a helping hand, and a friendly smile to everyone he encountered. He was known as "The Mayor" of our hospital because he, and I'm not exaggerating, knew everyone. I owe a lot to Michael. He helped my career by teaching me public speaking and graphic design. He brought creative thinking to everything he did, and helped merge arts and science together. I will miss his attention to detail, his acute eye for anything presented, and friendly demeanor. Personally, he was a good friend and confidante. He was also an excellent style advisor. I once wore a shirt-tie combination that I literally donated after work because he said it didn't work for me and I'm so glad that I did because oof...looking back at that combo, it was really bad. And man he made amazing pesto.

May all his loved ones (there are many) have comfort during this awful time.

Raven McLeese

January 21, 2021

My condolences. Michael was such a Renaissance man. A person of many talents. You are truly missed. May you rest peacefully.

Mildred Williams

January 21, 2021

Michael you will be truly missed. Your beautiful singing voice. Your great personality and your supportive nature. I know your in heaven as one of GODs angels. I will see you again someday. Until then look out for me as my angels. Missing you already.

Vosti Phelps

January 21, 2021

My condolences to the family, Michael was a beautiful soul. His presence was always felt he was also a great resource. He always knew how or who for things to get done. He will be truly missed.

Nica Roberts

January 21, 2021

My heart was broken when I heard of the passing of Michael. Michael and I worked together for years and we shared many laughs together. He will be missed. May God be the source of your comfort and peace during this difficult time.

Andrea , Andy, Connor and Elizabeth

January 21, 2021

We are so sorry to hear of Michael's passing. While our visits were few, I always enjoyed his laugh, smile and stories!

Janice Mason

January 21, 2021

Michael was a beautiful soul, he was always there to lend a hand to those in need. May he rest comfortably in the arms of the Lord.

Wayne Neal

January 21, 2021

My condolences, Michaels legacy will live forever- we shared many stories and I loved his stance on how to enjoy life.

Jana Monaco

January 21, 2021

I am deeply saddened to hear of Michael's passing. He was genuinely kind, compassionate and funny and was always a pleasure to be around. I will miss seeing him when I am at Children's. My sincere condolences and prayers to Michael's family.

Eileen

January 21, 2021

Michael was a bright light of love and joy wherever I saw him. May he Rest In Peace and glory with God!

Kathy Dent

January 20, 2021

My heart is saddened hearing of the passing of Michael. To the family I send prayers and ask our loving God to give comfort during this time.

Ivy Goldblatt

January 20, 2021

I am so sad to hear this. Michael was always a bright ray of sunshine whenever I saw him in the hall at CNMC. I loved him from the minute I met him. And i always felt his love for me. Rest in paradise my friend!!!

Alia Fink

January 20, 2021

I´ve been blessed to work with Michael for the last 4 years. He was a great friend and mentor. I am going to miss him so much. He was a creative genius, kind, funny, and so so talented.

John Tavlin

January 20, 2021

Judi, I'm sad to hear about Michael. "The Me Nobody Knows" was 44 years ago but who could forget Michael, or for that matter, you? Those were happy times. You have my utmost sympathy for your loss.

Christine J Jansen

Planted Trees

Donna and Covell Family

January 20, 2021

We have great memories of Michael. His wonderful talents and infectious smile May He rest in God´s loving arms . Our deepest sympathy to all the Donaghy family Love Donna George Andrew and Joselin

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