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Nancy Shaw Obituary
SHAW _ Dr. Nancy Alison born May 24, 1962 in Regina, SK. Nancy passed away at home on April 16, 2007 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She will be greatly missed by her loving parents, Dave and Muriel; brothers Bob (Cathi) and John (Ingrid); best friend and dear sister, Susanne; her cherished nieces and nephews: Lauren, Bobby, Jodi, Caitlin, Daniel, Elsie and Matthew - each of whom lit up Nan's life; and her many, many dear friends. Nancy earned both her Masters and Doctorate (Communications) from McGill University and completed a post-doctoral fellowship at New York University. She was a gifted academic and over the years had taught at McGill, Rutgers, Wilfred Laurier, SFU and Capilano College. Nancy was active in the arts her entire life. Some of her many accomplishments included serving as the current chair of the New Music Society. In 2000, Nancy catalogued and documented all of the work in late Vancouver artist, Jack Shadbolt's studio. In the 1990s, Nancy served on the Public Art Committee, City of Vancouver; as Vice President of the Association of National Non-Profit Artist Centres; as a Juror on the Canada Council (Curating & Criticism); and as Co-Editor of Writing Magazine. In the 1980s, Nancy spent time as Artist in Residence at The Western Front (Vancouver) and as Co-Director of the Kootenay School of Writing. Nancy was a prolific writer and a published poet. We have all been inspired by Nancy's strength, determination and love of life. Thanks to all her doctors and caregivers including Dr. Gelman, Dr. Howdle, Dr. Parsons, and Dr. Charles Fisher. Very special thanks to family physician and friend, Dr. David Wilson. A Celebration of Nancy's Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday April 21, 2007 at St. Andrew's-Wesley Church, Vancouver (corner of Burrard & Nelson). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the B.C. Cancer Foundation, 600 West 10th Avenue Vancouver, BC. V5Z 4E6. May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of his hand.
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13 Entries
Ken Lum
May 3, 2007
I shall miss Nancy very much. I really enjoyed what became my weekly lunches with her. She was so smart, wise and an utterly invigorating person to be with. She was also an extremely good poet. She had a curiosity about the world that was deep and complex. The curiosity I found infectious as it kept making me rethink the world as I saw it.
I shall always remember you Nancy and will think about you often.
Georgina Nangle
May 1, 2007
Dave & Muriel, I knew and loved Nancy as a child She was my first niece and I had the pleasure of giving her her first tricycle. I regret not getting to know her as an adult.
With love
Alicia Thomas Clement
April 27, 2007
Dear Uncle Dave and Auntie Muriel;
The Shaws are my beloved extended family. Nancy was my little red-haired cousin. Of course, as time passed she grew very, very tall and became very, very, very accomplished.
I had always wanted sisters in addition to my brothers, so early in my young life I adopted Nancy and Susanne as my faux sisters. I had a lot of fun with Nancy during our university years. We were also able to spend time together in New York and in Paris in our late twenties. I am so happy that Nancy was able to see Europe, given that she was such a lover of culture and given that her life was to be cut short.
Nobody could help but admire Nancy's dedication to education and the arts, her championing of the less-advantaged, her social conscience, her academic prowess, her formidable writing skills, her common sense and her sense of humour.
I count myself among the teeming legions of her admirers. It is hard to lose a faux sister before her time.
The Thomas family (Auntie Donnie, Uncle Charlie, Alicia, Pierre, Angelica, Antony, Michael, Claire, Peter, Theresa, Richard, Kirstin and Jasper) is greatly saddened.
I bid you goodbye my eldest cousin and will think of you fondly.
Love, your cousin, Alicia (May Bug)
Rebecca Sullivan
April 25, 2007
Nancy, a community of scholars and artists mourn your passing. You were an inspiration to so many people. We will remember you and cherish your legacy.
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April 24, 2007
Dearest Nancy, Thank you for teaching me about art, and life, and courage and friendship. Much love - Jim Smith
Dennis Denisoff
April 23, 2007
Nana, I've missed you before and now I miss you daily. Your full, open laughter, your eager energy, your openness to any new adventure -- they've inspired me and they've brought real joy to my life. Love, Denden
George Bowering
April 22, 2007
Nancy, please keep on helping us make our art and show an open face to the world we're in.
Megan Andrews
April 20, 2007
I too only met Nancy at the Canada Dance Festival last year. We had brief but inspiring conversations about dance and writing. Her curious and sensitive interest in dance and the rigorous and creative perspectives on the art form that she offered through her writing stand as an example of the potential in this field - dance and writing.
She will be sadly missed.
Morgan Holmes
April 20, 2007
Nancy, I basked in the glow of your humour, gentle ways, and deep intellect. On hot summer nights at Jardin de Panos in Montreal, walking with you along the Manhattan streets you loved, hearing you read your astounding poetry -- thank you for sharing your mind, heart, and friendship. You remain unforgettable and inspiring.
Peter Quartermain
April 19, 2007
Life and words, yes yes yes, Nancy's wonderful writing, astonishing editing and curating skills -- a warmth and generosity of spirit and openness of mind and wit all too rare and all too sadly missed. Damn, damn, damn. What a loss.
Amy Bowring
April 19, 2007
I only met Nancy last year at the Canada Dance Festival, but was immediately drawn to her great mind and the ease of being with her. I read her writings on dance and was delighted that she was interested in bringing her vast perspective to another art form. She will be missed by our community.
Hilary Strang
April 19, 2007
For the life and words you have given my sister Catriona, thank you, Nancy. For your graceful and determinded self, "sleep, now sleep, and so end sorrow".
Cathi Shaw
April 19, 2007
I love you, Nan. Miss you so so so much. You are my hero!!! oxox
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