Donald M. Shaw

Donald M. Shaw, age 95, passed away on August 16th, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones at his home on Amelia Island, FL.
Don was born on February 19, 1930 and raised in Sydney, Nova Scotia. His father owned and operated a grocery store where Don spent time preparing the window displays, serving as the initial catalyst for his future success in a variety of commercial endeavors. Don attended Sydney Central Common School and then three years at Sydney Academy. He played hockey at Central and basketball at Sydney Academy. Don's basketball team at Sydney Academy won their league championships three years in a row, defeating all other teams in the Maritime Provinces. In one year, their team earned the right to travel to Montreal for an annual Canadian basketball tournament.
Don then attended and graduated from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor's degree in Commerce. He started his career at the Hudson Bay Company, joining their management training program which afforded him the opportunities to work in Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta. Don relished working for the Hudson Bay Company, a leader in the business community with many career development opportunities. Don then transitioned to the US to work for his uncle in Massachusetts, joining an appliance parts company named "MGMS", i.e. MacDonald, Gray, Miele and Shaw Associates. His achievements and performance spoke for themselves, earning him the position of partner in the Mac-Gray Company. The company's expansion saw its business footprint grow outside New England, extending all the way to California. When Mr. MacDonald took ill, Don succeeded him as president of Mac-Gray, leading and growing the company for an additional thirteen years.
Upon retirement in 1995, Don came to Amelia Island with his wife, Margot, and made the island their home. He then opened a bookstore, "Books Plus", on Center St. in Fernandina Beach. He spent many an hour just socializing with whoever came by and enjoyed spreading the virtues and enjoyment of reading. Don then extended his commercial prowess to the real estate sector in the local community, buying and managing real estate to foster small businesses in the area. Many small business owners in Fernandina Beach have expressed appreciation for the support and guidance provided by Don as they grew their businesses.
Don was an avid "Boston sports fan" (especially the Celtics) before becoming a dedicated fan of the Jacksonville Jaguars, holding season tickets for many years. At one time, he also enjoyed curling. Don visited several locations in the US, Canada, Mexico, Central America, Europe, Southeast Asia and Africa.
Don lived in Lexington, Massachusetts for 28 years with Margot and their two sons, Richard and Andrew. For 30+ years, Amelia Island served as a wonderful and serene setting for the last chapters of his life. Don embraced both the scenic views of the tides rolling in and the local community by volunteering for local commerce committees.
He leaves behind his wife, Margot of 59 years; his sons, Richard and Andrew; his daughter in law, Jennie; three grandchildren, Danielle, Jocelyn, Jackson; nephews and nieces.
As a father, husband and businessman, Don will be remembered as one who led quietly by his actions, i.e. his indefatigable commitment to family values, work and adherence to the highest levels of individual and professional integrity. Anyone who had the chance to know him (or even just meet him briefly by popping into the bookstore) was a better person for it.
Don wants to thank the medical teams from Baptist Medical Center, Bayada Home Health Care, and Community Hospice who made his life comfortable and for the support they provided to him.
Per the request of the immediate family, the celebration of his life will be private.