Gary W. Shaw

Combined Locks - Gary W. Shaw, Combined Locks, age 65, died at his home on Tuesday, July 14, 2020. He was born on August 21, 1954, the son of Charles and Jaynett (Ressler) Shaw. Gary started life in Walnut Creek, California and lived in many different cities as his father was transferred for his career at American Can and the family settled in Neenah, Wisconsin. This is where Gary found his home and love of music. Known for his guitar skills, Gary loved performing and the wonderful lifelong friendships developed with his band mates that continued to his final days. Starting at Shattuck Middle School with his band Guilford Forgery he was hooked on performing and amazingly, they were asked to perform at their class reunions for the Neenah Class of '72. Through out the years he was in numerous bands including Tackenridge County, Air Mail Special, Curly's Hat Band, Blue River, Catch 22, Rockasaurus, Big Lake All Stars, Wolfgang, Joe Tones, Pumpin' Ethyl, Lil' Davy Max, and FOG. He had a taste of the national touring scene and decided it was not for him preferring to be home for his son Keif Shaw.

In 1977 Gary began his career at Henri's Music, giving him the perfect place to combine his passion for music, people, and mind for business. Through the years he guided so many musicians and developed many friendships. When Henri's closed in 2010 Gary followed his passion and joined the team at Island Music.

Gary was proud to be honored by the WAMI (Wisconsin Area Music Industry) on their Wall of Honor 2020 recognizing his contributions to the music scene.

Outside of music Gary loved spending time at home, eating good food, cheering on the Bucks, Brewers, and Packers and most importantly enjoying time with family and friends.

Gary is survived by his wife of 22 years, Beth; son, Keif (special friend Connie Leitzke) Shaw; grandchildren: Darian (Nick) Konwal and Payne (fiancée Kylie Waller) Hughes; great granddaughter, Aubree Konwal; mother, Jaynett Shaw; brother, Charles (Deb Neulander) Shaw II; father-in-law, Michael Hubacek; brothers and sisters-in-law: Joe (special friend Kathy Thomas) Hubacek, Judy (special friend Roger Kammueller) Hubacek, and Lisa (Brad) Teetzen; and nieces, Emma and Jessica Teetzen. He is further survived by other relatives and many friends.

Gary was preceded in death by his father, Charles Shaw; and mother-in-law, Rita Hubacek.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the ThedaCare Hospice Foundation or to the Street Music Week, benefitting Feeding America (donations will be accepted in Gary's name at Heid Music). To sign the guest book, please visit oconnellfh.com.

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

Published by Appleton Post-Crescent from Jul. 18 to Jul. 19, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Shaw

Sponsored by O'Connell Funeral Home - Little Chute.

10 Entries

Linda Crikelair

July 28, 2020

A lover of music and a giver of good vibrations for the times we connected in the shop(s)
for music supplies. Always respectful. Sometimes certain people connect nicely in a few
seconds and you remember those moments for your life. My thoughts to those close to him.

Frank Nelsen

July 22, 2020

My Sincere Condolences to Beth and Keif and family. I am saddened by the loss of a fine person who made the world a better place. The grief is unbearable at times and I hope the support of friends sustains you and the good memories carry you thru.
Gary Shaw was a friend and bandmate. I met him back in the days of Tackenridge County, and would go to see that band often to hear Gary play guitar. He had already developed a personal style and had an undeniable talent. In the early 80's he joined Airmail Special, the group Carl Garrow and I formed in the late 70's. I felt honored that he would be in the band and add to the evolution of the group.
He was a true professional musician, not only a expert guitarist but everything that goes with it; a congenial personality, great work attitude, dedicated and reliable, with spirited performances. Giving his energy for the enjoyment of so many people.
Even at band practices he would astound with phenomenal playing, always prepared, knowing his parts, progressions and lyrics. Gary was inspiring and a joy to make music with, it was a pleasure to play bass with him in the group. In these later years, he was always helpful and shared his vast knowledge of equipment as we bought and sold many vintage instruments and amps together. He had a sense of humor too.
One time I came into the store and said "Hi Gary, well, what's new in the music world?'' He answered, " Well Frank, there's still just 12 tones in the scale ! " We had a good laugh with his witty comment.
He put heart and soul into the music.
He will always be remembered and missed.

Frank Nelsen

July 22, 2020

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Shelly & George Schneider

July 22, 2020

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Dave Pilz

July 20, 2020

Worked with Gary for many years on the Henri's Music staff.
I worked in the Green Bay store while he was in the Appleton store. We shared a lot of good times and memories. He was always professional, knowledgeable, and friendly even during the stressful times of a retail business. I and everyone will miss him. So glad I got to spend time with him at my home when he purchased my old '54 Gibson acoustic guitar.
Like all those in his collection...he loved this guitar. I'll see ya, Gary on the other side one day. Until then R.I.P.
Sympathies to you, Beth.
Regards, Dave Pilz

Ellen Watson

July 20, 2020

I got my favorite guitar from Gary at Henris, and learned a lot from him when Id stop in to talk before my lessons. He will be sorely missed.

Jim Weiland

July 19, 2020

I'm glad to see him one more time with his 52 Tele.

Mary Catterton

July 19, 2020

A gracious, wonderful guy - superb musician and an encouragement to so many young players... like my eldest son.

Edgy

July 19, 2020

Gary was the kindest soul you'd ever want to meet, a profoundly focused musician, a die-hard sports fan, and an immensely dedicated friend to so many. I love you, brother. See you when I get there.

David Janke

July 19, 2020

For over I quarter of a century I was fortunate enough to gig with Gary. He brought taste, style, energy and love to the mix. Who cannot love Gary? To say that I will miss him is an understatement. I believe the only thing that Gary loved more than sharing his incredible talent with his bandmates was the love of his wife Beth, son Keif, grandchildren and his many, many friends.
There is a hole in my heart but I am comforted by the fact that Gary brought his best to everything he ever did. He used to tell me, " Thanks for letting me be in the band."
The first time Gary said that I thought, what the heck does he mean? It is I that should be thanking him. A brother in music, a good friend in life. Play on Gary, play on.

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