Bernard Lee Shaw March 19, 1936 – February 25, 2012

Bernard Lee Shaw was born on March 19, 1936, in Craig, CO. He stepped across the great divide into the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the morning of February 25, 2012, making it the best day of his life. How fortunate are those who'd gone before and welcomed him home on that wonderful morning. "Bernie", and his two older brothers, Ed and Ray, were raised in Clifton, Colorado by his parents, Clark and Ida. He spent his growing up years hunting rattlesnakes on Mt. Garfield, thinning peach trees on the family farm, and playing sports. He was an excellent athlete, playing basketball, baseball, and football for Palisade High School, where he graduated in 1954. That same year, he married the love of his life, Marguerite Hanks, with whom he would share the next 57 years. From this beautiful covenant was born three of the most grateful people on this earth, two daughters, Terri and Tracy, and a son, Steven. Bernard attended Mesa J.C. where he attained an Associate degree prior to attending the University of Colorado where he earned a B.S. degree in Education. He would later receive a Masters degree from Western State and furthered his education at the University of Washington. Bernard spent the first nine years of his educational career as a teacher and coach in Alamosa, Englewood, and Gunnison High Schools. His baseball and basketball teams routinely advanced in state playoffs and he was awarded coach of the year titles on more than one occasion. He transitioned into the arena of secondary education administration in 1967 at Olathe High School. For the next 30 years he would fill the role of high school principal in Olathe; Montrose; Shelton, WA, and West Hills, CA. He excelled as an administrator, receiving numerous awards, and a long list of accomplishments followed him on his professional journey. Above and beyond his professional accomplishments, he was most proud of, and found his greatest joy in, the legacy of faith he left for his children and grandchildren. Serving as an elder and teacher in the Christian churches in Montrose and Shelton, was bolstered by his authentic walk with Christ. Bernie was the consummate "people person" as God used him to touch, literally, thousand of lives through his compassion and humor. His later years were spent enjoying his family, in spite of the challenging journey through the valley of Parkinson's disease. He courageously and gracefully walked through that valley, leaning on His Lord, with the help of his beautiful wife and her servant's heart. He is survived by his life partner, Marguerite; children, Terri (Scott) Manke; Steven (Christi) Shaw, and Tracy (Mark) Howell; grandchildren, Marci (Trevor) Nolan; Kellen Manke; Ty, Caleb, Kellen, and Dillon Shaw, and Meighan, Troy and Trent Howell, and great-granddaughter, Anna Nolan. A celebration of Bernie's life is planned for Saturday, May 12, 1:00 p.m. at Canyon View Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Colorado, 3090B North 12th Street, Grand Junction, CO 81506.

Published in The Daily Sentinel on Mar. 4, 2012