Douglas Parker Shaw

Douglas Parker Shaw, 85, Manchester Center, died May 4th, 2015 at his home on Cottage Street. Doug was born on Bonnet Street in Manchester Center on June 16th, 1929. He was the youngest child of Walter H. and Esther (Graves) Shaw. He attended the Center School and graduated from Burr and Burton Seminary, Class of 1947. He went on to the University of Vermont where he graduated with a B.A. in Business Administration in 1951. Following basic training in Fort Benning, Georgia, Doug served as U.S. In-fantry 1st Lieutenant during the Korean War. He was injured in an engagement and was awarded the Purple Heart. After returning from Korea, Doug joined his mother Esther at the W.H. Shaw Insurance Agency to sell insurance and real estate in 1953. He became president of the agency in1961 until he retired in 1991. Doug married Joan Campbell of Brooklyn, New York in 1955 and the couple raised five children on Cottage Street. Doug and Joan would have been celebrating their 60th Anniversary this June. Doug's commitment to his community was deep. He served on the BBS board of trustees for 16 years and 12 years on the Vestry of the Zion Episcopal Church. He served 17 years on the Manchester Planning Commission and Transportation Committee as well as being a director of the Factory Point National Bank for 31 years. Doug was also a member of the Adoniram Lodge Masons, receiving a 65-year membership pin in 2014, the American Legion, and the VFW. He was on the Mt. Laurel School and Manchester Welfare and Nursing Association boards. He was a founding member of the Manchester Country Club, served on the Ekwanok Country Club board, and enjoyed 35 years as a volunteer fireman on the Manchester Fire Department. Aside from civic duties, Doug served on the Bromley Ski Patrol and instructed for the Bromley Ski School. He loved to hike, ski, golf and play tennis and remained active in all of those activities into his 80s. After his retirement, Doug made deliveries for the Meals on Wheels program. He also spent many weekends tending the meadows and wooded acres of his property in Middletown Springs. Doug was predeceased by his sisters-Betty Shaw Powers and Catharine Shaw Erwin. He is survived by his brother, Allen H. Shaw of Austin, Texas, his wife Joan, of Manchester, and his five children-Sally Shaw (Bart Bales), Andrew Shaw (Jennifer), Nancy Shaw, Cynthia Shaw (Chris Senecal), and Elizabeth Shaw (Ian Mackenzie). Doug was also the proud "Papa"of seven grandchildren Calvin and Emily Shaw, Cameron and Rudyard Senecal, Celia Bales, and Esther and Isla Mackenzie. He left behind a legacy of committed community service, a love of the outdoors, and a loyal appreciation of the Vermont landscape. Doug used his final years to hone his sense of gratitude, which only grew richer and more insistent with every passing day. Despite failing health, his sense of humor never faltered and he will be remembered by everyone who loved and cared for him as a man who never took life, or love, for granted. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, May 16th at 11 a.m. at the Zion Episcopal Church in Manchester Center. Charitable donations in Doug's memory can be made to Manchester Health Services and Zion Episcopal Church, in care of Brewster's Funeral Service A memorial service is planned for Saturday, May 16th at 11 a.m. at the Zion Episcopal Church in Manchester Center