AL SHAW 1940-2021

 

As we gathered for the annual Original Six Alumni Christmas Lunch on December 5, 2021, one couldn't help but think of Al Shaw, who passed away on October 25, 2021.

Al was the heart and soul of our monthly lunch. He truly cared for those that mostly played for the love of the game. Al worked feverishly to make certain their stories and careers remained in the limelight. 

I remember thanking him for all he did, but Al wasn't having any of it. He told me, "It's not about me, it's about those guys that played the game." 

Each year, I updated a contact list that Al asked me to prepare. I suggested to Al, that in addition to adding new contact details, we delete those who died. Al looked at me and I could see the change in his expression. He just couldn't go along with the idea that the names of Wally Stanowski, Bob Beckett, and many, many more be permanently erased from list he looked at each month.

This shows how deeply Al cared about the Oldtimers, and even though they had passed, he liked to remember them as he made his monthly calls to advise of the date for the next lunch. I will miss that call from Al.

In addition to the lunch, Al planned our yearly visit to the Veterans Wing at Sunnybrook Hospital. He took great pride in this outing and made sure everything was just right. He had an amazing passion and dedication for this event. 

I will never forget the wide smiles when Johnny Bower or Dick Duff mingled through the jammed packed hall and stopped to chat, sign autographs, shake a hand or pose for a photo. Often, a veteran shared a memory of Bower and Duff to them, and it was time for the former Leafs to smile. All this was possible thanks to Al Shaw.

There was nothing more important to Al Shaw than his family. Al's daughter, Shelley, penned a heartfelt piece about her dad. Here are some excerpts:

"My dad was a kind and caring man. He extended his heart and wisdom to us and so many of our friends, neighbours and family ... He had lots of quotes that he left with the grandchildren to help them get through life, like 'stay well' and 'keep your stick on the ice' ... Our father was always a guiding hand and the memories of his love for us will be strong as we begin a new life without him. We have comfort knowing that he is watching over us and our special memories will always live on."

I last saw Al on October 16 at the celebration of life for his brother-in-law, Jim Anderson. We talked about the upcoming lunches and the continued impact of COVID. Al was determined to keep the ship on course and safely sail into the future.

Sadly, we have lost our skipper.