JR Shaw was celebrated as a passionate family man, business leader and philanthropist at a special gathering on Wednesday.
Approximately 850 families, friends, dignitaries and community leaders gathered at the BMO Calgary Center to celebrate the life of founder Shaw Communications. More than 1,000 people watched the ceremony online.
Shaw died peacefully on March 23, 2020 at the age of 85, but the COVID-19 pandemic has so far delayed an in-person tribute.
READ MORE: JR Shaw, founder and former CEO of Shaw Communications, dies at 85
The ceremony, chaired by Linda Olsen of Global Calgary, began with a video that embodied everything JR Shaw was: a humble man who put people first.
“I love everyone. I hope I treated people the best I could,” he was heard saying in a recording played over the loudspeakers.
Brad Shaw, Executive Chairman and CEO of Shaw Communications, shared stories about his father and what he meant to his family and community.
“Dad taught all of us, my brother, my sisters and me, never to leave a table you can’t return to. He lived it,” he said.
Brad Shaw said that all of his father’s lessons had a constant theme of family, work and respect.
A photo of JR Shaw at his celebration of life ceremony on April 14, 2022.
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JR Shaw left behind a long list of accomplishments when he passed away. He was an Officer of the Order of Canada and a member of the Canadian Business Hall of Fame. People said it was about “connection” in everything he did.
In business, he connected millions of people by cable, home phone, wireless and the Internet by founding Shaw Communications, one of Canada’s largest and most successful communications companies, and Corus Entertainment, the parent company of GlobalNews. The empire began in the 1960s with his simple desire to have more television stations in Alberta.
In philanthropy, JR Shaw has connected the community, contributing to initiatives related to health care, education, technological advancement and the arts. Helped create the Shaw Charity Classic; a stop at the PGA TOUR champions who have raised over $75 million for Alberta charities to date. She also had a special place in her heart for the Shaw Bear program, collecting half a million teddy bears for first responders to give to children during traumatic situations.
READ MORE: Massive Shaw family donation means free entry when Glenbow Museum reopens in 2024
Speaking at Wednesday’s Celebration of Life, Dr. Emily Wang, Senior Director of Clinical Advances and Trauma-Informed Services at Hull Services, spoke of JR Shaw’s contributions and kind heart. Providing funds for the construction of the Shaw Center for Mental Health and Addiction.
“JR was all in,” Wang said. “He knew life was not easy for children in Hull and he was not ready to accept the status quo, either for the children themselves or for the field of mental health.”
JR Shaw helped create the Shaw Charity Classic, raising millions for charities across Alberta.
Shaw Family
Attending Wednesday’s event were Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek and Alberta’s Lieutenant Governor. Salma Lakhani, who took to the podium saying that JR Shaw will long be remembered as one of Canada’s bold and forward-thinking business innovators, as well as a generous and kind community leader who cared deeply about the well- to be of others.
“JR has helped countless people dream, thrive and build successful lives,” he said.
“JR’s mighty example will continue to inspire all of his fellow Albertans and Canadians, and his exceptional spirit will endure.”
The bond that JR Shaw had with his wife, four children, 17 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren is part of what Brad Shaw called his legacy of love, kindness and generosity.
Carol Shaw read a poem for JR and three of her grandchildren shared their fondest memories of their grandfather.
After an intimate rendition of her Sarah McLachlan song “Angel,” the celebration of life ended with JR’s own words: “After we’re gone, we’ll be remembered for what we gave, not what that we have received.” . It’s a motto JR said he lives by.
“JR meant so much to so many people,” Brad Shaw said. “He loved when other people could be the center of attention, and it turned out to be my dad.”
© 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
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