Condolences
Dear David, Debra, Andrea, Mrs. Schaw (Sandra still does not feel proper for me to use somehow), and the rest of the extended Schaw clan. On behalf of myself and the entire Reschke-Stewart family, I wanted to express my deepest sympathies and condolences to you all with the huge loss your family has suffered with John’s passing. He was a very special person, and I know the pain of losing someone like that. Time will lessen that pain, though it can never completely remove it, and I wish you all the best in dealing with these most difficult of times.
As a friend of Dave’s for coming up to 5 decades now (eeks!), I had a number of occasions to get to know “Big John” (as Dave and I would affectionately refer to him), and experience his kind, gentle, humble and even-keeled manner. I am sure Dave and I tested his patience many times when, as teenagers, we would be occupying the garage, driveway or front of the Schaw house in Regina, trying to fix Dave’s snowmobile or his latest jalopy. A curious John would appear from time to time to check on us and calmly ask some benign questions, responding to our answers with his coy smile while making sure we weren’t killing ourselves or wrecking his house. One of my favorite memories is one that John often mentioned when we met – him sitting beside me in my 1968 Olds Cutlass with Dave and some friends in the back as we drove to a movie in Regina, circa 1980. How John ended up with us that day, I have no idea – bad luck I guess. But, in short, somehow we got goaded into a good old fashion Regina drag/street race, and there was Big John in the passenger seat as we shot down Regina’s Albert Street neck-in-neck with our opponent at some ridiculous speed. Unwittingly being caught-up in such teenage stupidity seemed a highlight that stuck with John and, while now ashamed to admit doing something so reckless, I am at least proud that it gave him a memory he seemed to really cherish (or, at a minimum, could not easily forget!).
I also recall the generous man who, when I mentioned a budding interest in being a stock broker, arranged a visit for me with a friend of his in that business. Later in life, I remember the retired grandad version of John playing with his grand kids in the park between our houses in Calgary. I would come out and tease him about the toy rifle he was sporting, and he would chuckle, give some witty retort and flash me that little coy smile again.
John was an accomplished, successful man, of that there is no doubt. But with his humility, he hardly ever spoke of his successes. In fact, he was so tight-lipped about his career that, as teenagers with wild imaginations, and knowing that John worked “in government”, Dave and I speculated from time to time that he may be Canada’s mysterious and unknown official designated government hangman executioner, charged with carrying out capital punishment sentences, back when there was such a thing. His gentle, unassuming nature and good humour would have been the perfect cover for such an occupation, we theorized.
The Big John I will remember was the even-tempered and consistently kind, gentle soul who suffered his teenage son’s foolish friends with a bottomless well of good humour and mountain of tolerance. The world is truly a little less good and kind without John in it, and I will miss that coy smile of this gentle, truly decent, remarkable man. To the Schaw family, may these and your memories of John fill you with solace and support, and bring a small, coy John-like smile to your face now and in the days to follow.
Dear Sandra and family,
Beautiful words for your John, Sandra. He had a life well lived. John will remain in your hearts forever.
May love surround you through this most difficult of times.
Love and prayers,
Evelyn Olson-Smith
I am truly sorry to hear of John's passing. I am so thankful that I was part of the Schaw family for many years. I have so many wonderful memories of family gatherings and celebrations. John was always such a gracious host even when kids, dogs and in-laws were invading his home. He was a wonderful Grandpa to my children Chris and Nicole. I honestly don't recall him ever raising his voice. He really was a gentle soul with a great sense of humor and an unconditional love for his family. He will always have a special place in my heart.
Sending my love, thoughts and condolences to the rest of the Schaw family. I know you will get through this together.
Sharon Leesman
Dear Sandra and family
We were so sad to hear about John's passing. He will be remembered as a very kind, gentle and welcoming man. We send to all of you our sincerest sympathies in this difficult time with the knowledge that he was everything to all of you and you were everything to him.
With much love
Elizabeth and family
John was a wonderful man with such a caring personality and demeanour. He will be sorely missed by everyone whose lives he touched. He continues to live on in our hearts and minds. Extending our deepest condolences to the Schaw family.
We have the fondest of memories of times with John. Whether we were getting poured on in NYC on our way to the dog show or just having a glass of wine on the lanai. John was a gentle man who never said a bad word about anyone. Our love and thoughts go out to our dear friend Sandra and her family: Annie and her gang, David and his, Deborah, Rick, Mackenzie, Ali, Connor and Olivia. Marc and Carol
Dear Schaw Family:
I had the privilege of meeting John twice in my life, once at Ricky and Deb’s wedding many years ago. He was a great man, who exuded kindness, humility and love for his children and grandchildren, as well as anyone connected to his progeny. I send all of you my sincere, heartfelt condolences for your loss and hope it provides some comfort to know that he lived his life fully and has left his wife, children and grandchildren a legacy of goodness.
With love,
Beth Forhman
Please accept my deepest condolences for your Family’s lost..may your heart and soul find peace and comfort..I cant see his smile again ...heartfelt thoughts go out to your family in this time of sorrow....
I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad, Andrea. I’m glad I had the opportunity to meet him. He was a very kind and welcoming man and my condolences go out to all of your family right now. Hugs.
I met grandpa when he came to visit Mackenzie in Nairobi. Truly an amazing soul. He made me feel like I was part of the family and was welcoming from the second I met him. The love he had for his family was infectious. I hope I can one day be as loving to my future grandchildren as he was to his. My thoughts are with you all.
Love,
Roman
PS - such a handsome picture of him for the obituary.
I was saddened to hear about Grandpa Schaw’s passing. While I only had the opportunity to spend just a week this past February with Grandpa Schaw, his love for his family, sense of humor, and strong wit and will were immediately apparent. When I think about John I can immediately picture his beaming smile that he greeted all of us with. I was, and still am, amazed at his endurance and vivacious spirit that brought him across the world and into the Masai Mara for dawn-to-dusk adventures in the safari. Grandpa John was truly blessed to be surrounded by such a wonderful family. My deepest condolences go out to you and your family.
Love,
William Du
I was so sad to hear about John’s passing earlier this week. I remember all the nights he was out at the softball field watching Mackenzie and I play — he was a truly dedicated fan to a team that couldn’t have needed him more. My thoughts are with you; he’ll definitely be missed.
With love,
Sarah
We are so incredibly sorry to hear of the passing of Grandpa Schaw. Growing up as neighbors to the Yaryura family, their "Grandma and Grandpa" were our grandparents too. Grandpa always had the warmest smile, friendliest hello, and was so invested in the well being of everyone around him. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. - The Nordhausen Family
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