Obituary of John Andrew SCHAW

June 13, 1936 – Ottawa, Ontario
November 9, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Andrew Edward Schaw. He passed away peacefully after a very brief illness at the age of 84. John was born in Ottawa, Ontario on June 13, 1936. He received his Bachelor of Commerce Degree from Carleton University then went on to get his MBA from Western University. He married the love of his life, Sandra (Moffatt) August 26, 196l. They recently celebrated their 59th anniversary.
 
John had a dynamic career that included advising the Premier of Saskatchewan before becoming an entrepreneur. He was instrumental in starting several bio-tech companies. After his retirement in 2003, he and Sandra moved to Calgary, Alberta where he consulted for the Alberta Government. After his second retirement, John took full advantage of all that Calgary and the world had to offer. While in the city, he and Sandra enjoyed hiking and biking in the mountains, theatre, living near family and the many walking trails. John most recently enjoyed travelling to Africa and celebrated reaching his 6th continent.  He was well travelled, for both work and pleasure.
 
John was totally devoted to his family and adored his nine grandchildren.  He made each one feel special. He rarely missed a sports or school event in Canada or Florida. He and Sandra felt fortunate to have spent the past fifteen winters in Sarasota, Florida near their Floridian family and summers in Calgary with their Canadian family.
 
Although his television watching was limited, he rarely missed Jeopardy. John was a wealth of knowledge and we are convinced if he had had the opportunity to be a contestant, he would have won!  We're sure he and Alex Trebek are now good friends. John loved reading and he followed politics passionately.
 
John was known for his beautiful smile, genuine positivity and his incredible sense of humour.  He will be forever missed but leaves his loved ones with heart-warming memories. John was truly the very best husband, father, grandfather and friend. 
 
John is survived by his loving wife, Sandra, three children and nine grandchildren; David Schaw, and his 2 children, Christopher (Kathleen), Nicole Schaw (partner Neil);  Deborah Yaryura (Ricardo) and their three children Mackenzie (fiancé Ali), Connor and Olivia;  Andrea LaRochelle (Todd) and their 4 children Brandon, Archer, Monroe and Casper.  

The Celebration of John’s life will be scheduled at a later date when it is safer to travel and come together. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on John’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of John Schaw, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.