Eric SHAW Obituary

I have just learned of Eric Shaw´s over 4 months ago. He was my first Senior Teacher in Opunake Area School. I was in my first year straight out of Teacher´s College. He was such an excellent Teacher, skilled and gifted in his craft.

I went on to teach in Auckland, St Stephen´s Maori Boy´s, Whangarei and Sth East London.

I took my skills to work for the Dept of Corrections ( 3 decades) and Psychological Services. I owe my epic career path to one lesson he taught me and that was " Jeana be super organised & prepare your school day with careful precision - you will thank yourself.

I wish Eric´s family and friends every well wishes. I honour Eric for sharing his Gift with me - a true Teacher and Leader

Dear Christine....my sincere condolences to you. I've only just found out Eric had passed.

To Eric’s lovely,familymy deepest sadness joins you having lost this precious man..
I worked at Spotswood Primary School for 10 years and from precious principals, he was an absolute gem Eric was so kind and encouraging in my career, I had come from very difficult situations being trampled as a beginning teacher and lacked confidence to even continue. Eric bought such a different presence and nurturing and gentle mentoring which over our few years together enabled me to develop more confidence and really believe I could do it. I honour his calmness, gentleness and care which was has enabled me to continue teaching in Auckland for the last 19 years!! He has a special place in my whole heart☺☺thinking of you all during this sad time WendySaelmans

I worked with Eric at Spotswood Primary for 10 years. He was the most generous hearted and lovely principal, who actually inspired me to be a better person and a better teacher. I had come from a very difficult teaching position and was broken.. but Eric and his gentle and calming way, nurtured my confidence back. He encouraged me so genuinely and sincerely It actually breathed new life into my teaching career, and from that I moved to Auckland and have been in my school now for 19 years. My heart goes out to the family as he is truely a treasure lostthinking of you all at this time xx

Sincere condolences to all those who loved Eric and I know there were many.
Eric supported me as I became a Principal for the first time and I am sorry I couldn´t be at your funeral. I appreciated your support, knowledge and friendship.

Lovely neighboury memories , laughter and kindness of Eric and yourself.
Much love and thoughts Christine
From Aileen

To Eric's family
It was a shock to hear of Eric's death. It didn't seem that long ago that I saw him with Uncle Keith in the cafe and we had a great catch up. We would always have a good laugh. Eric was interested in the family and how life was going. Thinking of you all at this sad time xx

Sorry I cannot be with you today . Sincere condolences to you and family . Eric´s contribution to Education in Taranaki will be greatly missed .

Sorry I could not be there all our sympathies for this sad day.

Christine & family, our sincere condolences on the passing of Eric. We are thinking of you all & hope that the wonderful memories you have of him will help you all at this time.

Dale & Peter Coster

So sorry to read of Eric passing Deepest Sympathy from the Langton Family RIPEric

Dear Chrissy and Family
Sending heartfelt condolences at this very sad time.
Thinking of you.
Kim x

Thinking of you and your family, Christine. Eric was such a special man and will be missed by so many. Sending love, Jodie xx

Eric has been in my life over 35 years. He was a dear colleague, mentor and a father figure. I will dearly miss him in my life . Clyde's and my thoughts are with you all. Such a loss
Arohanui Deborah xx

Sincere condolences to Christine and Eric´s families. Thinking of you all at this very sad time.

Lynne, Reg and family

Lorraine, I am so sorry that you have lost your beloved brother, Eric. I know he has been a huge support and mentor for you. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Thinking of you Christine and family, at this very sad time. Peter will miss Eric´s calming nature on the golf course.
Peter, Jo Harold and family xo

Our sincere condolences to Erics family and the Shaw family on the passing of Eric. Memories of Eric and the Shaw family when living and farming in the Oaonui district as being very sporting bunch along with local schools and Opunake club members. Mr Shaw senior kept us in club rugby on saturdays in Opunake with transport there and home again god bless him. Even took me to All black trial game along with his family. God bless him. Eric was keen on cricket. would ring around us locals in the district and arrange a cricket match. A mowed cricket pitch in a farm paddock not far from the Oaonui dairy factory. The Shaw family had all the gear, pads gloves bats a batting box which i thought went on your head lol. Found out later lol. Erics friends and other locals pulled up and joined in. We could not get Eric out. Then it was milking time. Those memories are forever. Our thoughts are with the Shaw Family Whanau at this sad time. Arohanui Moi mai ra moi mai ra. Fenton Family / Whanau from Upper Kina Rd in those days.

Dear Christine & family, so sorry to read of Eric´s passing. Treasure those special memories. Eric was one of our first and special customers. He always had a smile. Anne & Ray Senior

Sincere condolences to Eric´s Whanau. I enjoyed working on professional development committees and some education projects with Eric. I had such a huge respect for his passion for teaching and learning and leadership in future focussed educational initiatives. A leader in education and a very special colleague My thoughts and aroha are with you at this sad time. Kay Crofskey

So sorry to hear of Eric´s passing.
Thinking of Lucy, Emma, Lyn and The Shaw Family at this very sad time.
RIP Eric
The Cantlon Family xx

Christine we are thinking of you and your family at this very sad time. Eric had the most amazing smile. We will never forget his warmth, sense of humour and wisdom.

Dear Christine, Luci and Emma
We are deeply saddened by the news of Eric´s passing . He was indeed a very good man who had played a significant part in William and Rupert´s lives at Highlands . Also, with our grandchildren Abby and Oscar following Chris and Luci´s marriage .
We are very sorry we cannot be in New Plymouth on Thursday but you will all be in our thoughts .
Tony Lendrum and Lenise Young -Lendrum

Sending aroha to Eric's whanau. I feel privileged to have had Eric mentor me through my leadership journey, where we spent many hours discussing education. I feel lucky to have seen him recently and to have had a lovely chat with him. Moe mai ra e te rangatira.

Our thoughts are with you all,
Marg and Norm Parr xx

To Eric's sister Lorraine and brothers
Our deepest sympathy to you all
Sorry we can't make it down for the funeral on Thursday but we will be thinking of you all

To my beautiful family friends. Our hearts go out to you all at this very sad time. Hold on to the memories you all created together and the love you all shared.

I have 3 stories to share.

1) In 2010, I attended Highlands Intermediate when Mr Shaw was principal. It was a big school with a lot of students, so I didn´t have many moments where I stood out. However, one lunchtime, I was playing basketball on the basketball court. In my own world, just doing my thing, I threw the ball at a hoop from a long distance away. It went in. Then I heard someone applauding. Unbeknownst to me, it turned out that Mr Shaw had been sitting nearby watching me play. As a twelve year old, I was stunned that the principal was even there. But he stood up and applauded with a look that let me know he saw me.

2) In 2015, I was named Head Boy of a high school in New Plymouth. As it was five years later, I didn´t have any contact with the teachers or staff at Highlands Intermediate. Also, I had moved residence from the time I attended there; therefore, all my contact information in the Highlands system would´ve been outdated. Nevertheless, one day, I received a letter at my new home address. Inside was a card with a handwritten message: "Dear Luke, Congratulations on your nomination as Head Boy, from Eric Shaw". Somehow, he had heard the news, found out my new address, and sent me a card. Though it was five years later, he let me know he saw me.

3) In 2020, I boarded a flight from Christchurch to New Plymouth. Mr Shaw boarded it too. I saw him, but now that I was an adult, I figured I´d become beyond recognisable to him. So I decided not to say anything. Once we landed, I stood at baggage claim waiting for my suitcase when Mr Shaw approached. He started talking to me and I thought, `Gosh! He recognises me. Ten years later!´ Though he was no longer a principal and I was no longer a student, Eric Shaw was the same - he was the man who let me know he saw me.

Condolences to Lynette and girls. Many memories from Opunake Primary teaching with Eric and so grateful for his guidance as I returned to teaching after having our family.

Condolences from the late Kapo and Raewyn Davey families Opunake.We spent a lot of time with Mr Shaw as kids growing up and golf days with our dad sad to hear he has passed. Opunake memories to be held on to . Dad will be waiting with that contagious smile and singing voice for Mr Shaw I'm sure.

With sadness of the passing of a very special friend we send our love and condolences to Christine and Lucinda and Emma´s families.We have great memories of Opunake days and the great friendship we had with our children and the many games of crib we played together. Eric was a wonderful role model and mentor to Moya in his professional role as a leader and educator. The Coastal McBride Shield Team is now a member down .RIP Eric .Paul & Moya

Our sincere condolences to Christine and family. Eric was my golf partner for over 30 years of the North South challenge. We certainly had many many fond memories in that time. We were so pleased we got one more game in.
Eric rest in peace partner knowing that you hold the trophy and we came out on top.
You will be sadly missed.
North South golfing group.

My sincere condolences to Christine and whanau.
Eric supported a great number of NZEI Te Riu Roa members, over many years in his role as a member of the Taranaki NZEI TRR Support Team.
Eric was held in high regard as a mentor and educator, and gave willingly his time in support of others.
Eric was awarded an NZEI Te Riu Roa Associate Award in 1997, in recognition of his union leadership and contribution. Eric will be sadly missed by many of his colleagues and friends - rest in peace e hoa.
'Kua wheturangitia koe'

So sorry to hear of the passing of Eric. I am lucky enough to have had the privilege of Eric's guidance during my leadership journey and spent many days listening to his wisdom at the Devon Hotel or having one on one coaching over a coffee. His approach was always one of kindness and warmth. His educational wisdom was second to none. We all knew a session with Eric meant thought provoking challenging questions where opting out of an answer was never an option. Eric's passion for education and enhancing outcomes for students has been, and will continue to be a taonga for Taranaki. His knowledge will be carried on through those he has mentored and lead. An inspirational leader who will be missed by many. Rest in peace Eric.

Our sympathies to Eric's family on your sad loss.
Denise and Beau

To Christine and Eric's family, I am so so saddened to hear Eric has passed away. He was my Principal when I worked at Spotty Primary School He was a wonderful man and I will miss seeing him around town. I ran into him a few weeks ago and he gave me a big hug, if I had known it would be the last time I saw him I would have hugged him a little bit tighter. My thoughts are with you all. Rest peacefully Eric xx Glenda (was Preston)

To Erics Family we are saddened to learn of Erics passing. Thank you for teaching our children at Awatuna School. You will always be remembered as a wonderful person.

Sincere condolences to Christine and family. I was saddened to hear of Eric´s passing after a courageous battle. Eric was a great mentor and friend, and will be solely missed by many.

Condolences to Lucinda, Emma and the extended family. Eric was an incredible person who gave his all to all those of us who were privileged to be his students. He was my teacher at school, and at gymnastics, he then became my son's teacher. He was an inspiration to many, a friend and a mentor. I was very saddened to hear his journey had come to an end. Rest in peace Eric.

So sorry to hear Christine and family xx Eric will be very missed

My deepest sympathy to Eric´s extended families . I worked closely with Eric while he was the principal at my school and I always admired his vision for education . He was always receptive to new ideas and often put these ideas into practice to benefit the children in his school .

Our aroha and thoughts in tribute to Eric. A highly respected friend and educator, his contribution and leadership will always be remembered.
Sending condolences to the Shaw whanau and friends.

Kua hinga te totara i te wao nui a Tane.
A totara has fallen in the great forest of Tane.

Taranaki Area Council / Nth Taranaki Branch
NZEI Te Riu Roa

Thinking of you and your families Lucy and Emma
Sending love and condolences.

Eric was an absolute legend. I was privileged to be employed by him as a beginning teacher and am so grateful for the opportunity and guidance he gave me and others. He always lead with kindness and professionalism. Fly high Eric Sending lots of love to his family

To Christine and Erics family. On behalf of the men's cancer gym group (MenCan) we pass on our sincere condolences from all the guys. Eric was a keen and respected member of the group and he certainly inspired many others. The guys will miss his courage, determination and friendliness and a yarn over coffee.

Condolences to all of Eric's loved ones. I am one of the many students that Eric made a huge impact on, both while he was teaching at Opunake and my long time gymnastics coach. Eric was one of a kind, he always made his students feel super special and continued to encourage us over many years, becoming great friends in my adulthood. I will definitely miss seeing him around with his huge smile and warm hugs. RIP Eric, you were the best ! xx

We are Glen Almond St neighbours and wave and say hello as we pass but don't know you very well. We are very sorry to hear of Eric's passing. Our condolences to you all.

Emma and Family
Thinking of you and sending lots of love xx

Sue Radcliffe and Family

I was a former pupil of Eric Shaw, and he is the reason I chose to become a teacher. His approach, his presence, and the way he treated his students left a lasting impression on me. Later in life, I was fortunate to know him in a professional capacity, and I continued to admire his calm wisdom and unwavering professionalism. Eric made a quiet but lasting impact on many people, including me. I was deeply saddened to learn of his passing last night.

My thoughts and prayers are with Christine and his family during this difficult time. I am truly grateful to have known Eric - both as a student and through the years that followed.

My thoughts go out to Eric´s extended families at this sad time.
Eric´s high expectations in the Education sector have been a benefit to so many over the years.

Saddened to hear this. Three of my children went to welbourn school . I was also on the home and school. One of the best times. Rest in peace eric

My condolences Christine and Whanau you may not know me but I trained with Eric at PNTC and we were good friends. my teaching took me from Taranaki to Pukekohe then overseas to London and the Scottish Borders and finally here in Australia. i remember fondly the friendship both Eric and i enjoyed and the various encounters we had in Taranaki. I had a year back in New Plymouth in 2023 before returning to Australia and had a couple of meetings at the Super Market where we chewed the fat together. I respected Eric immensely as he was a well respected educator in Taranaki. I share the deep sorrow at his passing as stated for it is a sad time for you and your whanau. Moi mai ra.

Saddened to learn of Eric's passing yesterday. He was a strong and wise educator and mentor to so many young people, including many teachers and future school leaders. He will be deeply mourned. Condolences to his family and friends.

It certainly was a surprise to receive the news of Eric's passing this morning. Eric was my principal at Spotswood Primary, and then was a mentor as I took on the role of principalship myself. I learnt so much from him and modelled a lot of my leadership off what he showed me. An exceptional leader. He will be hugely missed. My thoughts are with the family during this challenging, sad time.

Eric was part of our family when I was born and for 30 years he was a special brother in law. He was a great teaser,hugger and encourager and a loving Dad to my nieces. He got me into gymnastics and through that showed me what discipline and hard work can achieve. Although, I wasn't as close to him in later years, earwig has a special place in my heart.

So sorry to hear about Eric's passing. He became like a member of our family when he was married to Lynette. He had a real enthusiasm for life and was a positive person who worked very hard and achieved a lot. He was well respected and known in the Taranaki community for all the good deeds and work he did. He was also very friendly and supportive with a good sense of humour. My condolences to the family.
Christine Baylis

I am truly saddened to hear of Eric´s passing.
Eric was a very special friend to Warren & I. He will be remembered as kind & caring & freely giving of his time to others. Eric always made time for a coffee catch up and enjoyed golf with Warren.
He was an inspirational educational leader and was an exceptional mentor to myself and many other beginning principals.
I will remember the happy, fun times spent together over many years and will treasure the wonderful memories.
Sending sympathy & love to Christine & families
Pauline Sutton

Dear Christine and family
Sending kind thoughts your way. Although we haven´t seen Eric for a while we remember his happy smile and face from way back.
Kind regards Paul and Margaret

So sorry to hear of the passing of Eric. Our thoughts are with you all at this sad time.

Tony and I are saddened to hear of Eric´s passing. Our families have know each other since Frankleigh Park days and enjoyed many social times together. Our friendship was strong. We admired Eric´s kindness, concern for others and his obvious leadership skills. We will always be in his debt for saving Tony´s life when they were training together many years ago.
Rest easy, Eric.
Love to your family xxx

Loved eldest son of the late Maurice and Margaret Shaw, deeply loved brother and brother-in-law of Lorraine Pratt, Owen and Clare, Maurice and the late Helene, Bryan and Trish, and dearly loved uncle and great-uncle to his nieces and nephews. Eric was highly respected by us all as a mentor and a friend. A link in our family chain has been broken, but he will never be forgotten.