Obituary of Dennis Craig Shaw

On a beautiful Sunday evening as the sun was setting, when all the boats had returned from the lake, and the campground was empty, with a Southwest breeze at his back Dennis C. Shaw passed away.

Dennis grew up in Kent Bridge where he found his love for sports, fishing and hunting. As a student at CKSS he contiinued his passion for football and baseball, this is also when he met his wife Cathy.

After enjoying successful careers in the ORFU and CFL (football and baseball) throughout Canada, he returned to Chatham to start his 43 year marriage to Cathy. Together they started Shaw-Nee Charters. Dennis met many great friends as he fished the Great Lakes, making his living putting smiles on clients faces and fish in the cooler.

Dennis' involvement in community and sport was always so present. He could always be found standing at the corner of the arena scouting hockey players, coaching football, volunteering his time with Bluewater Anglers, Pointe Aux Pins Salmon and Trout Club, Dover Rod and Gun club and many community organizations. Dennis had a passion for hunting, fishing and the outdoors. He loved to share that with his family and friends, in so many ways and in so many places.

After jobs at Navistar, Mud Creek Club, St. Anne's Club and other stops along the way, Dennis and Cathy purchased Bass Haven where he made this his home on the shores of Lake St.Clair for 32 years. Bass Haven provided the structure for his family to love and grow. Dennis wore many hats throughout his 69 years, but his greatest accomplishments were being a loving husband, a great father, and a mentoring Papa, to his family. Dennis could be described as a big man, who lived a big life, in a big way. If there is anything that could be said about his life, is that he lived it his way.

Dennis leaves behind a loving family of wife Cathy(Howe); Son - J.P. with Erin(Sinclair), Parker and Mason; Son - Joshua with Kaitlin(McElroy) and Emersyn; Daughter - Erin with Patrick(Dodds).

The later years of Dennis' life were spent visiting with people on the porch, and telling stories of a great life. His passion for anything he was involved with always showed through. He hoped to pass on his knowledge and life experience to everyone he knew.

Take a Kid Fishing!

Donations in Dennis' memory may be made, payable by cheque to the Dover Rod and Gun Club, to be allocated to the Kids' Fishing Derby. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com. 

McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham, 519-351-2040