John Shaw was a proud Geordie

John Edward Workman Shaw, 71, of Warren, died Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2008, after a battle with cancer that was hopeful to the end.

Born Oct. 16, 1936 in Woking in the county of Surrey in England, he grew up in Newcastle during World War II. He was a proud Geordie. He worked in the coal mines starting at age 15, served in the UK Merchant Navy, spent 10 years as a milkman and retired from the Newport Steelworks in South Wales.

A self-educated historian, he was an expert on World War II, geography and current events. He was an avid gardener, and was trustee, a general handyman, and a gracious host to all who came to Gates of Praise Storefront Church in Fall River. He made friends wherever he went.

Mr. Shaw was the husband of the late Margaret Shaw and leaves his second wife, Andrea Shaw of Warren, who has friends and acquaintances in Bristol and Warren. He also leaves a daughter, Rebecca of South Wales, UK; three stepchildren, Joe Leyare of Warren, Julie DiMinico of Nebraska and Gail Leyare of New Hampshire. He was well traveled, living in England, New Zealand, South Wales and for the last eight and a half years in Warren.

A memorial service was held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008 at Christian Life Church, 222 Plain St., Rehoboth, MA.

John Shaw, 71

WARREN, R.I. - John Edward Workman Shaw, 71, died peacefully at Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro on Sept. 16, 2008.

He was a resident of Warren, R.I.

He is survived by his wife, Andrea Leyare Shaw, a retired Attleboro teacher. John spent many hours working with the kindergarten children at Thatcher School in Attleboro.