About 850 family members, friends, officials and community leaders gathered at the Calgary BMO Center to celebrate the life of Shaw Communications founder. More than 1,000 others attended the ceremony online. Shaw died peacefully on March 23, 2020 at the age of 85, but the COVID-19 pandemic has so far delayed the personal tribute. READ MORE: JR Shaw, founder and former CEO of Shaw Communications, dies at 85 The ceremony, starring Global Calgary’s Linda Olsen, began with a video that embodies all that JR Shaw was: a humble man who put people first. “I love everyone. I hope I treated people as best I could,” his voice was heard on a recording playing through the speakers. The story goes on under the ad Brad Shaw, CEO and CEO of Shaw Communications, shared his dad’s stories and what he meant to his family and community. “Dad taught us all – my brother and sisters and me – that you should never leave a table you can not return to. “He lived it,” he said. Brad Shaw said all of his dad’s lessons had a fixed theme: family, work and respect. A photo of JR Shaw at the celebration of his life, on April 14, 2022. World News JR Shaw left behind a long list of accomplishments when he died. He was an officer of the Order of Canada and a member of the Canadian Business Hall of Fame. People said it had to do with “connecting” to everything he did. Trending Stories
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In the business, he connected millions by cable, home phone, wireless and internet, founding the family Shaw Communications – one of Canada’s largest and most successful communications companies – and Corus Entertainment, the parent company of Global News. The empire began in the 1960s with the simple desire of having more television channels in Alberta. The story goes on under the ad In the field of philanthropy, JR Shaw has connected with the community, giving back to initiatives related to healthcare, education, technological advancement and the arts. Help create Shaw Charity Classic. a stop at the PGA TOUR champions who have raised over $ 75 million for Alberta charities to date. He also had a special place in the heart of The Shaw Bear Program, collecting half a million teddy bears for the first people to respond to children during traumatic situations. READ MORE: The Shaw family’s massive donation means free admission when the Glenbow Museum reopens in 2024 Speaking at the celebration of Wednesday’s life, Dr. Emily Wang, Senior Director of Clinical Development and Trauma Information Services at Hull Services, spoke of JR Shaw’s contribution and kind heart. Provided funding for the construction of the Shaw Center for Mental Health and Addictions. “JR was all in,” Wang said. “He knew life was not easy for the children in Hull and he was not prepared to accept the status quo – for the children themselves or for the mental health sector.” JR Shaw helped create the Shaw Charity Classic, raising millions for Alberta charities. Shaw family Wednesday’s event was attended by Alberta’s Prime Minister Jason Kenney, Calgary Mayor Joti Godek, and Alberta’s Deputy Governor. Salma Lakhani, who took the podium saying that JR Shaw will be remembered for a long time as one of Canada’s bold and long-term innovative entrepreneurs, as well as a generous and kind community leader who cared deeply about the well-being of others. The story goes on under the ad “JR has helped countless people dream, thrive and build successful lives for themselves,” she said. “JR’s strong example will continue to inspire all of his Albertan and Canadian colleagues and his rare spirit will continue to live on.” JR Shaw’s relationship with his wife, four children, 17 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren is part of what Brad Shaw called his legacy of love, kindness and generosity. Carol Shaw read a poem about JR and three of his grandchildren shared all their favorite memories from their grandfather. After an intimate rendition of Sarah McLachlan’s song “Angel”, the celebration of life ended with the words of JR himself: “After we leave, they will remember us for what we gave, not for what we received.” It’s a slogan JR said he lived. “JR meant so much to so many,” said Brad Shaw. “He liked it when others could be in the spotlight and he just happened to be my dad.” © 2022 Global News, part of Corus Entertainment Inc.
