Herbert Leeward Shaw was born on November 22, 1930 as the tenth and last child of Albert Augustus Shaw and Albertha Shaw in Jamaica, West Indies. Herbert grew up on his parent’s farm in Bird’s Hill, a little village in Clarendon Parish. He had seven (7) sisters and two (2) brothers.
As a young child, Herbert was taught to love God; stay close to His word; keep the faith; and work each and every day to be the best he could be. He was taught how to cut and harvest sugar cane and appreciate the value and importance of hard work and helping others. He learned how to embrace challenge, overcome adversity, and not be afraid of failure. Life on the farm helped him grow into a strong, confident, and capable young man and instilled the values that would define his character.
Being the youngest and the last son, his father had hoped to keep Herbert (or “Herbie” as he was called by family and friends) in Birds Hill, working on the farm. However, Herbie was ambitious, with goals that surpassed a life on the farm. He aspired to further his education and pursue a career in business.
In 1953, after much persuasion from his mother, his father had a change of heart and Herbie was able attend West Indies Training College where he earned an Associate’s degree in accounting. After graduating in 1955, he moved to Kingston, Jamaica and worked at the Seventh-Day Adventist Conference office as an accountant.
In 1957, Herbie left Jamaica and travelled to the United States to attend Emmanuel Missionary College (“EMC”) n/k/a “Andrews University. He arrived with very limited resources. However, guided by faith and a commitment to growth, he persevered and achieved. He received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 1962 and obtained, a Masters of Industrial Management at Western Michigan University. He later obtained a Masters degree in Industrial Relations Management at Western Michigan University.
Two years after Herbie arrived in the United States, his future wife, Valerie Grace Rogers arrived in Chicago, IL. on his birthday, November 22, 1959. A few days after, they met on the steps of the Pioneer Memorial Church in Berrien Springs, Michigan. Three years later the two were wed on December 15, 1963 at Shiloh Seventh-Day Adventist Church, in Chicago, IL.
In 1960, Herbie worked in the Meat Packing Stock yard where he implemented a customized process that increased productivity and responsiveness within three months of working there. Soon after, he was hired at Commonwealth Edison. He started out in the auditing department, and through his commitment to embracing challenge, developed a reputation as a problem solver. Eventually, he was placed in charge of the customer service department. Despite the challenges that existed in the sixties, he moved up in the company and became a superintendent where he leveraged his public relations degree.
Herbie’s success in the corporate world, laid the foundation for his success as an entrepreneur. He established several successful businesses, including the acquisition of commercial real estate on the South Side of Chicago, which he and his wife own.
Herbie, Daddy, Grandpa, Uncle Herbie, Herb, Master Herbie, Mr. Shaw, was a magnanimous soul who was many things to many people. He was a man of God, a loving husband, a protective father, an inspiring father in-law, a supportive friend, and an amazing grandpa who gave the best donkey rides ever. He was faithful, honest, giving, philanthropic, a role model, and a successful entrepreneur.
He fought every moment of his life to reach his goals, be his best, and make a better existence for himself and his family. His extraordinary faith and growth mindset were the hallmark of his amazing journey. From a farm in Birds Hill to his beautiful home in Naples, FL, Herbie succeeded against all odds.
Herbert is survived by his lovely wife, Valerie G. Shaw, his eldest daughter Donia Renee Ewing (nee Shaw) and her husband and son-in-law, Michael Ewing, two grandchildren, Michael Ethan Ewing, 15 and Kayla Renee Ewing, age 12, and his youngest daughter, Sandra Nichole Shaw along with his many nieces, nephews, cousins and life-long friends where he will remain in their hearts for many years to come.
A private funeral service will be held Friday, January 15, 2021 at 12:00 Noon at Fuller Funeral in Naples. Those who wish may attend virtually by way of a live stream accessible on www.FullerNaples.com. Burial will follow at Palm Royale Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to Golden Gate All Nations Seventh-Day Adventist Church, P.O. Box 111148, Naples, FL 34108
