Born in Santa Barbara on August 31, 1928. His parents were Florence Vasquez Shaw and LeRoy Shaw. He was raised in Gaviota and Santa Ynez Valley and attended schools there. His mother was of the Chumash Indian Tribe, he was very proud of his heritage.
He worked at various dairies and ranches throughout the valley, learning the trades.
In 1948 he entered the U.S. Army. He fought in the Korean War and served in the Military Police being Honorably discharged July 1955.
While stationed at Camp Roberts, California met Shirley Ann Pico in October 1951. By May 16, 1952 we were married in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was soon shipped to Japan and served three years before returning home to Fort Ord in California. During this time we met Elmer Wolgamott and his soon to be wife Nadine Tello, they became life long friends, the best of the best.
Working at “Arden Farms” and “Foremost Dairies”, in Santa Barbara , Santa Barbara County Transportation Dept. for 18 years. Working as heavy equipment operator & truck driver. Entering Boy Scouts of America, first Cub Scout, holding down leadership positions, and onto the Boy Scout Troop, he helped boys with Merit Badges, going on trips such as hiking down the Grand Canyon. Helping his son to become an Eagle Scout with Palms. We had the privilege to meet and work with a very dedicated man Bob Heidukboth as a great Cub Master and then Scout Master one of the best special people became a big part of our lives in a span of 20 years.
We celebrated our 50th Anniversary in May of 2002. Celebrating with family and friends, One of the happiest we experienced, a day to always remember. He worked for Easy Life and being a new car driver all over the place.
Having lived in Santa Barbara all our lives and in our first real home of 41 years. We moved to Georgia, why you ask, because “we could” so July 2004 for 7 years. In September of 2011 we moved back to California, to Buellton. During the 7 years, we made 8 trips across the US of A in our “Big Boy” 41 ft “Alfa” R.V., boy did we see the sights and traveled all the major Hywys.
Since his retirement he could be seen as a collector of Antiques, collecting coins, scouting memorabilia, Indian Art, he loved anything about trains. Making Indian Dream Catchers one Christmas in Georgia, a good friend wanted Richard to make 3 inch small size Dream Catchers, she decorated her whole tree in them and it was beautiful. Fishing off Goleta Pier, he loved getting up very early in the morning and going to have a coffee with the guys, Fred Smith and Boyd Schmidt being the best of friends and they would head for the swap meet and yard sales.
He leaves three children: Kellie Dee Woyak, Robert Brian Shaw, Lorianne Ann Shaw, raising two other children: Krista Leigh Shaw and Keri Ann Shaw. 9 Grandchildren: Michelle, Candra, Ana, Sierra, Aiden, Donavin, Nolan, Myles, and Willow and Great Grandchild, Knoxx. He leaves a brother George Shaw and two sisters: Florence, Mary Jane. Jesse and Patrick are deceased. Step-brothers: Tommy and Jimmy Valencia is deceased. Step-Sisters: Bernadine Valencia. Many nieces and nephews. Extended part of our family from age of three months. We helped to raise Julie Quimby, she was like another daughter, when we left for Georgia. She was 15 years old.
Sister-in-law Terry Alice Riordan Clements. She was always with us, our tag-a-long. He had a lot of funny nick names for her.
He suffered with heart disease for many years, having 2 by-pass open hearts surges, having a valve replacement and other hardships with Diabetes, and C.O.P.D. Please feel free to donate to any of these Organizations in Richards name or to the Boy Scouts of America, to the “Camping Program” at local Las Padres Council in Santa Barbara. He was a loving husband and father. He was always willing to help those needing it. He will be very missed and will ever be in our hearts. Thanks for touching my husband.
Graveside Services on May 1, 2013 at 1:00 at Calvary Cemetery on Hope Avenue, in Santa Barbara. A Celebration of Life being held after the Ceremony at Tuckers Grove Park. Come and enjoys Lots of Memories.
Arrangements entrusted to Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Chapels.
previous post