December 19, 1944 – September 9, 2026
It is with profound sadness that the family of David Douglas Shaw, beloved husband of Lynda (Beyea) announces his passing, which occurred on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at the Saint John Regional Hospital.
Born December 19, 1944, in Saint John, he was the eldest son of Douglas and Hazel (Dykeman) Shaw.
Dave is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Lynda, and their children: Kimberly Armstrong (Greg), Tracey LeRoy (Bill), and Craig Shaw (Michelle Power); his grandchildren: Connor, Carter, Parker, Ella, William, Jessica, Ben, Brooke, and Kaitlyn; brothers: Don (Janet), Jim (Marje), Bill (Cynthia), and Bob (Ruth); sister-in-law, Jane Beyea; and his many nieces and nephews.
Dave was predeceased by his parents, as well as his mother and father-in-law, Velma and Jim Beyea, and brother-in-law, Don Beyea.
What you may not know about this husband, father, grandfather (Butty), brother, uncle and friend is that he was so much more than what could ever be captured in a few words. He was a man who loved his family deeply and was incredibly proud of each one of them. In his final days, Dave said that his family was his greatest legacy.
Dave was a Chartered Accountant and enjoyed a long and distinguished career. He began in public practice with Reevey, Blackmore, Burnham, Laws & Page before moving to the General Hospital and later the Saint John Regional Hospital, where he served as Vice President of Finance and Administration. His final career move was working alongside his daughter, Tracey LeRoy, when they entered the financial planning and investment management business.
Dave was particularly proud of his years at the Regional Hospital. He played an important role in strengthening the hospital financially, helped establish the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation, and contributed to bringing the New Brunswick Heart Centre to Saint John.
Dave served as President of the New Brunswick Institute of Chartered Accountants. He was very proud of his profession, and being awarded the FCA designation “Fellow Chartered Accountant” was a significant achievement in his career.
If you knew Dave, you probably knew that golf was more than a pastime—it was a passion. Dave was a true student of the game, always working to master the perfect swing and always willing to offer advice to others (whether they were looking for it or not) which led to him earning the nickname Toski, after the famous golf instructor.
Dave joined the Riverside Golf Course at the age of 17 and was recently appointed as an Honorary Lifetime Member. This past summer Dave was very excited to have shot his age at Riverside. His first hole-in-one at Riverside (the 4th of his golfing career) came in September 2023 and he was ecstatic!!
Dave’s love of golf also led to many wonderful opportunities. He served as President of Riverside Country Club, President of the New Brunswick Golf Association, and President of the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) in 2004. As President of the RCGA, Dave and Lynda travelled extensively as he proudly represented Canada, attending such events as the Masters, the U.S. Open, the British Open, the Canadian Open, and the Australian Open, among many others.
Dave had the privilege of becoming a member of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, Scotland. He was thrilled to be able to travel to Scotland once a year to play the ‘Old Course’.
As much as Dave loved golf, he loved his cottage, Camp David, on the Kingston Peninsula. It was a true blessing for our family and a place where countless memories were made. He loved everything about the cottage and was known to spend many hours hand picking rocks and raking the beach with his beloved tractor (because heaven forbid there should be a rock out of place!).
Camp David brought together our 17-member family throughout the summer and fall, creating memories that will be treasured forever. Dave loved this little piece of paradise and all the people who filled it.
Although Dave and golf will forever be connected, he also enjoyed playing hockey, loved to ski, and loved racing our sailboat Inferno (with his 4 brothers as crew). Dave and our family spent countless weekends over the years sailing on the beautiful St. John River, creating lifelong memories.
Those who knew Dave well will remember that he could often be found heading south to Orlando with the family to enjoy two of his favourite things: the heat and golf. Dave could never get enough of either, and even held a golf membership at the Disney courses.
Sixteen years ago, Dave was given a devastating cancer diagnosis with a very grim prognosis. True to his character, he faced that diagnosis with courage, determination, and an incredible will to live. He defied the odds—not simply surviving but continuing to thrive and live his life to the fullest. He never allowed cancer to define him or to take away his joy for life or his passion for the things that mattered most to him.
Recently, when Dave was given a second cancer diagnosis and his illness progressed, he continued to face each challenge with remarkable strength, and dignity. In his final days, he was surrounded by the family he loved, and we will forever be grateful that we were able to be by his side.
We would be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge the wonderful, hardworking, caring staff on 4C North at the Regional Hospital. We will always be grateful for your compassion and dedication. A special thank you to Dr. Christian Mackin, who was such a blessing to our family!!!
Arrangements are under the direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at RiverCross Church, 61 Forbes Drive, Saint John. Those unable to attend the service are invited to watch the livestream at: https://www.youtube.com/@RiverCrossChurchSaintJohn
The family warmly invites everyone to continue celebrating Dave’s life on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at Riverside Country Club, where a time of remembrance, with light refreshments, will be held from 2 pm to 4 pm.
In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, remembrances to the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation, RiverCross Church, Canadian Cancer Society, or a charity of the donor’s choice, would be appreciated by the family.
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