26 July 1949 – 3 August 2025
26 July 1949 – 3 August 2025
SHAW, Eric George:
Peacefully surrounded by loving family at Te Rangimarie Hospice on Sunday, 3 August 2025 aged 76. Precious husband, best friend and soul mate of Christine. Adored Dad of Lucinda & Chris, and Emma & Michael. Much loved Ric of Abigail, Oscar, Ava and Zoe. Treasured step-dad of Kirsty & Paul, Jason & Bekii, Sheree & Gav. Cherished Eric of Kyah, Asja, Cooper, Lucia, Cora, Sienna and Joel. Friend and former husband of Lynette. Much loved brother, uncle, friend and mentor of many.
An absolute legend, salt of the earth. He was everyone's rock, an irreplaceable and solid presence whose quiet strength uplifted, inspired, and positively impacted so many.
In preference to flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice Taranaki.
Messages to the Shaw Family may be left on Eric’s tribute page at eagars.co.nz/eric.
A service to celebrate Eric’s life will be held at New Plymouth Raceway, 1 Rogan Street, New Plymouth on Thursday 7 August 2025 at 11am.
For those unable to attend, Eric’s funeral will be livestreamed via his tribute page.

Funeral service held at New Plymouth Raceway
To Christine and family, our deepest sympathy to you all in your sad loss of Eric. Thinking of you all just now in your sadness. Fitzroy Ladies Friendship Group.
Mr Shaw, Eric. The most humble, kind, intelligent and generous man. From gymnastics as a child, to my beginning years as a teacher, to the professional mentor you were to me in principalship, I will hold in my heart. Your passion for people, your unwavering commitment and dedication to supporting others to be their best… I will remember always. We have indeed lost a great man and friend. Go in peace Eric, your work is done. Much love to your family and friends. Rachel.
To Lucinda and Emma So sorry to hear the sad news of your Dad passing away, we are thinking of you and your extended family at this time. We have many memories and special times to remember from Opunake/Awatuna days especially. It was a lovely service today for your Dad - he was a great man! Love to you all.
Incredibly sad to hear the news of Eric’s passing. Eric (Mr Shaw) was my principal at Highlands Intermediate in 2004 & 2005 and he had a profound impact on me. Not only was he the most kind man, he inspired me to strive for excellence and be the best possible version of myself which is something that I have carried through to my adult life. I bumped into him at the supermarket a few years ago and I couldn’t believe he still recognised me after all that time, a true testament to how much he cared about every student who was lucky enough to know him. Sending condolences to his whānau and loved ones. Kua hinga te tōtara o Te Waonui a Tāne.
To Emma and family Our deepest sympathy to you all on the passing of your dad. Regards John, Frances, Shaun, Anita and Chris Waugh
Deepest condolences to all of Erics family. Eric was such a kind and positive person, always smiling and always had time for you. I have very fond memories of times when Eric, Lynette and the girls were in Opunake. Eric's passion for education was always at the forefront and although he was never a school teacher of mine, he coached our Opunake girls gymnastic team to many winning podiums! Something I still talk about today - 40 years later! Peace and Love. Louise Hickey, Sydney, Australia
E te rangatira, moe mai rā, moe mai rā, moe mai rā. Kua hinga te tōtara o Te Waonui a Tāne. Sending much aroha to the Shaw whānau at this difficult time. An absolute legend of a leader. A person who saw leadership potential in so many and gave opportunities for individuals to grow as professionals and as people. Forever indebted for your wisdom and guidance. Arohanui Dean, Sandy, Jaelen and Kaija Hikaka
Thank you Eric for your kindness & compassion towards our whānau when we needed it most. Forever grateful. Robyn Jourdain
To Christine and the wider Shaw Family Deepest condolences to you and your family for your loss following Eric’s death. We have known Eric through wider family connections; he was always such a lovely person with a genuine interest in you. In more recent years he mentored me in leadership roles in education and his wisdom and experience was always inspirational. It was lovely to speak to him at the rugby finals a few weeks ago and share some positive thoughts. He was always such a positive person. May your happy memories with Eric give you peace and comfort during this challenging time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Marian & Kevin Richardson
We were priviledged to know Eric as a friend, colleague and educator. We first met him at Inglewood Primary as young teachers, where we had great fun in and out of the school setting, and we continued our association over many years. We recognised his special ability to lead and innovate in the educational sphere and published books of his thinking/philospophy through our publishing company so it could be shared widely. He was an inspiration to many and an all round ‘genuinely nice guy’ with a warm and welcoming smile. He has left his mark on many and legacy will live on. Aroha to you all
We were saddened to hear that Eric had passed away. Please accept our deepest sympathies.We had a lot of time for Eric both personally and in a professional capacity during his time whilst involved with the ERO. Nerrida and Ian Schuler. Kind
Christine and whānau, my thoughts are with you at this time. Eric made such an impact within the field of education, touching and shaping the lives of both educators in all areas and students. I treasure the guidance he so readily offered. Sending much love, Karen Patterson x
To Christine and family So sorry to hear of the loss of your Eric Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. Love from Aunty Joy and family xx
To Christine and Extended Shaw Family.....Sincere Sympathy in your sad loss of a husband, brother and a friend. Our thoughts are with you... Much Love Margaret and Darcy Mangino
Dear Christine and family Our sincere sympathy to you all and we are thinking of you all at this sad time. With all our love Jill and Neil X
To Dear Christine & families We are feeling very sad for you all having to go through this very difficult time . Sending you love and big strong hugs

Funeral service held at New Plymouth Raceway

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