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Condolences:

Annette Myers

I will forever remember Mr. Don Shaw. He publushed my first American Beach book under Lexington Ventures. He was kind and loveable. I did many book signings at his Books Plus book store. My condolences to Ms. Margo, whom I also love, and the family.

RaffaellaMarie & Mark Fenn

Don, was a great man. a child of God and a genrous, intelligent and honest soul. We will never forget the hours he devoted to Marie to ensure she wrote and public her book. You could ask him about anything in business abnd he'd give you an opinnion that was a litlte differnt from the norm, but it was always thought provoking and spot on. We will miss you Don so very much. A shout out to his devoted wife, Margot who stayed by his side for these last several years, with caring hands and heart.May you rest in peace, Don and may God's perpetual light shine upon you.

Sherry Carter

What a genuine man, wonderful light when he walked in the room, bringing with it good stories, good laughs and insight. He was an excellent listener and gentleman. I got to visit with him frequently and a daily basis at the tobacco shop in town. His ashtray is still around waiting to be "Shawed". Rest well Don, I hope you are sitting in a favorite chair with a cigar watching over us all.

Karen Langshaw

Such a wonderful caring person and so sad to hear of his passing but what an incredible man he was much love to Margot and his family

Donna Paz Kaufman

Don loved to talk business and was an example of entrepreneurship. When we lived in Nashville, helping booksellers across the country, Don would call just to talk about trends in the book business. When he asked us to design the new location for Books Plus in the Shaw Building, we fell in love with Amelia Island and within a few years relocated. One of my most treasured memories is when we would bring our workshop attendees, all people who wanted to open bookstores, to Books Plus. Don would have set up a meeting area and be prepared to talk about how books change lives. He'd begin with his own story. Everyone was inspired to join an industry with people like Don, willing to share and encourage others. I am so glad we were able to open Story & Song before Don's decline. Into his 90s, he would visit with business folder in hand, ready to meet up with a friend. Don was a kind, generous spirit, always uplifting and encouraging to others. What a life well lived.

Marlene T. Pollock

Jason Mudd

I met Don through the local Rotary Club. He was always so kind and encouraging to me. I loved each of our conversations about life, family, community, and business. He was a role model. Peace be with you and your family in this difficult time.

Drew Barrett

Has previous owner of Amelia Island, gourmet coffee, we would see Don on a daily basis. There, he would converse about the latest events of the Island, local politics, and in general solving the world‘s problems. He always was such a kind man, and readily offered advice business decisions are giving his input with life‘s little challenges. My condolences to Margo and the family as he will be missed by all those who knew him on the island had loved ones.

Nick Isabella

A remarkable man

Aynslie and Bill Shaw

Dear Aunt Margot, Richard, Andrew, Jennie and family: We are so saddened by the loss of our dear uncle. What a wonderful man! How shall we describe him?…..He excelled at so many things….He was an intelligent, well-read and optimistic person. Quick to be kind and to help. We admired his business acumen and the flair he showed in his work life to be sure. Yet he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend . The 2 Shaw brothers and their sister, Leta Elaine, lived in Sydney, Cape Breton with their parents. Don’s brother, Ralph (our father) nick-named him Dee very early on. We (Aynslie, Allison and Bill) came to know him as uncle Dee. Our people were of Scottish/Maritime descent and this was always apparent in uncle Dee’s gentlemanly manner, strong work ethic and his handsome red hair! Aynslie remembers uncle Dee’s fun-loving ways….One time he visited us when I was a teenager. He tried to teach me how to “jitterbug” dance! We were starting to get quite good at it before he had to leave to go home. We tried it again at Richard’s wedding,20 years later, with only limited success and a big laugh! Uncle Dee was energetic and full of good humour. Bill remembers working at Maytag during his high school summer break. He always enjoyed the daily drive into the Water street, Cambridge site with uncle Dee. He remains grateful to the family for the time he spent staying at their home, attending ball dames at Fenway park and swimming at the Lexington community pool with Richard and Andrew. Uncle Dee was always in attendance for our milestone occasions wherever we were. This included family birthdays, anniversaries, funerals and other visits in between . We enjoyed his and Aunt Margot’s hospitality in both Boston and Amelia island over the years. Uncle Dee had a generous and caring heart. He spoke to people with understanding and common sense. We affectionately recall some good advice he once gave us….”don’t let the turkeys get you down!” He was always interested in his Canadian family’s lives and developments. He was a beloved grand-uncle to John, Annabel, Katie and Violet Rawson in Ontario. Most recently, he earned the status of great-grand uncle to his new nephew Shea Wickstrom. Our hearts are full of memories of this vibrant, life-affirming man. We loved him and will miss him. We know his favourite scripture to be Phillipians 4: 8-9. We will always think of him when we hear it. Love from Bill, Aynslie and Pete

Carl W. Anderson

We were not close and did our many small conversation over coffee. RIP

Dean Ross

Don was a great guy I will always remember the first time I met him he wanted to know about me the person not my vocation. He introduced me to a whole new family of friends. Rip my friend

Jim and Nancy Mayo

Even though Don was enormously successful in his own career, he rarely mentioned it. He was dedicated to using his money to help others be successful. He was responsible for many business startups on Amelia Island. He was also generous in philanthropy and always wishing to be anonymous. For Don Shaw, his was a life tryly well lived. Margot, may god give you peace with his memory.

Suzanne Batchelor

Stewart Lewis

The last time I saw Don was in Boston. It was 1989, shortly after my father died and my mother (Don's first cousin) was there, visiting with Aunt Leta and Uncle Stewart (the Gray in Mac-Gray). I went down with a journalism friend to explore the city. Don had his staff very kindly arrange for tours of the JFK Presidential Library, the Boston Globe, the city waterfront. The highlight, though, was a trip to the old Boston Gardens for a game between the Bruins and Montreal Canadiens, hosted by Don and his son Richard. So long ago, but still a vivid memory. It's obvious that he carried the Cape Breton culture of welcome with him wherever he went, no doubt creating memories for the many people he touched.

Jean Mann

Words are truly inadequate to express my deepest sympathy to Margot and her family. Don was a shining light in Fernandina when he made it his home. He and my late husband, Jack Mann, were good friends. Don shall be missed by all who knew him.

Glen Newell

Dear Margot, Richard, and Andrew: my sincere and deepest condolences on your loss. These are not easy days. May you find comfort in your memories and remember to be kind to yourself at what is undoubtedly a difficult time.

Lynn & Harold Gillespie

Louid F. Tuzy

I was blessed to call Don Shaw my friend for many years. We shared countless conversations—some light, some deep—always with a good cigar in hand. Those moments will stay with me forever, not because of the smoke or the setting, but because of the man across from me. Don lived with quiet strength, integrity, and kindness. He was the kind of friend who listened as much as he spoke, and who made every exchange meaningful. I will miss our talks, our laughter, and his steady presence, but I will always carry his friendship with me. Rest well, my friend.

Barbara Jean MacKeigan

My condolences to the Shaw family, Don will definitely be missed by his family and friends 🧡. Donald Shaw was my first cousin and will be missed by his cousins from the good old Mira 😢 🙏 💔

Marjorie MacKeigan

My condolences from Sydney NS. Don was my cousin whom I respected and admired. May he rest in peace.

Joni Reid

Mr. Shaw was someone you felt you had known forever.Msy his memory be eternal.

Paul and Carol Condit

It was a great pleasure to have known this wonderful man. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.y.

Dickie and Shelly Anderson

His enthusiasm for books led to the creation of the Amelia Island Book Festival. This year celebrating 25 years. I treasure remembered conversations while sitting and chatting in the book store he created.

Regina Duncan

To the Shaw Family; I have never known someone whose kindness and sincerity ran so deep. Don’s compassion was effortless, his heart always open, and his goodness a reminder of the beauty in this world. Wishing you peace and comfort.

Jane at The Oaks

Margot and family, my sincere condolences on the loss of Don. I remember hin from Boos Plus ! Margot, I am sending a virtual hig until I see you at The Oaks next time.Jane

Margo Story

My sincere condolences to Margot & the family. Mr Shaw was a wonderful man......May the perpetual light shine upon him

Donald M. Shaw

2025-08-16


Donald M. Shaw, age 95, passed away on August 16th, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones at his home on Amelia Island, FL.

Don was born on February 19, 1930 and raised in Sydney, Nova Scotia. His father owned and operated a grocery store where Don spent time preparing the window displays, serving as the initial catalyst for his future success in a variety of commercial endeavors. Don attended Sydney Central Common School and then three years at Sydney Academy. He played hockey at Central and basketball at Sydney Academy. Don’s basketball team at Sydney Academy won their league championships three years in a row, defeating all other teams in the Maritime Provinces. In one year, their team earned the right to travel to Montreal for an annual Canadian basketball tournament.

Don then attended and graduated from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor's degree in Commerce. He started his career at the Hudson Bay Company, joining their management training program which afforded him the opportunities to work in Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta. Don relished working for the Hudson Bay Company, a leader in the business community with many career development opportunities. Don then transitioned to the US to work for his uncle in Massachusetts, joining an appliance parts company named “MGMS”, i.e. MacDonald, Gray, Miele and Shaw Associates. His achievements and performance spoke for themselves, earning him the position of partner in the Mac-Gray Company. The company’s expansion saw its business footprint grow outside New England, extending all the way to California. When Mr. MacDonald took ill, Don succeeded him as president of Mac-Gray, leading and growing the company for an additional thirteen years.

Upon retirement in 1995, Don came to Amelia Island with his wife, Margot, and made the island their home. He then opened a bookstore, “Books Plus”, on Center St. in Fernandina Beach. He spent many an hour just socializing with whoever came by and enjoyed spreading the virtues and enjoyment of reading. Don then extended his commercial prowess to the real estate sector in the local community, buying and managing real estate to foster small businesses in the area. Many small business owners in Fernandina Beach have expressed appreciation for the support and guidance provided by Don as they grew their businesses.

Don was an avid “Boston sports fan” (especially the Celtics) before becoming a dedicated fan of the Jacksonville Jaguars, holding season tickets for many years. At one time, he also enjoyed curling. Don visited several locations in the US, Canada, Mexico, Central America, Europe, Southeast Asia and Africa.

Don lived in Lexington, Massachusetts for 28 years with Margot and their two sons, Richard and Andrew. For 30+ years, Amelia Island served as a wonderful and serene setting for the last chapters of his life. Don embraced both the scenic views of the tides rolling in and the local community by volunteering for local commerce committees.

He leaves behind his wife, Margot of 59 years; his sons, Richard and Andrew; his daughter in law, Jennie; three grandchildren, Danielle, Jocelyn, Jackson; nephews and nieces.

As a father, husband and businessman, Don will be remembered as one who led quietly by his actions, i.e. his indefatigable commitment to family values, work and adherence to the highest levels of individual and professional integrity. Anyone who had the chance to know him (or even just meet him briefly by popping into the bookstore) was a better person for it.

Don wants to thank the medical teams from Baptist Medical Center, Bayada Home Health Care, and Community Hospice who made his life comfortable and for the support they provided to him.

Per the request of the immediate family, the celebration of his life will be private.

Memories

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