Richard "Dick" Henry Shaw's Obituary
Richard Henry Shaw (Dick) 84 passed away at his home away from home in Richland, Washington on October 27th with his wife Wendy by his side.
He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1957 and attended the University of Puget Sound for several years.
You are never too old to set a new goal or to dream a new dream.
It’s hard to describe a person like Dick Shaw.
He was a born visionary with a brilliant mind and a kind and generous heart.
Hardworking still in his 80’s with no thought of slowing down until his heart finally decided for him.
An entrepreneur at the very young age of 6 he sold his mothers produce at a roadside stand with his brother Craig. His first real job was at the plywood Mill in Tacoma where he worked on the glue gang. He soon tired of this and went on to live an amazing life with so many accomplishments including being one of the founders and chairman of the board of the Bank of Tacoma before he was 30. This was the start of an amazing lifetime of accomplishments. Some of Dicks noted accomplishments to the Tacoma business community included helping Johnny’s Seafood Seasonings get back on their feet in the 70’s. Also at that time he helped Seldens Furniture store to restructure and retain their downtown Tacoma location. He was elected the President of Property Holding and Development in Tacoma where he was on the board of directors. Around this same time he built many apartment buildings. He was on the board of directors at the Foss Waterway Seaport. He was heavily invested in Gig Harbor where he loved to spend time on his boat talking to friends and watching the activities on the water from his own marina, Pleasurecraft. He was working on a new project, building a restaurant at the marina that he had spent years working on which was just coming to fruition.
The city of Gig Harbor is planning to name a park after him.
In the early 80’s he became an investor in a vineyard in Mattawa Washington which led to the beginning of Shaw Vineyards eventually spanning to 7 different wine regions in Washington State.
Dick and his wife Wendy were recipients of the Auction of Washington Wines Grower of the year award in 2015 and inducted into the Legends of Washington Wine Hall of Fame in 2018.
What he loved the most while in Eastern Washington was riding in the truck with Marshall Edwards (vineyards operation manager and very good friend) checking out the vineyards and talking to winemakers.
Dick had many wonderful partners over the years in various businesses including a crushing plant in Mattawa, Washington that is the 3rd largest in the state, Foss Harbor Marina, and the Dock building in Tacoma. His partnership vineyards include Quintessence and Obelisco on Red Mountain, also vineyards on Candy Mountain and Horse Heaven Hills. The partners in these businesses have become lifelong friends.
A major grower on Red Mountain, Shaw Vineyards supplies grapes to over a hundred of the finest wineries in Washington and as far away as New York.
Most notably Dick was proud of his “from the land to the hand” concept with wine. He and his wife started Henry Earl Estates winery naming the wine after their fathers. He was a builder, developer, farmer and astute businessman with no end to his love of life and hard work.
In 1995 he achieved a lifelong dream of owning an island where he eventually built his final house. It took him so many years to get the permits that the County named the island after him. Shaw Island.
He was a force of nature always looking for the next deal. He touched so many lives and mentored so many people. His legacy will live on forever.
He is survived by wife Wendy, son Erik, daughter Teri Lynn Hurlbut (John), daughter Michelle, brother Craig, nephew Andy, nieces Sandra and Cindy, grandchildren, Johnathon, Kyley, and Ricky and so many, many wonderful friends. Special thanks to Marshall, Katrina, Dave and Charlotte, John, Teri and Michelle. Also, many thanks to Dr. Alsamara, the other doctors and everyone on the 8th floor that helped us.
Until I see you again.
I believe in living smitten
I believe all hearts will mend
I believe our book is written
By our company of friends
Funeral services will be held at Mountain View Cemetery in Lakewood at 1:00 on November 6th at the Valley Chapel. When you enter Mountain View Memorial Park, follow the yellow line and it will take you to the Valley chapel, which is in the lower section of the cemetery.
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