It is with great sadness that we announce that Clifton Shaw took his last breath in this life on February 2nd, 2025, in Ottawa in his 92nd year. Predeceased by his parents, his elder brother Vernon Shaw, and his son, Jonathan Shaw, Cliff is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Margaret, their three children, Jacqueline (David Lamb), Leah, and Christopher (Paula Tyska) and three grandchildren Catherine, Matthew and Sophie. He is also survived by his younger brother Graydon and sister-in-law, Nancy as well as his three nieces Tammy, Candy, and Shelley and their families.
Cliff was born in 1933 in Bristol, New Brunswick to Madeline DeMerchant and Harold Shaw. Pegged as bright at an early age, his mother encouraged him to try medical studies at Mount Allison University. One year of such studies was enough to convince him that medicine was not for him. With the help of his Aunt Hazel and grandfather Shaw, he hopped a train west and pursued an economics degree at the University of British Columbia, while working summers in Fort Saskatchewan and Banff, Alberta. In 1959, degree in hand, he headed to Ottawa for a job in the Department of Trade and Commerce. In 1962, a chance meeting at a party in Ottawa, introduced him to the young woman who would become his wife and lifelong travelling companion.
Shortly after they married, Cliff and Margaret began a peripatetic life in Canada’s foreign service that sent them on postings to England, India, Hong Kong, New York and Thailand, with stints in Ottawa. Although he began his career in trade policy, Cliff found great fulfillment in an early switch to implementing Canadian immigration policies that helped to build and strengthen Canada, including the resettlement of among others, Tibetan, Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Laotian refugees. Cliff retired from the Department of External Affairs and International Trade in 1993. In retirement, Cliff and Margaret continued to travel to see more of the world and visit with a wide network of friends. For many Canadian winters, they found a second home in Progreso, Mexico becoming a part of a warm and welcoming community. When they weren’t travelling, Cliff could be found in his garden, cooking for friends and family, making wine, and, occasionally, foraging for fiddleheads.
We miss his sense of humour and our hearts are broken, but we are comforted that Cliff’s was a life well lived. We will plan a celebration of life for Cliff in the near future. Donations to a charity of your choice in Cliff’s memory are appreciated.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service at Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa), on Thursday, April 3rd, 2025 in Beechwood's Sacred Space at 1:00 p.m., followed by a Reception.
Digital Guestbook
Dominique Kowlessar and Julie Irvine
Kathy Lampert and family
Through Margaret and Cliff’s close friendship with my parents, I’ve known them my whole life. I was so sorry to hear the news of his passing. He was always full of life and stories. He was a true original and a great character and he will be fondly remembered.
Craig Mundee
My deepest condolences to the Shaw family. I am truly sorry for your loss. Cliff was such an important part of my youth, always welcoming me into his home—whether in Ottawa or in Thailand—and treating me like family. He was a remarkable man, and I will always cherish the great memories of the time spent with him.
Liz Griffis
Margaret and family, My thoughts are with you at this time. Your memories will carry you through. With fond regards Liz
Gerry Maffre
Jackie,
Through you, I offer my condolences to Cliff's family. He and I crossed paths in the late '70s in the immigration offices at Place du Portage. While I didn't work closely with him, I knew him as an engaging, knowledgeable and energetic fellow who looked out for the junior officers like me.
In some of other exchanges I've had about your Father's passing I've learned that you, too, are now retired. Seems a long time ago in INFC days!
Best regards at this sad time.
Gerry Maffre
Judith Lyons
Cliff was a very old and cherished friend of me, my husbands, and my family. He was the referee on my very first passport, and he married one of my best friends, which attests to his wisdom and excellent taste! He was probably the closest thing I had to a brother. We shared many happy outings and adventures. Cliff was a most generous and caring friend. His cooking was legendary, and his incredible stories almost all believable. He was fun to be with, and clever and considerate. An extraordinary man who will be sorely missed by his adoring family. Indeed a life well lived: my sincerest condolences, with love from Judy.
Jim Crowther
Dear Margaret and family. My deepest condolences. Cliff was a great support for me at a difficult time and I will be forever grateful for that support. May good memories of Cliff grace your thoughts in the days ahead.
Mary Boyd
My condolences to Margaret and the family. I have fond memories of working with Cliff on posting in Thailand. We did many Immigration trips to refugee camps as well as to Vietnam for Family Reunification interviews. As a boss, he was optimistic and supportive and as a colleague he was great company. He will be missed!
Gerry Campbell
My deepest condolences on the passing of Cliff Shaw. Cliff was the first Director that I reported to in what was then the Department of Foreign Affairs. He was an a respected, friendly and highly effective manager, and I learned a great deal from him. He was also much more than just a respected colleague. He was, as the saying goes, a man of many parts. He had a wide range of interests, not just confined to his career. He was intelligent, witty and highly amusing, always fun to be with. He was, in all respects, the ideal foreign service officer. Although our paths had not crossed for many years (since about 1993), I am saddened by the passing of an esteemed colleague, and a good friend and mentor.
Lisa (Kelly) Inderwick
Margaret and family, I hope the many memories of happy times bring you comfort as you deal with this loss. Was a remarkable person he was! Lisa
Dear Jackie and Family, we would like to offer our deepest sympathies for the loss of your beloved Father. He indeed lived an extraordinary life full of joy, adventure, travel - always surrounded by his loved ones. We will always remember the exciting stories that you told us about his life in the foreign service. It is our hope that the presence of your family and friends brings you some comfort during this difficult time. Sincerely, Dom and Julie.