Robert G. Shaw (“Bob”) passed away on Sept. 10, 2022, at his home from complications related to pancreatic cancer.
At the time of his passing, Bob was surrounded by his close family.
Bob was born on Oct. 26, 1950, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Morris and Edna Shaw. He graduated from Shawnee Mission East High School in 1968. In 1972, Bob graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science degree, and in 1974, he received his Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Kansas.
Following college, Bob worked for Arthur Andersen for several years before joining Winning Ways, a small apparel company based out of Lenexa, Kansas, which later became Gear for Sports. Bob worked at Gear for Sports for over 25 years, eventually serving as the Chief Financial Officer, and helping the company grow from a small business to approximately 1,000 employees. After leaving Gear for Sports, Bob was the Chief Executive Officer of MC Flooring, based out of Mission, Kansas.
In addition to his professional life, Bob was active in the Kansas City community. Bob completed his term as President of the Jewish Community Campus board in August 2022. In addition to his tenure on the Campus board, Bob served on The J KC board for nine years and he was a current Board of Advisor for The J KC. In 1997, he chaired the Kansas City Maccabi Games, the Olympic-style sporting competition held each summer in North America representing the second largest organized sports program for Jewish teenagers in the world. The 1997 Maccabi Games were the only time that this event had been held in Kansas City. He also served as a board member for the Menorah Heritage Foundation for a period of years. Over the past year, Bob was instrumental in the creation of Maddie’s Mission, a non-profit committed to supporting families in the Kansas City area with children living with Angelman Syndrome and other complex medical needs in honor of his granddaughter, Maddie. He was also a long-time member of Congregation Beth Torah.
Apart from his professional and civic contributions, Bob was a devoted family member and a trusted friend to many. He enjoyed a variety of passions. He was a life-long fan, and sometimes critic, of KU basketball, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals. He and wife, Jeanne, frequently attended performances at Starlight, Quality Hill Playhouse, The Theater League, The White Theatre and Van Wezel. Bob was an avid traveler, always looking forward to new adventures, both domestically and abroad. Bob cherished sunsets with friends and family either at Lake Lotawana, Missouri, or in Siesta Key, Florida. Through their more-than-48 years of marriage, Bob and Jeanne shared a love for golden retrievers, and Bob will be missed by their two dogs – Cooper and Charlie.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Morris and Edna, and his brother, Howard. He is survived by his wife, Jeanne; his children, Andrew Shaw (Laura Hall), Laura Sargent (Patrick Sargent), and Stacey Shaw; his brother, Irwin Shaw (Sara Shaw); Howard’s wife, Irene; his five grandchildren, Colin, Kellie, Maddie, Ethan and Hannah; and many loving members of the extended family.
A funeral service was held on Sept. 18 at Congregation Beth Torah.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Maddie’s Mission (themiraculousmissmaddie.com/) or a charity of one’s choice.
