Robert 'Bob' Shaw, 75

Robert "Bob" Shaw, 75, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008, in Bigfork after battling pancreatic cancer. Bob was born Sept. 13, 1933, in Falls River, Mass., to Richard and Bernice Shaw. He most recently lived in Bigfork, near Kalispell, and was treated in Seattle and Kalispell.

He was raised during the Depression in Boston and later in the Cleveland area. He worked on the Steinbrenner ore ships on the Great Lakes as a teenager to earn money for college; he attended both Ohio State and Ohio University when Uncle Sam came calling in need of pilots for the Korean War. He became a cadet in the Army Air Corps, which pre-dated the Air Force; however, by the time his training was complete the war wound down. He remained in the Air Force for five years, and was honorably discharged as a first lieutenant.

Bob began his career in 1958 as a pilot for Northwest Airlines; the last 15 years of his career he was a 747 captain.

A lifelong exerciser, Bob spent his retirement quite active: skiing, hiking, biking and golfing. Bob loved to travel and meet people, always wearing his famous smile.

Bob was the proverbial handsome charming airline captain to the end. Everybody loved Bob - he brightened everyone's day.

"Irish eyes are surely smiling on Bob Shaw tonight!"

He is survived by his wife, Diane; and sons, Jeff and Bob Shaw; as well as daughters, Kari Hauser and Kim Falco; their spouses, and 10 grandchildren.

Check www.caringbridge.org for wake details in Seattle and Bigfork.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Bob's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Bob's guest book.