Obituaries

December 25, 1982 – March 31, 2023It is with great sadness that the family of Andrew Conrad Shaw announce his sudden passing on Friday March 31, 2023, at Kakwa Provincial Park, Alberta. Born in Halifax Nova Scotia, on December 25, 1982, he was the son of William Palmeter Shaw and Susan (Conrad) Shaw. As a young man, Andrew ventured west where he found a productive career in Grande Prairie, Alberta, working for Halliburton. He enjoyed plentiful and long-lasting friendships with his colleagues, which developed throughout his long career with Halliburton. He was proud to represent the company on trips to Argentina, and on a cross continental journey through Australia. Andrew’s true passions were outdoor adventures, of which he vigorously pursued many. Many of Andrews’s adventures revolved around water. He began his fishing career at 2 years of age, and he perfected it throughout his life. He was an expert with a salmon spey rod, hand tied is own flies from the age of 8, and he only revealed his secret fishing spots to those closest to him. His home smoked trout was phenomenal and highly prized by all.Andrew’s water adventures continued on his beloved Outlaw Lynx jet boat, with which he explored the remote rivers and lakes of Northern Alberta, and British Columbia. As much as he loved adventuring on the boat, there was nothing he loved more than having his family members join him. One highlight of his jet boating career was the Canada Day 2021 weekend spent on the Wapiti with his daughter Ab, partner, two sisters and their families. Fishing and jet boating were only two aspects of his water adventures. He was also an expert sailor SCUBA diver, skilled at snorkeling - which he, of course, combined with spear fishing. Andrew also enjoyed spending time swimming with friends and family and could pull off a monster cannon ball. In the fall, his rival passion was big game hunting. He specialized in elk hunting. Many years of practice perfected his elk calling and stalking skills. These skills were especially appreciated by his father, whose birthday happily coincided with Opening Day. They both enjoyed the annual birthday elk hunting trip for many years. Andrew was always generous in sharing his animals and was famous for his renowned culinary skills. In the winter, Andrew loved snowmobiling in the Canadian Rockies. He spent many enjoyable weekends at the sled camp in Kakwa. The incredible vistas, the fresh powder and the crisp, clean mountain air were his reward for this passion.Andrew spent the first 18 years of his life in Nova Scotia, and it always held a special place in his heart. He made frequent trips back east to keep up with family, friends, and the places of his childhood. The oceans, rivers and beaches called his name, and he formed many memories there. He loved to camp on the LaHave islands, fish mackerel in the Atlantic, and salmon on the Margaree. He is survived by his much-loved partner Melissa Byers, his beloved daughters Abigail Shaw and Aleshia Byers, parents William and Susan Shaw, sisters Katherine Shaw (Jason Zajak), Rebecca MacDonald (Matthew MacDonald), niece Alice MacDonald, nephew James MacDonald, and loving grandmother Myrna Conrad. Also, several aunts, uncles, and cousins. The celebration of life for Andrew will be held at Bear Creek Funeral Home on Monday April 10 at 2:00 pm. Reception to follow at the Wembley Arena and Rec Centre; all are welcome to attend. Family flowers only.A gathering will also be held in Fall River, Nova Scotia on April 16 at 2:00 PM at the Turtleback Tap & Grill. Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home 780-830-7742 bearcreekfuneral.com