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Check back with us as we get this story out. Many South Pasadenans have a lot to say about hometown giant Ted Shaw.
Ted Shaw 1944~2020 died at the age of 75 on Saturday February 1st, 2020 as reported to The SouthPasadenan.com News.
Many are directly affected by the sad news and loss of this highly influential local business mogul, philanthropist, civil leader, former mayor, and father. His influence on South Pasadena spans decades. His legacy has become apart of the fabric of everyone who resides in South Pasadena.
A complete report will follow. Stay with us to remember a true hometown legend. Send in your Ted Shaw stories & memoirs: media@southpasadenan.com
~ From ODOM STAMPS | Former Mayor, Architect, & Civil Leader
Ted Shaw was a home town boy made good, and first and foremost a booster of South Pasadena Civic Life – our own version of a PT Barnum. He was a business man and investor, a Councilman and Mayor, and a prolific fund raiser.
He was a co-founder Shaw Moses Mendenhall Agency, a large regional Insurance Brokerage, and helped assemble properties with partners in town that led to the development of many of the newer commercial buildings along Fair Oaks. He helped start the 4th of July Festival of Balloons, and acted as the Master of Ceremonies, describing each float and group in review, as they passed City Hall.
He presided over the Centennial Celebration of the Town’s founding in 1888, escorting Zsa Zsa Gabor down the red carpet at the Rialto Theater Grand Reopening under sky sweeping searchlights. Later that year he rode a Buggy in an ostrich race in remembrance of the turn of the century Cawston Ostrich Farm.
For the past 40 years he helped keep the funds flowing for our self built Rose Bowl Parade Float, and made the South Pas Relay for Life a huge success for over a decade, helping to raise several hundreds of thousands of dollars for the American Cancer Society, in the process.
I first came to know him as a fellow candidate in the 2002 City Council race, and later as an advisor and friend. We worked together to create a design for a TOR float barn and restoration of Oaklawn Park designed by Isabelle Greene, near the park and bridge originally designed by her Grandfather and Great Uncle (Greene & Greene).
Recently Ted told me that he had enough committed donations to get it accomplished. All in all a pretty impressive guy!
~ From MARK GALLATIN | President of the South Pasadena Preservation Foundation, Chair of the CHC
The South Pasadena Preservation Foundation mourns the passing of community leader Ted Shaw. Mr. Shaw was a longtime supporter of the Foundation and he and his wife generously donated their collection of Cawston Ostrich Farm memorabilia to the museum. His monumental record of public service benefitted all members of the South Pasadena community and will endure as his lasting legacy.
~ From THOMAS FIELD | Vice President, Museum Curator, of the South Pasadena Preservation Foundation, Board Member Chamber of Commerce
My first personal introduction to Ted was when, as a newly ensconced board member of the South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, I sat downwind of the chairmanship he occupied. It was a role he clearly understood, and relished. He was a role model of civic pride and commitment that would be illuminated again and again over the years…in his philanthropy, his enthusiasm, and his courage…even in the face of increasing physical challenges. Ted was truly a “hometown hero.”
Much More to follow….
We have lost a great businessman and an awesome person!
A true gentleman that was never too busy to speak to you.
I will miss him.
Sad to lose a great community leader. During the throes of a big political battle Ted told me what the Monsignor had told him – that even though people are fighting, they all care about the city. I wish that were as true today as it once was. RIP