Ted Shaw’s Impact on Councilmember | Marina Khubesrian Relays Life-Changing Story

 

Talk about strong impressions.

Ted Shaw left a huge one on Marina Khubesrian M.D., the first time the current city councilmember and former mayor met the man who epitomized the term “mover and shaker” and had a love affair with the City of South Pasadena.

“He made an impression on me at our first meeting when I was campaigning for a City Council seat in 2010,” recalls Khubesrian, reflecting on her relationship with Shaw, a successful businessman, civic leader, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who passed away Feb. 1 at the age 75.

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“Our coffee meeting lasted for five hours, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., starting at his office, where he proudly showed me his maps and historical event posters of South Pasadena,” recalls Khubesrian of the moment in time that helped shape her political career.

Before the get-together was over, the conversation moved to Shaw’s favorite table at Shakers, next door to his office, for lunch. The restaurant was a place where – borrowing a line from the classic TV sitcom “Cheers,” – everyone knew his name.

Shaw served on the South Pasadena City Council from 1978-1986 and was a three-time mayor over that span. Heavily involved in the community, He helped launch the Fourth of July Festival of Balloons in 1982.

For many years he was a major supporter of the South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Committee, the organization responsible for constructing the city’s entry in the Rose Parade, was the key sponsor for the South Pasadena’s Sunday concerts in the park series at Garfield Park, and kick started the Cruz’n for Roses Classic Car and Hot Rod Show along Mission Street 15 years ago. That only touches on a few of the contributions Shaw and his wife, Joan, supported over the years.

“He had many stories to tell me about his time with the city and listened to mine about my journey as a physician administrator,” remembers Khubesrian, grateful for the opportunity to get to know him. “He was incredibly proud of our full service city and it’s rich traditions, especially the Festival of Balloons and Tournament of Roses. Ted Shaw shared many pearls of wisdom with me on that day that I have found to be very useful over these past nine years on the council.   He made a point of stressing the importance of family to him and encouraged me to make sure my family knew that they were my priority.”

The two met for a lunch meeting at Briganti, a restaurant on Mission Street in South Pasadena in January 2019. “He brought a typed list of his concerns to share with me, and at the top of the list was that the SPTOR tradition of entering a volunteer built and City sponsored float continue for future generations of South Pasadenans to rally around, take pride in and enjoy,” noted Khubesrian.

“Ted Shaw is a local legend who has left an indelible mark on this city with his many contributions,” she added. “I’m grateful to have shared his vibrant company, keen insights, and love for this community. Mark and I extend our heartfelt condolences to his Joan and the family during this difficult time.”

In lieu of flowers, the Shaw family asks that donations be made to the South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Committee, PO Box 3662, South Pasadena, CA 91031.