Arthur Alan "Artie" Shaw passed away on the afternoon of September 16, 2017, at the age of 88 from Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Artie was born in Brooklyn, New York, on June 27, 1929, to Samuel and Esther (Levy) Shaw (Swirsky). He was raised as an only child although his parents had several other children that died at or shortly after birth.
Artie graduated from Midwood High School in Brooklyn, NY, as Class Actor in 1947. He earned his BA in Psychology from Brooklyn College in 1952. Soon after, he drove west to work as a firewatcher in a 50-ft observation tower in Kaniksu National Forest in northern Idaho for the summer. Then, he settled in Kansas to attend graduate school at the KU Psychology Dept. where he earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in 1968. He spent the rest of his life-more than 65 years--in Lawrence, Kansas.
While completing his Ph.D., Artie worked in various training programs/internships or as a psychologist at the Kansas School for the Deaf ('55-'56); at the Topeka VA ('57-'58); at the Leavenworth VA ('58-'59); at the Topeka VA Medical Center ('60); at the Leavenworth VA Medical Center ('61); and at the Franklin County Guidance Center in Ottawa ('61-'66). He was then hired as a staff psychologist at the Leavenworth VA ('67-'88). In 1980, he exposed misuse of research medications for patients that did not meet protocol requirements. In May, 1981, a KC Star investigation confirmed that research medications had been used improperly for some time.
One of Artie's passions was National Parks. He visited all 59 US National Parks and more than 400 national historic sites in the US and Canada. Artie volunteered for many local organizations: Lawrence Friends of the Library, Lawrence Area Clergy; Douglas County Advocacy Council on Aging; Lawrence Jewish Community Congregation; and served as a board member of Kansas Advocates for Better Care (KABC).
Artie is survived by his partner Julie Trowbridge-Alford; five children and spouses: Debbie Shaw Schwartz (Ron); Alan Shaw (Gin Myers); Risa Shaw (Sharon Gervasoni); Leah Shaw Fen (Michael); Jennifer Shaw (Tim Peltier) and seven grandchildren: Aaron Shaw; Casey and Haley Shaw; Allie, McCall, Jamil and Kiana Fen. Artie was married and preceded in death by Jean Lois Rabinowitz and Sandra Jane Cote.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the organizations for which Artie volunteered. Donations may be sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana, Lawrence, KS 66044.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Artie was a fellow KABC board member and he added so much to the organization and to our meetings. He is missed but our memories live on of his intellect, humor and zest for life.
Linda Carlsen
October 12, 2017
Artie and I were friends for over fifty years. We lunched together weekly during the past two or three years; talked about all those things one doesn't usually talk about in polite conversations: politics, religion and reproductive biology. Lively discussions. I miss him.
Jerry Yochim
October 2, 2017
Artie was such a lovely gentleman. I met him as we served together on the "Burned Churches" committee. May the family find comfort in the happy memories he left and his wonderful impact on the community around him.
Cherisa Dulin Jones
September 25, 2017
I will always remember Mr. Shaw's kindness while volunteering at the Lawrence Public Library. He always had time to say hello and spread cheer. I am blessed to have known him. Thinking of his family with love.
Linda Clay
September 21, 2017
I met Artie in 2005 through my work and we became fast friends immediately. Artie was always so easy to talk with, and our conversations were usually all over the place but always enjoyable. I've never met another who was so eager to learn, so interested in other cultures, and who cared so much about the people he met. I will miss his smile, his wit and that laugh so very much...
LENETTE Hamm
September 21, 2017
I valued my friendship with Artie. He was a unique and inspirational figure who was driven to find beauty and do good work in the world. Last saw him at the Hudson Grille in Atlanta when we watched a KU basketball game, alongside his son, a few years ago.
Mike Fox
September 20, 2017
I met Dr. Shaw (didn't call him "Artie" back then) in 1968 at the Leavenworth VA when I was a first year KU graduate student in Clinical Psychology. I knew him to be pleasantly assertive and definite in expressing most of his opinions. He often spoke out on matters of fairness and social justice. I had strong admiration and respect for him.
Don Moss
September 19, 2017
We are saddened to learn of Artie's passing. Our thoughts are with you.
Patti and Larry Helfand
September 19, 2017
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