Mr Gareth Barron Shaw (OK 1991), 10 April 1973 – 25 July 2023

Today, the Kingswood community bids farewell to a much loved Kingswoodian, Mr Gareth Barron Shaw (OK 1991) who died peacefully yesterday afternoon after a brave battle with cancer.

Born to Bobby (OK 1965) and Sandy Shaw (who taught Grade 1 at Kingswood for many years); Gareth began his schooling at Kingswood in 1982. He matriculated in 1991 and went on to do a BY in 1992.

Whilst at school, Gareth was a formidable sportsman. Fly-half for the 1st Rugby XV, Gareth was a leading point-scorer, and was awarded colours in his Matric year. He was also an incredible all-rounder for the 1st XI Cricket side, and was awarded Honours in 1991 and re-awarded in 1992.

1st XI Cricket coach in 1991, Dave Wilkinson remarked in the school magazine; “They were moulded into a cohesive unit by the captain, Gareth Shaw, who deserves great credit for his intelligent and inspiring leadership. Gareth Shaw once again had an outstanding all-round year. He was both leading run-scorer and leading wicket-taker. Further, his constant encouragement as captain and the fine example he set in his application were noteworthy. His contribution to Kingswood cricket over the years has been notable, and he takes my best wishes for a very successful future cricketing career.”

After school Gareth attended university in Cape Town to study his Diploma in Education. He returned to Grahamstown and later Kingswood to teach Geography. Gareth and his wife, Amy, who is also a teacher at Kingswood have three boys – Tom, Jack and Josh who are all pupils at Kingswood.

Gareth’s passion for Kingswood saw him involved in many aspects of life on campus. He coached cricket, the 1st XV Rugby side as well as golf. He was assistant Houseperson in Wood House, and later the BY Houseperson.

Gareth was a much-loved father, husband, son, brother, teacher, coach and Kingswoodian. We pause to remember the legacy he has left behind.

Our deepest condolences to Amy, Tom, Jack, Josh, Bob, Sandy, Colleen and their families. Kingswood mourns this loss with you.

Comments from friends and family on the Kingswood Facebook page:

Lauren Leask
Sending so much love to the Shaw family. Gareth will be deeply missed. Gone too soon. Xxxx

Christopher David Hobson
Rest in Peace Bob . What a legend you were !!! Our heartfelt condolences to the Shaw family.

Rod Nightingale
Heartfelt condolences to Amy, the boys and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Eva Junkin
Gareth always had a smile no matter what…..may he rest in peace. Condolences to the Shaw family.

Pippa Sinclair
Deepest condolences to the family  so very sad to hear this news

Melrene Gailey
Sincere condolences to Bobs family. Gone too soon.

Debbie Handley Kent
Sending so much love to the Shaw family at this sad time  a real Kingswood legend and family man! Gareth will be sorely missed x

Mandy Armstrong
RIP. Love to Amy and the boys and his whole family.

Judy Hilton-Green
What a loss to the community, to Kingswood and to his family. Loved by everyone he came in touch with..RIP Gareth..Heartfelt condolences to Sandy, Bob and Colleen and to Amy and his three boys..may the wonderful memories you shared bring you strength

Dansill Bouwer
RIP Bob, we, together with his sister Colleen…. all studied together at UPE…..what a legend

Nicky Bouwer White
RIP Bob sending love and strength to the family.

Rowan Stretton
RIP Bob, condolences to uncle Bob auntie Sandy, Coleen, Amy, Tom, Jack, little Joshie and the greater Shaw family, he truly was a legend just like his dad!!

Jacqui Light Marais
Rest in Peace Gareth! Our sincere condolences to Amy and the boys and family! Sending so much love and strength at this time! 

Lindsay Timm
Such sad news, a great man taken too early. Thoughts and love to Amy and those gorgeous boys.

Pradeep Ranchhod
RIP Bob. Condolences and strength to the family.

Pamela Reynolds Hare
Find comfort in those special memories of a great son husband father and friend – wrapping the family in hugs at this sad time 

Rob van Dort
RIP Gareth. You were an amazing guy and a privilege to know

Catherine Moore
It was honour to do school with you Gareth! Thank you. Rest well.

Mali Govender
Rest peacefully sweet soul..sincere condolences to family, friends and colleagues!

Beverley Isaacs
Condolences to his family, friends an Kingswood community.

Deon Van Deventer
RIP Gareth. One of the best humans I knew.

Lisa Joan Young
So sad to read this news. Sending love to his beautiful family. The Young Family remember him today and always. 

Debbie Young
I remember him so well – such sad news. My thoughts and condolences to his family and the Kingswood community. He will not be forgotten x

Leanne Kelsey Davies
Devastating loss for all that loved Gareth…gone too soon! I’ll miss his ever smiling presence in the Wyvern. Sending love and light at this difficult time to all his family and friends. RIP Bob.

Donné Bandey
Our deepest condolences to the Shaw family and the Kingswood Community.

Matthew Jeggels
RIP SIR…OUR CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Nicola Jean Sharp
Rest in Peace Bob, thinking of the family and sending our heartfelt condolences to the Shaw family  

Trevor Gripper
RIP Bob, It was an Honour to play cricket with you and to know you during the UPE academy days as well as celebrate being an old Kingswoodian.

Condolences to the Shaw family.

Arthur Collett
Condolences to the family. RIP Bob.

Neil McCune
Condolences to the Shaw family and friends RIP Gareth

Gregg Rippon
Sincere condolences to the Shaw family . We have lost another LEGEND, gone but never forgotten. I can’t thank you enough Bob for your contribution made to KC and my family in particular. RIP

Nikki Goss
Such sad news. Sincere condolences to his family and friends. May his dear soul rest in peace

Kesentri Govender
Sad news. Condolences to the family.

Kathy Knight
My heart goes out to Amy and the boys, as well as to all his friends who loved him. Rest easy Gareth

Charles Stephen Young
This is devastating news. Condolences and love to the Shaw family.

David Bandey
RIP Gareth. My condolences and love to the Shaw family.

Lyndon Brandt
Rest in peace, Gareth. What an amazing guy. Condolences to his family and friends.

Harry Laing
Condolences to the family MHDSRIP

Shareen Methven
Deepest sympathy to All !
🕊️🤍🕊️🤍

Brent Emslie
RIP Bob, what great young man…deepest Love to the whole Shaw family and friends

James Selwyn Brown
So Sad,Condolences to family and friends.Will be forever missed such a lovely person taken to soon.
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

Chante van der Merwe
Oh Amy and family, our hearts break for you all! We are so sorry for your loss! ❤️

Steve Staude
RIP Champ. Gone way too soon.
Condolences to the Shaw Family and Kingswood Community.

Craig Giese
Thinking if the Shaw Family during this difficult time

Gershon Fuller
Condolences to the Shaw family at this difficult time.

Chevy Brent
RIP Gareth. Condolences to the Shaw family, and the greater Kingswood family.

Marlene Nepgen
A true gentleman it was an honour to have known you. Heartfelt condolences to Amy, his 3 beautiful sons, Colleen,his parents, friends and Kingswood family

Jill Japp
It has been an honor and a privilege, to know this gentleman.
A short life lived well. You leave your boys with a priceless legacy.
Until we meet again, Godspeed. 🍻

Sandy Maclachlan
Deepest condolences to you all – Amy, the boys, Bob, Sandy & Colleen. May Gareth live on in the memories you have of him. Lots of love to you all.💕🙏

Johnny Marais
Rest in peace my friend. Sincere condolences to Amy and the boys and the whole Shaw family ❤️

Sipiwe Follie
Condolences to Bob and his entire Family and Loved ones. Sending Love and Light

Heather Lister
Condolences to the family 🙏

Sibongiseni Nongwana
No words. Condolences to his family and to te Kingswood family.

Travis Dell
I will remember Gareth for his laughter & how he made everyone, young and old, feel included. Being a young teacher & coach, I learned so much about being generous with your time and truly caring for people. A top man, gone too soon. Thoughts are with Amy, the boys and the entire Shaw family.

Tango Gatya
Upon reading this post, I was immediately taken to the Dylan Thomas poem.
An extract:
“Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.”
He was an absolute trooper and trojan for fighting as ferociously as he did, and for as long as he did, all the while smiling and chatting and living life.
Rest in eternal peace. 🕊✝️🛐🕊

Vernon Sparks
RIP Bob. Condolences to the Shaw family.

Mark George Truscott
Very sad news. What a champion. Condolences to all.

Megan McCallum
My his soul rest in eternal peace 🕊 our hearts are broken for Amy & the boys 💔 Gareth was a huge person. Full of love, friendliness and caring. He treated everyone the same. His presence will be sorely missed.

Annette Knott-craig
Sending so much love to the Shaw family❣

Teresa Graetz Danckwerts
Such sad news. What an impact he had on so many..may he rest in eternal peace. Condolences to Amy and family

Natalie Lee
Condolences to the family… Sad news 😢

Susan Hobson
😞 🙏 Love and prayers to all

Sue Smailes
Very sad news. Sincere condolences to the family. Rest in eternal peace.

David Wilkinson
May his soul rest in peace . Gareth was an outstanding person in every way and a true Kingswoodian. I will always remember his smile. And never forget his excellent sporting ability. Sincere condolences and love to his family. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

Darryn W Ridgway
Rest in peace Bob. Till we meet again. Condolences to the Shaw family.

Nicky White
Bob Shaw – an absolute legend gone too soon 💔💔

Hilton Sinclair
RiP Bob, thinking of you and your family at this time.

Desiree Bailey
Very sad. Condolences to his family and friends. May he RIP.

Julie Stone
Sending lots of love and prayers to you all 🙏🏻⚘❤.

Candice Joubert
Rest in peace Gareth
You fought a long hard battle
Sincere condolences to your family
✝️✝️

Emma Reeve
Absolutely devastated to hear this. Our thoughts and hearts are with the Shaw family.

Adele van der Meulen
Rest in Peace Bob. 🕊
Condolences to the Shaw family. 🙏

MikeandDeidre Japp
So sorry to hear about his passing. RIP Love to his family and friends and may you find peace knowing he is no longer in pain.

Meena Vaghmaria Harjeven
Condolences to the families

Sanel Sobahle
Rest in power Gareth, it was an honor to have known you. 🙏🏾

Willie Pieterse
RIP Bob.

Stephen Karen Bassett
Sending our sincere condolences to Amy and the boys

Tracy Lloyd
Deepest condolences to you all .. may God give you peace during this sad time ! Cherish the memories and celebrate an amazing human ! God has another angel worker in heaven !

Susan Skipper
Condolences to Sandy and Bob and all of Gareth’s family at this sad time. He rests in peace now. Much love to you. ❤️

Elzette Reed
Our deepest condolences to the Shaw family.

Diane Jepp
So so sorry to read this, heartfelt condolences to Amy and her boys.

Richard McNally
So Sad, RIP Gareth, lots of love to the KC family and friends, your smile and laughter will be missed.

Heather Boman
So very sad. Condolences to his family.

Kim Webber
A huge huge loss to us all, Gareth, you were a good and faithful son. I will miss you! Love to you Amy Shaw and the boys, the night sky have a bright new star watching over you xxx

Margie Smith
Deepest sympathy to his family

Beryl Ross
Sincere Condolences to the family. RiP 🙏