John David Shaw ’78

John David Shaw ’78 of Hanover died on August 1, 2019, from a systemic infection. David grew up in Ridgewood, New Jersey. Rick Kimball ’78 recalled meeting him while touring Dartmouth the summer before freshman year. “All of a sudden this voice says, ‘Jack Kimball.’ It was John Shaw, David’s father. He had been my dad’s roommate at Tuck in 1942.” Rick remembers Shaw as “a real nice, thoughtful guy.” David majored in drama and appeared in numerous Dartmouth Players productions. After several years working as an actor, he attended the University of Vermont Law School. He received his J.D. in 1983 and went to work at a law firm in Rutland, Vermont. Later he returned to acting, landing roles with several Upper Valley theatrical troupes. Overcoming a debilitating stroke, he worked in recent years as a substitute teacher in several Upper Valley schools. Jay McNamee ’77 wrote, “At the time of his death, David was essentially destitute and alone, having alienated just about every living family member and friend he ever had.” But in his final days, he reconnected with his former wife, Sherrie Billings, and daughter Julia and they were with him when he died.