An end of an era occurred Monday, Aug. 29, when Carolyn Shaw died.
She was very much an inseparable partner with her husband, Gail, who died in 2014.
Some might remember them for their various financial contributions to our area, or perhaps for bringing the Chehalis Industrial Commission to life in the 1950s. It is still an economic engine for this community more than half a century later.
The Shaw family donated $1.9 million to help fund the purchase of property for the Chehalis School District after Gail’s passing. It was a longtime wish of the Shaws. They donated to help lift the Centralia College bachelor’s program to life.
In recognition of their support for many community projects over the years, the $2 million Chehalis outdoor pool was renamed the Gail and Carolyn Shaw Aquatic Center in the summer of 2013.
We don’t believe it’s the aquatic center, the college program, the land at the school district that is their legacy. Neither is the Industrial Commission, despite its creation of jobs throughout the years.
All too often corporations or the ultra-rich will make donations to charity. They make sure they get a return on their “investment” be it public applause or public relations. Some also do good works on a smaller scale, and it is appreciated, but many are a bit upset when they don’t get coverage in the paper, a plaque on the wall, or perhaps a standing ovation.
The Shaws financially supported many efforts outside of the public eye. Their motivation was not recognition, but perhaps satisfaction in making their community a better place to work and raise a family.
Lewis County has been fortunate to have such people in our midst these past decades. We think of the Orin Smith family and the Jim Lintott family.
For the Shaws, we believe their legacy is of example, of their commitment and loyalty to a community that they adopted after moving out West early in their marriage.
It was always a pleasure to be around the Shaws. It was almost as if they were dancing in sunshine. His smile in particular, along with his enthusiasm, was contagious and uplifting. Lunch with Gail was a hoot, packed with stories mixed in with a motivational speech.
We’re reminded of the old sage that you get back more than you give. We think it landed inside the spirit and hearts of the Shaws. If we can retain but a piece of the Shaw’s community magic, Lewis County will continue to grow and thrive.
The Shaws’ investment was in their community, and boy did they get a solid return.
