Larry Douglas Shaw was born on December 7, 1934, in Spokane, Washington, and passed away peacefully on October 13, 2026, at the age of 91.

Larry graduated from North Central High School in Spokane before enlisting in the United States Army, where he achieved the rank of Sergeant and earned recognition as a skilled rifle marksman. Following his military service, he attended Eastern Washington University and Washington State University, ultimately earning a Master's degree in Education.

Larry married the love of his life, Marjorie Anderson, on December 27, 1954. In 1960, they settled in Newport, Washington, where together they built their dream home on the Pend Oreille River. It remained their cherished home for the rest of their lives.

For more than 25 years, Larry dedicated himself to teaching science at Newport High School. His classes included biology, chemistry, physics, and computer science, but his impact extended far beyond the classroom walls. He inspired generations of students through hands-on learning, curiosity, and adventure. During many summers, he led students on backpacking trips through Glacier National Park, sharing both his love of science and the outdoors.

A visionary educator, Larry pioneered one of the area's first high school ski education programs, giving students the opportunity to ski weekly at Schweitzer and 49 Degrees North. Many former students still fondly remember "Mogulpecker Day" at 49 Degrees North. Among his many accomplishments was helping develop KUBS radio station, which continues to serve the community today.

Larry's curiosity and creativity often led him into unique projects that captured public attention. He made local news through an environmental initiative to remove and compact abandoned junk vehicles throughout Pend Oreille County. Another memorable endeavor involved a physics experiment exploring the maximum amount of liquid that could be drawn through a straw, which also attracted media interest.

At 91 years old, Larry did not merely witness nearly a century of change; he actively helped shape the lives of those around him. He lived with boundless energy, always pursuing a new idea, solving a problem, building something, or improving what already existed. There was always a project underway, always a vision for what might come next.

An avid skier, fisherman, hunter, and backpacker, Larry found his greatest joy outdoors. He treasured time spent fishing and hunting with his beloved bird dog, Susie, and he even convinced Marge to join him grouse hunting during school lunch breaks. Whether leading students through the alpine beauty of Glacier National Park, working on his latest project, or casting a line into the waters of the Pend Oreille River, Larry taught others to appreciate the wonder, mystery, and possibilities of life.

Larry remained ambitious and engaged until the very end. He never sat still, and truthfully, he often wore the rest of us out trying to keep pace with him. While his passing leaves an immeasurable void, his family takes comfort in knowing that he lived exactly as he wished: fully, purposefully, and always looking ahead. Even his final boat project remains unfinished, a fitting reminder that Larry always had one more dream, one more improvement, and one more adventure waiting around the corner.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents Lance and Marie Shaw, beloved wife, Marjorie, and his grandson, Lance.

He is survived by his children, Steve Shaw, Charles (Nancy) Shaw, Kyle (Geri) Shaw, and Jeannie (James) Larson, and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A small celebration of Larry's life will be held for family and close friends on October 24, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at his home on the Pend Oreille River. Because Larry touched so many lives throughout his years as an educator, mentor, and friend, a larger community celebration will be announced at a later date for former students, colleagues, and community members wishing to share their memories and honor his remarkable legacy.