Keith Shaw

Keith Shaw, 82, of Fairfield, MT, crossed over the Great Divide at 1:45 a.m. on September 12, 2014 at Peace Hospice in Great Falls, Montana.A celebration of Keiths life will be held at a later date. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Schnider Funeral Home.Keith was born on June 21, 1932 in Cardston, Alberta, Canada to Robert Milne and Beryl Burt Shaw. He grew up and attended schools in Cardston. He then went to Olds College and the University of Calgary to obtain a bachelors degree in science and a teaching certificate. Keith attended Brigham Young University in Provo, UT and was awarded a masters degree in botany and PhD with distinction. He returned to Cardston to teach high school biology. Keith married his soul mate, Leslie Ann Smith on July 5, 1986.Keiths greatest love was for the wild country, the animals that inhabited it, and the flowers that grew in it. He was especially at home in Glacier and Waterton Parks, and camping in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. He and Leslie spent many memorable days in the back country sharing his deep knowledge and instant wit with their many outdoor friends.Keith was a Boy Scout leader for 17 years in Cardston, founded the Waterton Park Natural History Assoc., was a board member of the Montana Wilderness Assoc., and volunteered for numerous years as a naturalist at the 7 Lazy P Guest Ranch, near Choteau, MT.Keith is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Leslie; son David Keith (Pam) Shaw of Kamloops, BC; daughter Susan Kaye (Glenn) Gorrie of Okotoks, Alberta; brothers Mike (Rita) Shaw of Aetna, Alberta and Don (Afton) Shaw of Cardston, Alberta; grandchildren Cameron Gorrie and Jayson, Matthew and James Bitz; numerous nieces and nephews; his cats, Ringo and Bailey; and mule, Bonnie.Keith was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Milne and Beryl Burt Shaw.Keith will be dearly missed by his family and friends.