Our partner, colleague and friend Joe Shaw passed away suddenly on February 26, 2018, in a tragic ski accident. His death comes as a shock and is a great personal loss to everyone in our firm.
Joe completed his undergraduate degree at Acadia University, and in 1994, obtained his LLB from the University of Windsor and his JD from the University of Detroit. He was called to the Ontario Bar in 1996, and the New York Bar and British Columbia Bar in 1997.
From 1997, Joe practised at two different law firms in Vancouver. He joined our firm in 2008, and his practice has always been focussed on providing thoughtful and practical advice to employers on a wide range of labour relations, employment and human rights matters.
Joe was an avid and skilled skier, and he enjoyed cycling and many other sports. He was active in the community, including in his recent role as president of the Cypress Ski Club. Joe was larger than life. He brought spirit and energy into his law practice and had earned widespread respect as a fine advocate. He was a genuine and generous person who gave his time and bountiful energy freely to his friends and the community. His loss is even more devastating to those he loved, including his wife, three daughters, close knit extended family, and dear friends.
It would be an understatement to say that Joe was well liked by everyone. He was always the life of the party. He was cheerful, caring and generous. With a twinkle in his eye, he often brought laughter and sunshine into our midst, even on the darkest days. We have been deluged by messages from lawyers and clients he worked with telling us how much they enjoyed and appreciated his counsel, humour and friendship. He is greatly missed and we will cherish our fond memories of our friend, Joe.