10/02/2025
Kinnaird York Shaw Obituary
January 23, 1928 – Calgary, Alberta - September 26, 2025 – Calgary, Alberta
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father and Papa, Kinnaird York Shaw, on Friday, September 26, 2025, at the age of 97 years.
He is survived by his three children: his daughter, Jane; and his sons, Dan (Cindy) and John (Janice); his grandchildren, Tanner (Courtney), Maddison, and Keaton; and his great-granddaughter, Raelyn.
Kinnaird was predeceased by his loving wife of sixty years, Elinor, in 2013; his parents, York and Elizabeth Shaw; his brothers, Oliver (Jean), Jack (Goldie), and Bill (Emily); his sister, Doreen (Bert); along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Kinnaird and Elinor both had a love for travel, which included trips to Fiji, New Zealand, and many places throughout the United States. Maui, HI, was among their favourite places, revisited with friends and family over the years.
Born on January 23, 1928, Kinnaird grew up in Calgary, AB, where he inherited a strong sense of work ethic and community from his family. Alongside his father and brother (Bill), they carried forward the legacy of the family business, York Shaw Building Movers, a company that became well-known throughout Alberta for relocating and preserving buildings. Under Kinnaird and Bill's guidance, the company was entrusted with moving homes, farm buildings, and heritage structures that remain part of Alberta's history.
Beyond his career, Kinnaird was deeply connected to the province's heritage community. He supported and contributed to projects at Heritage Park, was involved with the Southern Alberta Pioneers Association, the Pioneer Acres of Alberta, and the American Truck Historical Society—Alberta Chapter, helping preserve the history and pioneer spirit that meant so much to him. His quiet leadership, hard work, and willingness to lend a hand left a lasting mark on both his community and family.
Above all, Kinnaird will be remembered for his devotion to family. He was a proud husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who found joy in time spent together, whether at family gatherings, celebrating milestones, or simply sharing stories of the past.
The family extends a heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Oilfields Hospital in Diamond Valley, AB, and to his special home care providers, Milla (RN) and Karen in physio, for their dedicated care and kindness in his final years. We would also like to thank the nursing staff of Unit 78 at the South Health Campus for their exceptional care while Papa was there.
A Celebration of Kinnaird's Life will be held at the Deerfoot Inn and Casino ( #1000, 11500 – 35th Street SE, Calgary, AB) on Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Pioneer Acres of Alberta, 263204 Township Road 274, Rocky View County, AB, T0M 1B0, www.pioneeracres.ab.ca, or any other charity of your choosing in Kinnaird's name.
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Kinnaird’s family here.
In living memory of Kinnaird Shaw, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.
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