Colin Shaw died peacefully at home on May 17, 2020.  Colin and his wife Ruth, have been strong supporters of Davidson Lands Conservancy and the Davidson community, and pillars in the advancement of both local and regional conservation.  Colin was a close friend of DLC, volunteer with TreesDavidson, and a student of the natural world.

Colin grew up primarily in Pender County, NC and graduated from UNC Wilmington.  He served as a public school teacher and principal, and was a local leader during school desegregation.  After the birth of his daughter, Heather Stuart Shaw in 1968, Colin pursued a master’s degree in biology at East Carolina University.  Upon completion, he taught biology, environmental science and anatomy and physiology at Martin Community College.  He later pursued a Ph.D.

A born naturalist, Colin was a lifelong student and teacher, with both curiosity and encyclopedic knowledge about the natural world.  Marine environments had a special allure for Colin.

We are heavy-hearted by Colin’s sudden passing – he will be dearly missed.