Tribute

Edward McMichael "Mike" Shaw, 88, passed away on July 21, 2025, in Thousand Oaks, California. A lifelong advocate for fairness and inclusion, Mike was a man of deep intellect, wit, and compassion. Born on April 27, 1937, in Boston, Massachusetts, Mike spent his childhood in nearby Beverly. He attended Exeter Academy and went on to earn both his undergraduate and law degrees from Harvard University. This academic path laid the groundwork for a legal career that would span decades. Mike began his legal work at the U.S. Attorney's Office in 1963. He later became a white-collar defense attorney and trial lawyer, serving as a partner at his own firm, Stillman, Friedman & Shaw. He went on to work closely with his friend and colleague, Mike Dowd. Even after retiring from full-time practice, Mike continued his commitment to justice, offering pro bono legal support to women in domestic violence cases and representing detainees at Guantanamo Bay. His ongoing work reflected his deep empathy for those most in need. Mike spent much of his professional life in New York City and raised his kids, Kate and Sam, in Brooklyn Heights. In 2008, he moved to Jupiter, Florida, and in 2018, relocated to Thousand Oaks, California, to be closer to family. Mike found joy in the natural world-especially through bird photography, which became a peaceful passion in his later years. He loved animals deeply and took great care in fostering cats during the final chapter of his life. Tall and white-haired, Mike was hard to miss. He was known for his humor, unwavering support of the underdog, love of singing music from musicals, poetry recitations, political discourse, love for dessert, and awe-filled appreciation of nature's beauty-Mike remained joyful and funny until the very end.

Friends & Family

He is lovingly remembered by his daughter, Kate Kripke, and her husband, Jamie Kripke; his son, Sam Shaw, and daughter-in-law, Lila Byock; his grandchildren, Kinley (18), Bridger (16), Philo (12), and Winslow (9); his sister, Polly; nephews, Gordon and Ted, along with their families; and many others who were touched by his warmth, humor, and generosity. May the memory of Edward McMichael "Mike" Shaw be a source of comfort and inspiration to all who knew and loved him.