Richard Frank Shaw

SHAW, RICHARD passed away on February 15, 2015. Richard was born in Philadelphia, PA on January 26, 1927 and was a long time resident of San Diego. He was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and recently attended Saints Alive Senior Services at City View Church. Richard was a proud graduate of the University of North Carolina and later moved to San Diego to work at Mercy Hospital. It was there he met Lorna, the love of his life and wife of 57 years. Richard began his career as Chief Toxicologist for the San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office retiring in 1992 after 34 years of service. When he began working the then-called “Coroner's Office” was a one-man operation. Richard contributed to making the institution a national leader in the field of forensic toxicology. He was a consultant to the University of California Medical Center at San Diego where he was a Clinical Instructor of Pathology. He presented or published over sixty professional papers including chapters in several major texts in toxicology and was on the editorial board of the Journal of Analytical Toxicology. He was a Diplomat of The American Board of Forensic Toxicology and Fellow of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. Richard was also a founding member of The California Association of Toxicologists. Though Richard loved his work and golfing, he was happiest surrounded by his family and friends who will miss him deeply. Richard is survived by his sister, Christine Stanley, his nieces and nephews, his children, Greg (Melodie Grace) and Lisa (Raymond Sanchez), grandchildren Michael (Maria Sanchez) and Danielle, and great grandson Noah. The viewing will be on Monday, February 23 from 4-6pm with the Rosary following at Featheringill Mortuary, 6322 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego. Mass will be held at 11am on Tuesday February 24 at Blessed Sacrament Church, 4540 El Cerrito Drive, San Diego, and burial at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Collwood Terrace Stellar Care.