Robert Eugene Shaw Jr.
Obituary
Robert was a collector whose acquisitions reflected his many passions. As a boy scout he collected merit badges en route to becoming an Eagle Scout. As a skilled surfer he was known as "Burger Bob," and collected memories while experiencing numerous wave riding adventures around the globe. As a music lover he collected exquisite guitars while mastering his playing skills. In between, he garnered friends from all walks of life, studied Buddhism, read widely, stayed on top of current events, was an amateur rock and roll historian, and loved watching sports, especially surfing contests and the annual March Madness college basketball tournament.
An iconoclast who lived life on his own terms, he arranged his working life around his passions. His final career was as a custodian for the North Monterey County Unified School District, which allowed him what he called "millionaire surfing hours."
Robert was also a miracle man who survived a traumatic brain injury, lymphoma, brain cancer and nasal cancer to the amazement of his doctors. He finally ran out of miracles last year after a second round of nasal cancer spread into his brain. This kind, humble, humorous man was greatly loved by many and will be greatly missed.
His ashes will be scattered on June 7, 2026 during a paddle out at Manresa State Beach, where he learned to surf. His paddle out will begin at 9 am, and will be followed by a celebration of life at the La Selva Beach Clubhouse from 1-3pm. Friends are encouraged to come and share stories, bring photos and celebrate a life well lived.
Robert was born in Watsonville to Doris and Robert Shaw, Sr. and grew up in La Selva Beach with a swimming pool in the back yard. He attended Aptos Junior High, and graduated from Watsonville High, where he competed on the swim team, in 1969.
He is survived by his girlfriend, Terri Morgan; sisters, Patricia Franks and Cynthia Sleeper; extended family members and numerous friends. He died peacefully at Dominican Hospital shortly after game 7 of the World Series concluded.
Published in The Pajaronian · May 14, 2026