07/21/2026
Charles Park Shaw, age 80, of Walpole, died peacefully at home on July 6, 2026, after a long and valiant battle with ALS.
Chuck was born October 5, 1945, in Mineola, New York, son of the late Waldo Almond Shaw and Elizabeth (Bowman) Shaw.
Chuck owned the Walpole Veterinary Hospital, a mixed animal practice, for 45 years. He had a gentle heart for animals, and built lasting friendships with many of his clients. He served Walpole and the surrounding towns, treating family pets and farm animals, and was a key advocate in the health of many dairy farm operations.
Chuck’s father, an electrical engineer, was assigned to the Bell Laboratories in New York City during World War II. After the war, his family relocated to Cheshire, Connecticut where Chuck grew up, graduating from Cheshire High School in 1963. He attended the University of Kansas on a Navy ROTC scholarship, graduating in 1967. With the Vietnam war going on, he was sent to flight training in Pensacola, Florida, eventually earning his wings in August 1968, and piloted A6 jets in Vietnam. Following his discharge from the Navy, he earned his DVM and a master’s degree in pathology at Kansas State on the G.I. bill.
After short stints in three veterinary practices, Chuck came to Walpole in August of 1979. He found a practice where he could work outside some of the time, be independent, work with people, and be professional.
Chuck was deeply committed to his family, his career, and service to his community, serving as chair of the Fall Mountain School Board, the Walpole town health officer, a member of the NH Board of Veterinary Medicine, board member of the Walpole Foundation, and a trustee of the Savings Bank of Walpole. He was a devoted member of the First Congregational Church of Walpole, UCC, and served on numerous committees, including chair of church council.
Chuck was a mentor and father figure to many, and was a patient audience to everything from woes to humor, from all corners. A skilled and devoted veterinarian, he was trusted counsel to many people of all ages. He was a valued friend, a patriot, and a man of honor. He was curious, asking thoughtful questions about others’ lives and current events, while considering others’ perspectives.
Many Mother’s Day weekends, Chuck would be flyfishing in northern New Hampshire and Maine. Time away, casting his fly rod, allowed Chuck to ponder the great mysteries of life, and he always returned home refreshed and ready to tackle whatever lay ahead. Winters would find him either skiing or playing ice hockey, a sport he absolutely loved. The last game he played was in February 2020, just before COVID hit, and just as he was beginning to show signs of ALS.
His family cherishes many happy memories: New Year’s resolutions, games of Michigan, gator rides with the grandchildren, ci**rs, Snickers bars, stacking wood, homemade donuts and chili, cheering for the Kansas Jayhawks. To quote one of his grandchildren, “He was often naughty and encouraged us to do things our parents wouldn’t let us do!” He was a lover of old things and traditions, and a lover of the natural world.
Chuck met the challenges of ALS with great courage and grace. Many friendships were formed and nurtured during his illness, and his dance card was always full with scheduled visits. He was lovingly cared for by his caregivers, Christie and Eve, his physical therapist, Lynn and his massage therapist, Snow.
Chuck is survived by his wife, Eleanor (Kingman) Shaw. They were married in 1984 in Norwich, Vermont. On their first date, Chuck tossed a Christmas wreath into his car to lessen the smell of cow manure. Chuck and Ellie found joy in raising their blended family. He is survived by their four children, Matt Shaw (Angela), John Shaw (Kiera), Liz Ewaskio (Scott Hynek), Annie Ewaskio (Hank Shedd), and six grandchildren, Owen Shaw, Georgia Shaw, Ellie Hynek, Freddie Hynek, Joe Shaw, and Catherine Shaw. He is also survived by his brother, Bill Shaw (Wannee), his sister, Susan Lippitt (Mark), his nephews, Carl Shaw, Ethan Lippitt, Peter Williams, and his nieces, Betsy Lippitt Julia, Margaret Blount, Katharine Enos, and Karen Sherrill.
There are no calling hours. A memorial service will be held at the First Congregational Church of Walpole, UCC, on Saturday, August 8, at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Congregational Church of Walpole, UCC, 15 Washington Street, PO Box 393, Walpole, NH 03608 or to Compassionate Care ALS, PO Box 1052, West Falmouth, MA 02574.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Fenton and Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster Street, Bellows Falls, VT.
