Benjamin Denny Shaw

WICKENBURG, Ariz. – Ben Shaw, 75, passed away after a short illness Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015, at his home near Wickenburg.

Ben was born to Benjamin Eustace Douglas and Lucy Bates (Denny) Shaw in Chicago, where he lived his early life until his family moved 100 miles west to Grand Detour. He spent several years in the Army before graduating with his degree in business administration in 1964 from Centre College in Danville, Kentucky. There he met Elizabeth Pierce Smith. Ben and Pierce were married Dec. 30, 1964. in Bardstown, Kentucky.

Ben oversaw the Dixon Publishing Co. as general manager. He also served as vice chairman on the board of directors for Shaw Media, which consists of dozens of print and online publications in northern Illinois and central Iowa.

He later went on to found and sell Dixon Cable TV with his father, and brother, Tom. In 1976, Ben moved his family to a working ranch near Mancos, Colorado, where the family raised Paso Fino horses, as well as cattle, hay, and other livestock. Ben and Tom also opened The Durango Stockman western-wear retail store. Ben went on to sell first-generation satellite TV systems before he purchased and operated the Mancos Valley Bank. When Ben was ready to "retire" in 1996, he and Pierce moved to Wickenburg.

Ben loved spending as much time as possible with his family and friends and was often described as the person who “never met a stranger.” He had many close friends over the years with whom he pursued many hobbies and passions, including treasure-diving, general aviation, off-road Jeep racing, sailing, shooting, vacation cruises, and the weekly Wickenburg poker night.

Ben is survived by his wife of 50 years, Pierce Shaw of Wickenburg; daughter, Natalie (Jeff) Dalton of Scottsdale, Arizona; son, Justin (Kimberly) Shaw of Philadelphia; son, Brad (Anneliese) Shaw of Colorado Springs, Colorado; sister, Ellabeth (Jim) Collins of Dixon; brother, Thomas (Tammy) Shaw of Dixon; sister, Lucy (Bill) LeFevre of Grand Detour; sister, Libby (Ted) Moss of Lake Forest; four grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Private services were Sunday in Wickenburg.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of Ben’s favorite nonprofits, Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts in Wickenburg; Wickenburg Community Hospital Foundation; and Desert Caballeros Western Museum in Wickenburg.