Remembering Emil Shaw

Emil Shaw, the former president of the New Mexico Alliance for Retired Americans and lifelong activist, passed away last Sunday, September 12th at the age of 81. His wife, Rose, family and many friends were at his side.

Emil was a Holocaust survivor who escaped Nazi Austria at age nine with his parents, one of whom was an American citizen. He and Rose taught in New York City public schools for 30 years before relocating to New Mexico for retirement. This month, Rose and Emil celebrated 60 years of marriage. Emil was a leader in Albuquerque's peace and justice community, as well as labor and leftist movements.

A memorial service & celebration of Emil Shaw's life is being held today at Congregation Nahalat Shalom in Albuquerque. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made to your favorite charity, social justice organization or to Peoplesworld.org

Carol Oppenheimer, a friend of Emil's, said that the following song "People Like You" by Si Kahn (a union and community organizer) seems an appropriate tribute to Emil - his role in the lives and work of so many.

People Like You
 
Old fighter you sure took it on the chin
Where'd you ever get the strength to stand? 
Never giving up or giving in
You know I just want to shake your hand
 
And say that
People like you help people like me go on, go on
People like you help people like me go on
 
Old battler with a scar for every town
Thought you were no better than the rest 
You wore your colors every way but down
All you ever gave us was your best
 
And you know that
People like you help people like me go on, go on
People like you help people like me go on
 
Old dreamer with a world in every thought
Where'd you get the vision to keep on?
You sure gave back as good as what you got
I hope that when my time is almost gone
 
They'll say that
People like me help people like you go on, go on
Because people like you help people like me go on 

Comments

[James Morgan - Puritan Financial Advisor]

This month, Rose and Emil celebrated 60 years of marriage. Emil was a leader in Albuquerque's peace and justice community, as well as labor and leftist movements.

[college admission]

Emil Shaw did a lot for his country and deserves something more than just respect.