George Geza Shaw Jr.

1933 ~ 2024

George Geza Shaw, Jr. came into the world on 24 August, 1933, in Plainfield, New Jersey. He was the first child born to Olga Polgar Shaw and George Geza Shaw. George passed on 2 April, 2024 surrounded by his family in Munson Medical Center, Traverse City, Michigan. George was drafted out of high school during the Korean conflict. He served in the United States, where in Alabama he trained as a photo journalist for the army. Later he sailed with the Merchant Marines, on the Esso Norfolk out of Galveston, Texas to Maracaibo, Venezuela.

Afterwards, he spent time in Greenwich Village, Stony Brook Institute and University, where he met and married Maribeth Kingscote. Later, with Jim and Linda Harrison, they transferred to Michigan State University where he also met and became dear friends with Lyle and Maryanne Earl. When his friends returned to Northern Michigan, George and family came north too, moving to Northport, in 1964. George and Kaywin Dean had Rachael in the mid-seventies.

George was a poet and a writer in his soul and heart. He earned a living as a logger, long distance freight hauler and a lineman. George was an icon of Leelanau County, often seen at the Blue Bird or the Happy Hour, enjoying a bowl of chili, talking politics, and maybe taking in a Red Wings game. He was engaging to whomever was around him. He could also be found on the banks of the Carp River, casting a lure. George enjoyed spending time with his lady-friend Sandy Krolik for which they had a shared an interest in jazz, nature, and the Detroit Red Wings. First generation Hungarian, George was a published poet, passionate angler, lover of raptors and deeply possessive and protective of this, our beautiful planet. He also deeply appreciated and shared so many kinds of music.

George is survived by his daughters Gabrielle Shaw and Rachael Dean, grandchildren Sam Miller and Emily Miller, great grandchildren Justin Miller and Josephine Nielsen, all of Northport, Michigan. His sister June Shaw of Grass Valley, California and her daughter, his niece, Bethany June Shaw of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

George was preceded in death by his first wife, Marie Elizabeth Kingscote.

To all those who knew him, his absence is monumental.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 11th, 2024 from 2-5pm at Shady Trails Camp, 6880 Shady Trails Rd. Northport, MI 49670 Please share condolences with the family at www.martinson.info Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.