LITTLETON – Cedric Miller Shaw, 91, husband of Emily Estes Shaw, died March 11, 2008, at a local hos-pital. He was born March 30, 1916, in Littleton, the son of Joseph and Lily (Miller) Shaw. Cedric graduated as salutatorian of Ricker Classical Institute, Class of 1933, where he lettered in football and as a member of the Drum and Bugle Core. After graduating from Ricker Junior College in 1934, Cedric returned to his roots, joining his father, Joseph, in operating the family farm on the Littleton land first cleared by his grandfather, Tamberlin Shaw, in 1867. Cedric’s dedication to his family’s potato farming tradition expanded to include the entire farm community of Littleton. He expressed his pride in his hometown through his life long public service as a member of the school board and an active member of the building committee, which initiated the construction of Littleton Consolidated Elementary School. For many years, Cedric created and maintained the town’s road signs, most recently the “Littleton” sign marking the town boundaries on US Highway One. A deeply Christian man in the truest sense of the word, Cedric joined Littleton Baptist Church in 1928 and remained a faithful member throughout his life, serving wherever needed in the chair, as a trustee and for many years as a church deacon, receiving an “Honorary Deacon for Life” award in 2002. Cedric loved to interact with the church’s young people and as a leader of the Boys Brigade organized a variety of activities each year to include an annual excursion to the top of Mount Katahdin. He was man of many interests. He loved reading all types of literature, politics and any kind of mechanical challenge. He was also passionate about aircraft and received his pilot’s license in 1960. As a charter member of Houlton International Flying Club, one of his most enjoyable pastimes was to treat his friends and neighbors to sightseeing flights over Northern Aroostook County. Cedric’s most remarkable achievement, for which he has received statewide recognition, is his preservation of a way of life which has passed from the scene, but which was once the heart blood of Aroostook County. After retiring from farming in 1978, Cedric and his wife, Emily created on their farm “The Pastime Museum,” a collection of antique farm memorabilia donated by farm families throughout the county and restored to working order by Cedric and Emily. This museum was featured in Articles in the Bangor Daily News and was a tour site for many visitors and agricultural groups from 1988 until 2002 when the entire collection was donated to the new Southern Aroostook Agricultural Museum, Littleton, where he was its most knowledgeable and most revered staff member. He was a quiet and thoughtful man who was happiest when helping others and serving his church and community. Cedric is survived by his wife of 64 years, Emily (Estes) Shaw; 24 nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Phyllis Foren; two brothers, Vaughn Shaw and Laurel Shaw; and his life long best friend, Henry McBride. Friends may call noon until the time of service at 1 p.m. Saturday at Dunn Funeral Home with the Rev. Steve Straubel officiating. Interment will be in the spring at Littleton Cemetery. Gifts may be made in Cedric’s memory to Southern Aroostook Agricultural Museum, Littleton United Baptist Church or charity of one’s choice, care of Dunn Funeral Home, 11 Park St., Houlton, ME 04730.
CEDRIC M. SHAW
