Leonard “Bud” Denis Shaw, 90, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2026, in Kennewick, Washington. Born on June 7, 1935, in Seattle, Bud lived a long, faith-filled life defined by kindness, service, and unwavering devotion to the Lord. To know Bud was to witness a true example of Christian love; he lived, breathed, and walked in his faith every day, teaching others through his gentle guidance and the way he treated everyone around him.

Bud is survived by his beloved wife, Margaret Shaw, who brought him 23 years of joy, laughter, and love. He would say daily that he was so blessed to have his “Margarete” as his partner in this life. He is also survived by his brother Gilbert (Neva) Shaw. Children Jeff (Deana) Shaw, Jennifer (Lenny) Ayres, Heather (Danny) Cuillier, Holly (Casey) Green, Crystal (Tony) Kalmbach, and Lori (Rhett Faulkner) Araujo; his grandchildren Katie (John) Bekhazi, Kayla (Wes Gardner) Shaw, Courtnie Shaw, Jace (Josey Plachta) Shaw, Ashlen (Kayla) Kima, Clayten (Jansen) Ayres, Kendall Cuillier, Lily Kalmbach, and Ava Kalmbach; and his great-grandchildren Logan and Brielle Bekhazi, McKenna, Ashton, and Charlie Gardner, Teagan and Tucker Shaw, Brody Leonard Ayres, Dallas Carroll Kima and Olive Wickenhauser. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, “adopted” grandkids, and his five cherished “Kitty Kitties.” Bud was preceded in death by his parents, Otis and Adeline Shaw; his siblings Madeline (Paul) Knabe, Bernie (Marlene) Shaw, and his twin Lenore (Jim) Rogers; and his first wife, LaVonne Shaw.

Bud’s family moved to Colton, Washington, in 1945 and later to Benton City in 1950. He proudly graduated with the Kiona-Benton High School Class of 1954, fondly remembering his days as the only left-handed catcher and joking about never winning a football game. He served in the United States Navy, where he discovered his passion for firefighting, a calling that led him to a career with the City of Kennewick Fire Department. He served with pride until retiring in 1975 due to a hearing disability. Bud remained a devoted member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church throughout his life. In his younger years, he enjoyed motorcycle riding, snowmobiling, and deer and elk hunting in The Colockum area with family and lifelong friends. After retiring from the fire department, he continued working in various roles, including driving bus with Basset Transit, Shaklee sales, rental property management—especially proud of “the big house”—and finally Westinghouse Hanford, retiring again in 1991 at age 56.

Bud loved traveling in his motorhome, whether riding motorcycles in Lil Naches, snowmobiling at Tollgate, or spending winters in Arizona with his brothers Bernie and Gilbert. He volunteered at the Peoria ballpark with the Sun Dancers during spring training for the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres, and he served at the Valley View and Westside Food Banks. In 2003, Bud married Margaret Araujo, who became his partner in every joy and challenge. Their days were filled with travel, shared stories, and just being together, all things that Bud treasured deeply. Bud was an avid sports fan and could often be found cheering on his grandchildren at games across the United States over the years. He embraced every child as if they were his own, offering encouragement, laughter, and his unforgettable hugs.

During the last 14 months of his life, as he faced COPD and his first-ever hospital stay at age 89, he was lovingly cared for by Margaret, the compassionate team at Solutions In-Home Care—especially Alexia Molina-Barrios (The family is forever grateful for the amazing care you gave to Bud)—and the supportive staff of Tri-Cities Chaplaincy.

Bud will be remembered for his warm hugs, infectious laugh, deep love for people, and his remarkable ability to forgive. His legacy of faith, kindness, and generosity will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Services will begin on Friday, March 6, at Einan’s at Sunset Funeral Home in Richland, Washington, with a viewing from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., a Rosary from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. On Saturday, March 7, a Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Kennewick, Washington. Burial will take place at Sunset Gardens Cemetery in Richland, Washington at 12:00 p.m., with a reception to follow at Garrett Electric, located at 284 Wellsian Way in Richland, Washington.

In honor of Bud’s lifelong love of sports, guests are welcome to wear Seattle Seahawks, Seattle Mariners, or Kennewick Lions attire. In lieu of donations please make donations to Bud’s Great Grandson Tucker Deans Go Fund Me at https://gofund.me/326c0f936