MOUNT VERNON - Verne Richard Shaw, 52, passed away at home Wednesday, May 24, 2006, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Washington, D.C., March 13, 1954, the son of Samuel and Beverly Shaw. Verne was an extraordinary soul, loved by all who met him. He was an avid outdoor athlete who set physical challenges for himself and achieved them. He enjoyed canoeing and kayaking, was a triathlete and completed in the Portland Marathon. Since 1982, Verne worked as both a land and construction surveyor, most recently as project engineer for Cianbro Corporation. He was highly respected by his colleagues in the surveying community, many considering him a personal and professional mentor. He served the local community as emergency medical technician for Mount Vernon Rescue, an example of his compassionate nature and willingness to give of himself to others. Verne will be remembered for his sense of humor, his practical outlook on life and his respect for nature. His greatest joy was his family and friends whom he loved unconditionally. He is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Jennifer (Elliott) Shaw, of Mount Vernon; three sons, Aaron and Jarred, of Mount Vernon and Brian and his companion, Michelle Lewis, of Winthrop; his mother, Beverly Shaw, of Mount Vernon; three sisters, Kathy Stern and her husband, Ben, of Mount Vernon, Bonnie Linder and her husband, Steve, of Fairfax, Va., and Susan Lockhart and her husband, Byron, of Presque Isle; along with many nieces and nephews. He was loved deeply by many friends and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. A celebration of Verne's life will be held at 4 p.m. July 8 at his home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney St., Boston, MA 02115-6084. Arrangements are in the care of Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin St., Winthrop.