Lives Less Ordinary: Ian Shaw - directed by Mike Christie

I uploaded the intro to this documentary previously, and had some requests to upload the whole documentary, so here it is.
As I say elsewhere, this documentary - about Ian Shaw, an amazing man - was made in 18 days start to finish, late 2001. Shot in Canada, it remains one of my own favourite docs. It also heavily influenced one of my latest docs 'I Can't Believe I'm Telling You This' (more soon on that one).
Presented by Kirsty Wark.

[@FLT111]

Ian Shaw is still alive, he's 84 years old now. He featured in a Swiss/German documentary (which can be found on KZbin) on the crash of SWR111.

[@devn3813]

Do you have a link to that documentary?

[@alexis_ian]

Here is the link to documentary kzbin.info/www/bejne/npWakGOmhpyHnZo

[@devn3813]

@@alexis_ian thanks

[@UAM-]

@@devn3813 I was looking for him after I saw him on an episode of mayday and wondered how he was doing now Thanks for the link

[@stevenrinaldo]

well done my friend. I am a film maker in Toronto presently, lost with my own loss on the same plane. I walked from downtown Halifax all the way to Peggy's Cove, crying the entire way here. I think I walked a total of sixty km's that day, no one picking me up because what I understood later, I was crying so my face might have been a little scary.. You have inspired me, just wanted you to know that.

[@tonythomas5153]

I was really hoping to meet Mr. Shaw this year but I'm thankful he has found healing in time and has returned to his wife and hopefully peace. I was the chief engineer on Canadian Dive vessel Sechelt. Other than the amazing fishing families of that area that scoured the waters immediately, we arrived later, just before daybreak. Little did we know this would be our new home for the next several weeks. The morning was beautiful Sept. 3rd, the water like glass. Unfortunately, from what the sun showed us, we knew there were no survivors. The time on that site consumed me. (I can only speak for me) What we did see was the ocean surface totally covered in personal debris as far as you could see, and the stench of jet fuel was gagging. Later, orders were for the dive teams to search for the black boxes that we did locate and brought topside. After much discussion by the government, Swiss Air, and grieving families, the most difficult task of all is one I still struggle with. We were to dive on the actual fuselage that was a twisted broken imitation of itself on the ocean floor. The search was for,..victims. I will stop there. I hadn't been able to visit that area until the 20th anniversary. A place I avoided and never wanted to think of for 20 years had now, for some reason, started to call upon me. I did visit that year. The two memorials where I said nothing but a small prayer for those that were lost. My wife, held my hand quietly. She knew I needed to come back. I had to face the memories. I feel odd just typing this. I was alive but not really living for years, when so many lost their lives there and many more again grieving. PTSD ( a term not even coined in 98). I didn’t know why I felt so lost, scared, furious, weak, ...all of the above. PTSD ! It took a long time, a lot of help and love. Now, with 25 years on Sept. 2nd this year, I was going to visit Nova Scotia. A visit to the memorials, more prayer and possibly have a sit-down with Mr. Shaw. But I am very happy he has reunited with his love back on the other side of the planet 😊 I will be visiting his "Shaw's Landing" restaurant anyway. I just need to. ❤ Thank you for your documentary.

[@freddurst2758]

He really is one of the most interesting dudes that I've read/heard of. Sucks this happened to him. His menu looks amazing tho!

[@brahms77]

A wonderful documentary on a wonderful man.I was very touched by the Swissair incident,and knowing how Ian Shaw dealed with that tragedy still gives me important lessons on how important love and life are. Mr.Shaw sold the restaurant and reunited with his family in Spain;hope they'll finally find their peace,like their beloved Stephanie.

[@StupidNames]

What a strong man, knowing he was broken and had to be left alone. What a loving husband, knowing that he still loved his wife but was so hurt by the lose of his daughter, that he needed space. What a giving father that he made sure his living son was taken care of financially so that he could to be closer to his dead daughter by giving up everything.

[@misterfreeze6545]

What a beautiful, moving story, and so well done! It puts a human perspective on such a tragic event and you can feel these people's loss. I came across this while trying to learn more about Mr. Shaw's involvement with Swiss watches, which now seems superficial. Instead, he has reminded me of what is more important.

[@smittysmitjr7725]

One of the nicest people I’ve ever meet my mom worked at the sea side cottages and I always when to his store

[@doom_81]

An amazing person. Great documentary.

[@guymerritt4860]

He looked inward, in his grief, and found the things which truly matter the most. Fascinating, and, inspirational.

[@lilli9408]

I like the beginning. It makes you realise that no matter what happens, the next day will begin, the sun will rise. Would be really interesting to know how the family are doing today. Ian must be around 80 today I think?

[@nomiddlenamenmn427]

I agree. The hardest part of a nearly devastating loss is the world moves on even while you are mourning, as it should. It is healing to see those not shedding tears with you.

[@dalepointer9414]

❤️ Love is eternal It's loss defined Memory is a carriage Which carries time Tethers and links Smiles and tears Joy and reflection Framed through the years A body of flesh Skin and bone Dust and sand A soul not alone A father and daughter The golden length A blanket of memories To reinforce the strength Love has no boundary Nor space nor time It is everlasting And is well defined For the lives lost on Swiss Flight 111 and their loved ones. This tragedy is strongly felt.

[@GrumpyOldMan9]

These things happen. They always have. It's the way you deal with them that counts. He did OK. Still, the irony is hard to ignore. His daughter was raised in a world of luxury, and it was one of those luxuries (a faulty inflight entertainment system for first-class) that eventually lead to her demise.

[@movementsnacks]

very moving, a great documentary.

[@navneenavnit]

It is a touching story. Appreciate the gutsy character of this great man Ian Shaw. Its so hard, I mean so freaking hard to live in a place where you have lost someone who is your daughter. His love for his wife, son and daughter is amazing. Every time I watch an aircraft in the sky, this incident strikes me. Ian has explained it so well with an example of the moving water. Touching. No words to express his loss. Jesus, bless us all.

[@adaml72]

This is really very touching. I cannot imagine, I just cannot imagine his families' grief and loss. Thank you for sharing. I feel heart sore just watching this documentary. His love for his wife and the story he tells is beautiful. How is Ian doing now? Anyone?

[@cindymacdonald8655]

My heart goes out to him. What an amazing man. ❤️

[@stephenfalken]

Exceptional documentary about an amazing man who's story saddens me to the heart. I have the Mayday (Air Crash Investigation) episode with his appearence, so seeing this was great. Does anyone know if he is still owns the restaurant or is even residing in Nova Scotia today? Regards

[@masonemley8897]

Luke's Plays I believe he retired and sold the restaurant to spend more time with his family.

[@zc6346]

You did a great job sir. Very touching,very sad and very inspiring.

[@jonathanrex]

We all know that Ian has found his way of grieving at Peggys Cove. Of course, the location is not chosen at random. The generosity of his wife in allowing him to make this declaration can only be explained by deep love.

[@thunderbugcreative7778]

Amazing and heartbreaking/warming story. I would love to meet Ian at Shaws landing one day and please can you make another doc about Norm and the Stone forge....something tells me he like Ian is also a Legend. Cheers!

[@degeneve.mireillemireille7928]

Atroce crash, car M Shaw a perdu sa fille Stéphanie , qui a fait le choix du mauvais vol pour rentrer + vite à GENÈVE Elle aurait pu prendre le vol de Zurich, mais elle s est trouvée au mauvais endroit au mauvais moment Pauvre famille et pauvre Stéphanie !

[@ajayyadav1281]

its indeed the courage of Mr.IAN Shaw. I am an Indian , after watching the Swiss Air 111 Crash Documentary , i felt so sad.... But The Mr.Shaw is very courageous..... i wish i can visit this place The SHAW's Landing. Yadu Ajay

[@bigdaddydaddy3203]

What an amazing man I’d love to hug him tight

[@porusky]

Brilliant

[@Piggybjorn]

a very touching story, but Ian Shaw has already sells his restaurant and move to France (if I dont get wrong). God bless you always, sir.

[@EricDMZ-Canada]

In in 2007, Ian Shaw sold the restaurant and moved to Spain.

[@nancydavis1391]

HIS DAUGHTER WOULD NOT WANT HIM TO KEEP MOURNING....MY SISTER DIED OF CANCER 20 YRS AGO AND ITS STILL HARD FOR ME. BUT WE MUST MOVE ON AND LET THE PAST GO.

[@attilakonkoly4329]

@@nancydavis1391 Rest in Peace! ♥️🙏🙏🙏

[@erichermans4686]

It's better weather in Spain.

[@YAMAgirl1000]

Very special video, even if I cried all the time

[@luizcarlosdefreitasandrade3531]

gostei muito desse documentario,a primeira vez que o vi foi no documentario Mayday Desastres Aereos,fiquei muito triste com a historia.Queria conhecer o restaurante e voces mais nao tenho como viajar ate ai,moro em Curitiba-PR-Brasil,America do Sul.

[@maggiemuthu9818]

I wish one day i can meet Mr Shaw.

[@Hot80s]

i'd imagine the boyfriend's devastation as well, after all she went to nyc to be with him

[@sebastiangonzalezgonzalez2183]

My your daughter rest in peace🙌🇨🇭

[@nancydavis1391]

POOR MAN...BUT STEFANIE WOULD WANT HIM TO FIND HAPPINESS....

[@SuperSilverado11]

I once stayed with Ian and his wife at their home in Switzerland, but have lost touch with them now unfortunately. Has anyone got an email address? Chris Duffy

[@annajankowska8011]

Wielka miłość i tęsknota za córką - w tym miejscu jakby blisko niej...też mam córkę. Wszystkiego dobrego. Poland.

[@hopeless128]

is this video on any other server anywhere so it can be watched with audio... It seems such a touching doco to watch

[@attilakonkoly4329]

One's duleur out of 229! Does her daughter love to eat lobster? If yes I understand why he is preparing lobsters every day, thinking he is steel cooking for his daughter! Never this happen to no one! He's daughter is with him in his heart!

[@dennisardakis5857]

Are Ian and Gudula still alive? And what happened to their son Olivier?

[@dennisardakis5857]

@Ed Kahler How do you know they're still alive? Do you have contact with them? They're ACTUALLY alive at this moment ... in these terrible times of COVID-19?

[@erichermans4686]

@@dennisardakis5857 terrible very much so

[@lilli9408]

They were featured on a documentary about the crash that aired in 2021. They are together and also said that they are happy. Their son Olivier was not in the film.

[@dennisardakis5857]

@@lilli9408 You mean 2022?

[@chopinjaco]

best documentory ever sorry for my English i know so mutch this storry

[@lorenarodriguez3689]

🙏

[@stephenfalken]

Why does my comment about the missing sound keep disappearing?

[@stephenfalken]

I can't believe the audio for the entire documentary has been removed! Wake up youtube!

[@shanenunlist7607]

Srf

[@soicuw]

youtube censorship!!!

[@chopinjaco]

i made a comentaty 5 years ago but i like so this video and sorry for my engilsh but who care anyway this crash of your dauther shephanie like the other its so she shame

[@erichermans4686]

A sob story, projecting his hopes into his daughter and then she dies