Renowned filmmaker David Shaw-Smith to be laid to rest in Mayo
David Shaw-Smith, acclaimed filmmaker, photographer and archivist of Irish life and times, has passed away at a nursing home in Mayo after a long illness.
Mr. Shaw-Smith, along with his wife, Sally, produced the multi-award winning series of 37 documentaries, Hands, for RTE in the 1970s.
For decades, the couple travelled the length and breadth of the country capturing on film the final years of traditional rural and urban life.
A native of Dublin, Mr. Shaw-Smith joined RTE television when it set up in 1961.
In 1970 he set up is own TV production company.
Mr. Shaw-Smith, who passed away at the weekend in Friars Lodge Nursing Home, Ballinrobe, lived near Lough Carra, Carnacon.
In his death notice, published today, his family described him as “a wonderful father, grandfather and friend."
The death posting continued: “(He was) a brilliant filmmaker, photographer and archivist of Irish life and crafts.
“His warmth, humour, curiosity and enthusiasm enriched all who came to know him, both in person and through his films.”
Private family prayers and burial service will be held on Thursday at Burriscarra Abbey, close to his home.
A celebration of his life will be held at a future date.
He is survived by his wife Sally, all his children, their spouses, grandchildren, extended family, friends and neighbours, to whom deepest sympathy is tendered.
May his gentle soul rest in peace.
In a tribute to the deceased, President Michael D. Higgins said: "Not only those who recall the wonderful texture of the film series Hands but all those with an interest in Irish culture and history will have been deeply saddened on hearing of the death of David Shaw-Smith.
"As a nation, we owe him a debt of gratitude for his work documenting the arts and crafts traditions across our island, as immortalised in the documentaries in his ‘Hands’ series.
"His loss will be felt most acutely by his family, to whom I convey my deepest condolences, and my wish is that they draw comfort from, and can share in the deep appreciation that exists for the unique legacy on Irish life and film that he has left us."