John W. Shaver

Commander John W. Shaver, U.S Navy, RET. 92, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, peacefully passed away on October 2, 2025. He was born in El Paso, Texas, the son of John W. Shaver, Sr, and Catherine Nava Shaver.

He is survived by his cousins, Irene B. Martinez, Kathleen B. Smith, Mitzi B. Wencewicz, Marti Brandtner, and their families.

John graduated from Deming High School and attended UNM in Albuquerque, NM. He joined the Navy upon graduation and completed 4 years of active duty. John attended UNM Law School at the age of 27 and gained employment with the NM Attorney's Office in Santa Fe where he worked about three years. He left that employment to complete a finance degree at New York University and secured a job with an international oil company where he spent the next 20 years abroad in Spain, Uruguay, Peru, Guatemala and Bolivia. He was hired as an international lawyer for his extraordinary bilingual ability in Spanish and English, in both written and spoken language. His 4 years of active duty in the US Navy and 30 years in the Navy Reserves was his proudest accomplishment.

John had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, was an avid reader, and sought out opportunities to be challenged. He had many professional interests in his life, invested in several businesses, and continued to practice law over the years.

John was a person of immense conviction and his intensity shaped every facet of his life. While those who knew John understood he had a very specific way of doing things, they also knew that same drive lead to many of his accomplishments. His relationships were complex but filled with many meaningful moments replete with humor, entertainment and friendship.

So, to John we say, "Fair winds and following seas."

In May of 2023, John requested a living memorial and a ceremony was held at the Sheraton Inn to honor John, allowing him to hear first- hand the love and appreciation from family and friends and provided an uplifting experience to celebrate John, share memories and hear tributes. Although John could not physically attend, the event was videotaped and he was able to watch it as often as he wished.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Randy Asselin and Ed Gailbreath who continued to maintain their friendship with John, by phone and regular visits. John looked forward to discussing politics and world affairs with them and regaling them with stories of his life.

The family would like to thank the staff at Sandia Senior Suites and High Desert Hospice for the wonderful care provided to John. His tenacious spirit kept them on their toes.