An Edinburgh artist who created comic books to help others who had brain tumours has tragically died. Gordon Shaw was pronounced dead on Sunday September 11 with his family announcing the 'funny and loved' writer had passed away peacefully by his partner's side.
The 41-year-old began sharing his experiences after being diagnosed with a brain tumour at age 32 after first being told that he has suffered a stroke. He worked with the charity Brain Tumour Research to raise awareness of the devastating disease which kills more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer.
Initially diagnosed with a low-grade tumour, Gordon received the devastating news in December 2021 that it had developed into a highly aggressive glioblastoma (GBM) growth. He was given just three months to live.
Craig Shaw, Gordon's brother, wrote in a tribute: “Gordon passed away peacefully yesterday afternoon with his partner Shawn by his side, the way I know he would have wanted it. At this time, I can't put into words how much we all loved him, he was an incredible young man who not only fought this horrible disease for ten years but went out his way to help others along that journey.
"To say I'm proud of him really doesn't seem enough. I'd like to thank everyone who sent him videos, funny voice messages or came to visit him.
"Gordon loved to laugh so it was right we filled his last few days with some fantastic memories, to know he was loved by so many will certainly help us over the next weeks and months.”
Gordon’s partner, Shawn Puller, added in another tribute: “Yesterday afternoon, my partner Gordon Shaw passed away. For the past week his brother Craig and I have held vigil, wept tears, shared laughter and surrounded Gordon with love.
“Many thanks to those who sent messages, videos or stopped in to tell stories, hold his hand and reminisce. He was heroic. Truly, truly heroic.
“I don’t really have any words right now. The world is a better place for having had Gordon in it. I am a better man due to his love.”
Gordon produced five comic books around his experience of being diagnosed with the deadly cancer. The first three were aimed at family and friends and with the goal of helping them understand what it was like living with the disease.
The fourth, named Bittersweet, saw the Edinburgh artist switch the lens as he opened up about his own experience. His final comic focused on the role of unpaid carers.
Gordon’s brain tumour story and his long-distance love with Shawn, an American man he met in June 2017, was the focus of a BBC film Long Live My Happy Head. The film premiered at the BFI Flare Festival and was shown at cinemas across the UK.
The producer/directors of production company Melt The Fly, Will Hewitt and Austen McCowan, said: “Gordon will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humour, his empathy, kindness and generosity to others, and of course his irresistible smile and wonderfully expressive eyebrows.
"He will also be remembered for the beautiful and insightful comics and artwork he created which will continue to comfort and inspire all those who come into contact with it.
“Gordon was incredibly proud of the film we made together, as are his friends and family, and we are extremely grateful for the support you've shown in helping to share their story.
“Long Live His Happy Head.”
Hugh Adams, Head of Stakeholder Relations at Brain Tumour Research, said: “We’re deeply saddened to learn that Gordon has died from this devastating disease and our thoughts are with all those who knew and loved him.
“We are really grateful to Gordon for working with us, as it’s only with the support of people like him that we’re able to progress our research into brain tumours and improve the outcome for patients like Gordon who are forced to fight this awful disease.
“Brain tumours are indiscriminate. They can affect anyone at any time. Too little is known about the causes and that is why increased investment in research is vital.”
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