Known throughout the District and beyond for his passion and zeal in Rotary's fight against Polio, Centennial President of the Yonkers-East Yonkers Club,and District Polio Plus Committee Co-Chair Shaw Latif suddenly passed away today, 9 October. A kind, gentle and generous soul, Shaw was a Major Donor Level 2 to The Rotary Foundation. He joined Rotary in May 2004 and this was his second stint as Club President. Shaw has been District Polio Plus Committee Chair for a number of years and organized a large fundraiser for Polio Plus in April 2018. He was deeply involved in the planning of his Club's April 2020 centennial observance, as well as a fundraising gala for Polio Plus this November. Shaw loved wearing his numerous Rotary pins with his bow ties and was seen at many Rotary events with his camera snapping pictures of almost everyone present. One of his last District appearances was with his District Polio Plus Committee Co-Chair Eileen Gallagher at the Chappaqua Club on Tuesday, speaking passionately about the importance of the complete eradication of Polio. On Wednesday, he was presiding over the Club's Regular meeting, when he felt unwell and left the meeting.. Minutes after he left the meeting, he suddenly passed out. He was rushed to the White Plains Hospital, where all efforts to revive him failed. Club President-Elect Steve Simpson, announced the sad news to Club members in an email sent out by Secretary Barbara Hanna.
In a message, District Governor Mahbub Ahmad recalled Shaw's extensive contribution towards Rotary's causes and the passion with which he approached the fight against Polio. His Club, District and the Rotary family have lost a dedicated and exemplary Rotarian. On behalf of District 7230, DG Mahbub extended his deepest condolences to Shaw's bereaved family and fellow Rotarians.
"Although fate has struck Shaw down, it is not victorious as Shaw did so much to aid others in need and his life was victorious through the lives of all those that he aided."
Shaw is survived by his wife Aura Latif and his 3 children, Anissa, Raisza and Adam.