Roy T Shaw of Sturgis, South Dakota, passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 3, 2026 at his home. He was born on June 12, 1949 in Sturgis, SD to David J and Zola M Shaw. Growing up in the small town of Red Owl, SD, he was known as Roy Thomas to all.

Roy Thomas started his education in a one room school house in Re Owl. When it was time to attend high school, he had room and board in Sturgis during the week and home to Red Owl on the weekends, where he learned about mechanics from his Dad by taking “gines” apart and putting them back together! His Dad, David said he was a genius! His pet raccoon, Molly, was a helper by stealing nuts and bolts and hiding them. His pal, Old Pup, was always by his side or riding his Vespa with him, He might have been out after dark hunting rabbits too! RT graduated from Sturgis High School in 1967. He attended Black Hills State University in Spearfish.

Immediately after high school graduation, RT married Sheila McVay and they ventured to Covina, California where RT worked at Datex/Conrac Corp for 3 years. South Dakota was calling them home so they came back to Red Owl/Sturgis.

RT and Sheila recently celebrated 59 years of marriage. Together they raised two daughters, Michelle Tech and Stephanie Musilek. Three grandsons were added to the family, Davd Musilek, Grayson Tech and Jonah Musilek. RT loved his grandsons more than anything! He taught a strong work ethic, sense of humor, compassion, and many other life lessons.

The best way to describe RT’s work life was entrepreneur. He was self-employed much of his career and was a risk taker who found success in nearly every endeavor. His occupations included owning a TV&Appliance store, selling insurance and real estate, teaching at VoTech, managing and owing campgrounds.

RT played an important role in the growth and development of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally over several decades. Alongside Gary Lippold, he designed, built and operated the Sturgis Dragway. He ran the All Harley Drags for several years, attracting some of the fastest, biggest names in the motorcycle race world. He managed Glencoe Camp Resort and owned and operated Hog Heaven Campground. He was involved in short track and half mile races with the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club, helped establish the National Motorcycle Museum and served in numerous volunteer and leadership roles that supported both the rally and the Sturgis Community.

RT was a Past Master of the Olive Branch Masonic Lodge in Sturgis, Naja Shriner and a member of the Scottish rite. He loved to hunt, fish and camp with family and friends, including fishing trips with buddies to Canada, pheasant hunting, and catching fish on the Missouri River from his boat.

He loved cars, motorcycles- basically anything that had an engine. His prize possessions over the years were a ’55 Chevy, ’64 Chevy Malibu, 442 Olds, ’46 Plymouth street rod that he rescued from a hay field and Single Jim’s Harley.

RT was a “people person” who loved to laugh, tease and work hard. He was also very active in the community, serving on several boards and mentoring young people, in which he found much satisfaction.

Survivors include his wife, Sheils (McVay) Shaw, daughters, Michelle Tech and Stephanie Musilek, son-in-law Tony Musilek, grandsons David Musilek, Grayson Tech and Jonah Musilek, sister Connie (Chuck) Braden, sister-in-law Janet Mattern, brother-in-law Don (Rita) McVay, several nieces and nephews and many treasured friends.

RT was preceded in death by his parents, David and Zola Shaw, his in-laws, Leonard and Alta McVay, and maternal and paternal grandparents.

Please join the family for a celebration of RT's life at the Sturgis Brewing Company immediately following the service