Dr. Edward Byer Shaw, a prominent San Francisco pediatrician who practiced pediatric medicine more than 60 years, died Wednesday, September 9, 1987 at his San Francisco home at the age of 92.

One of the country's most distinguished researchers into childhood infections, he also was an international authority on poliomyelitis. In 1962, Dr. Shaw headed the Bay Area's enormous campaign to immunize children against the crippling disease by giving them the Sabin vaccine.

Born in Olney, Ill., Dr. Shaw came to California in 1915 to take pre-med courses at the University of California at Berkeley. He was the son of Edward B. and Loutilla (Byer) Shaw. He married Johnsie Rowland in 1924 in Richland County Illinois,  and she preceded him in death in 1941.

He earned his medical degree in 1921 at the University of California at San Francisco.

After more training at Massachusetts General Hospital, he returned to San Francisco in 1924 and practiced for more than 60 years privately, at Children's Hospital and at UCSF.
He was chairman of the department of communicable diseases at Children's Hospital, leaving in 1958 to become chairman of UCSF's pediatrics department. He retired from that post in 1965.

The school named him emeritus professor, a post he held until shortly before his death. On his 90th birthday, he was seen working in his office and the staff gave him an impromptu party. Three years ago, UCSF established a chair in his name in the pediatrics department.

Dr. Shaw was a member of numerous medical groups and associations and helped found some of them. He was honored by many of them and wrote numerous medical papers.

He is survived by five children, Sarah McKee of San Rafael, George R. Stevenson of Mill Valley, Jennifer Miller of Aptos and Elizabeth Anderson and Mary Dedekam, both of Eureka; 16 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

Published in San Francisco Chronicle (CA) - Friday, September 11, 1987