Recipient of new award exemplifies principles of Scouting

Eric Leake

Friday, Jan. 14, 2005 | 4:54 a.m.

WEEKEND EDITION

January 15 - 16, 2005

While Southwest Gas Chief Executive Jeffrey Shaw was adventuring in the Texas wilds as a young Boy Scout troop leader, he was also learning the skills for his professional life.

"I learned that you lead by serving those that are in the troop, helping them to be successful. I think that same thing applies to my job today," Shaw said.

Shaw and his family were awarded the inaugural Lloyd D. George Family Values Award on Wednesday at an event sponsored by and to benefit the Las Vegas International Scouting Museum.

The award is named for the longtime U.S. District Court judge and recognizes families who exemplify Scouting values. Shaw said those values -- especially trustworthiness -- were learned early in his Scouting career.

"I think that's one of the first things Scouting teaches, to be trustworthy and loyal," he said.

Shaw was a Cub Scout as a boy and earned his Eagle Scout at age 15. As an adult he has continued working with the program as a Scoutmaster and through the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Shaw's wife, Cynthia, served as a Webelos leader. His son, Michael, 14, is a Life Scout working toward his Eagle Scout.

"Mostly it's fun to go on a camp-out and be with friends around a campfire and stuff. It's a good experience," Michael said. "It gives you something to work for and teaches you to set goals."

Michael said he may do something at Opportunity Village as his Eagle Scout project.

When asked his fondest Scouting memories, Shaw tells about a Scoutmaster who had the boys pull dandelion greens from the yard.

"We boiled them and we ate them," Shaw said. "All the butter in the world wouldn't make them taste good, but I learned you could eat them and wouldn't die."

Shaw said the Scouting movement is strong in Las Vegas and that he accepts the award on the behalf of those families that make it so.

"It's certainly an honor," he said. "I have many friends who have families who are equally or more deserving than I am."