In Memoriam: Shane Carew, the Ultimate Club Man

We are saddened to announce the passing of Seattle Rugby Club legend Shane Carew.

A true friend and mentor to so many over the years, Shane was a rugby man through and through. He served on the Seattle Rugby Club Board of Directors until his passing, and he will be deeply missed.

Our hearts and prayers go out to Shane's family.

A club man

Shane came to Seattle Rugby Club in the 1980s, and in every way that matters, he never left. He took his game overseas for a stint with Wasps in England, then came home and kept playing for the club for many years. When his playing days were done he stayed on: as an alum, as a mentor, and as a member of our board.

Few people did more to connect the generations of this club. Shane helped bridge Seattle Rugby Club and Old Puget Sound Beach, and he was one of our great historians. He had a big hand in organizing the club's history, including the club timeline that lives on our website today. In recognition of his decades of commitment, he received Seattle Rugby Club Challenge Coin #29.

Just a few weeks ago, he was with us at the Battle of the Border as the Orcas took on the Ravens. That's where you'd find Shane: wherever the club was.

A great man off the field, too

Shane brought the same commitment to his work and his community. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Tulane University Law School, he earned a master's degree in maritime law from University College London and built a career of more than 40 years as a trial lawyer. Through his firm, Carew Law Office, he practiced admiralty and maritime law and fought for clients in legal malpractice cases, and he was named a Super Lawyer every year from 2021 through 2026.

He gave just as much to West Seattle. Shane was named Rotarian of the Year in 2010 and served as President of the Rotary Club of West Seattle in 2014–15, leading efforts that included the West Seattle Grand Parade, the Pencil Me In For Kids school-supply drive, and a holiday shopping spree for children in need.

Thank you, Shane

We are thankful for everything Shane gave to this club and to the rugby community: his time, his memory, his friendship and his example. He was a great man on and off the field.

We will share details about a memorial and celebration of life as soon as we have them.

Shane, never above you. Never below you. Always by your side.