In 1939, he married Maui Timata i te Rui Cowan; the couple had 14 children, including two sets of twins.
He was succeeded by Lawrence Greig, who held the position in an acting capacity until Frederick Tutu Goodwin was appointed in 2001.
Short was appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) by Queen Elizabeth II in 1995.
In March 1997 he was appointed a commander of the Order of Tahiti Nui.
[1] Short died at his home in Muri Beach, Rarotonga, aged 95.