WILFRED JOHN SHIELDS

1926 - 2015

SHIELDS

It is with great sadness that the family of Wilfred John Shields announces his passing on October 28, 2015 at the Didsbury Hospital at the age of 89 years. Wilf was born on the family farm in Chinook, Alberta on May 9, 1926 – the second son of Claude and Matilda Shields. The family later moved to Strathmore where they farmed. Another move followed to east Didsbury and finally to west Didsbury where Wilf attended Clover Mount School. Wilf played goal for the Westcott hockey team with three of his brothers. He always loved hockey and the rodeo. Wilf worked as a farmhand for Norman Tuggle, Earl Klinck and Ervin Klinck which likely fueled his love of farming. In order to be sure of his life path, he moved to Calgary and worked at the CPR train yards before taking a barber course; however his return to the farm was hastened by the illness of his father. After the death of his father, Wilf remained on the farm to assist his mother. Several years passed before his youngest brother David joined him, followed years later by his nephews Allan and Cory Shields. He remained on the farm until his passing. Wilf was predeceased by his parents Claude and Matilda Shields, his brother and sister-in-law Swede and Jean Shields, brothers-in-law Marcel Faucher and Ray Pasloske, brother and sister-in-law Vance and Alice Shields, and niece Brenda Shields. Wilf will be missed by his siblings Cecil (Sylvia) Shields, Marg Faucher, Marjorie (Jack) Young, Florence Pasloske and David (Kathy) Shields, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, friends and neighbours. At the request of Wilf there will be no service. "Your legacy lives on, your love of the land, and we will close the gate" From the poem "Close the Gate" by Nancy Kraayenhof Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., Didsbury entrusted with arrangements. 403-335-4773 www.heartlandfuneralservices.com