Gerald "Gerry"-Shields-Obituary

Photo courtesy of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home & Crematory - Helena

Gerald "Gerry" Francis Shields

Helena, Montana

Nov 9, 1943 – Apr 1, 2023 (Age 79)

About

BORN
November 9, 1943
DIED
April 1, 2023
AGE
79
LOCATION
Helena, Montana

Obituaries

Send Flowers

Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home & Crematory - Helena Obituary

Gerald Francis Shields, 79, died unexpectedly in Helena on April 1, was a devoted husband to his wife Pat, and an internationally respected evolutionary research biologist, and a gifted teacher with a lifelong interest in ornithology. His academic career spanned five decades. He was the James...

Read More

Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

So sorry to learn that Dr. Shields has passed on. I took genetics class from him at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks in the Fall Semester - 1987. He wrote a recommendation letter for me to go pursue my master's degree (and I was successful in that). Rest in peace, highly respected and much admired Dr.Shields.

I am so sorry to hear of this. Dr. Shields was a very well liked and respected faculty member at University of Alaska Fairbanks. He and his wife Pat (workjng in the Business office) were kind and giving people who were always finding ways to help others. Best wishes and positive thoughts to Pat and all of the family.

Sending sincere thoughts and prayers to all of the Shield´s Family. We were so saddened to hear of Gerry´s passing. Sharing in your sorrow, and wishing you all peace and strength in the days ahead. Sincerely, Gary, Susan Doran & Family

Pat and family, so sorry for your loss. It has been many years since we worked together Pat, but I often think of you. Sending prayers and hugs to you.

So sorry to hear of Gerald's passing. You were both so kind to me when you came to the HAC to lift some weights. I miss seeing you both. Carol (former CC custodian)

He was a great mentor in College. I remember with particular fondness our student trip to Walla Walla to present our research and a side trip to go wine tasting.

From our first meeting at his and Pat´s home receiving a welcome to the neighborhood with a drink, a smile and a warm hello to many times together over the last eight years....Gerry was one of the kindest, intelligent, dedicated and helpful gentleman I´ve ever known. He will always be missed and remembered in my heart. Sending my love and sympathy to Pat, his family and friends, Karen Willis

A great human being beautifully described in a wonderful obituary. It did not include sunburned feet from awful sandals but a man of Gerry's stature was allowed. to wear whatever he liked. He brought love to my sister, joy to our children, and great pride and respect to our families. I had 3 biological brothers...Gerry was my fourth. Someday I will tell you the story of a Toronto wine steward stating, "That wine, sir, hath no cork."