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William John Shields- It is with a tremendous sense of loss and sadness, we announce the death of our Dad on Friday, January 20th, 2017, at Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay. He passed peacefully, surrounded by his loving family.
Predeceased by his wife, Mary, and his siblings Charlie, Catherine, Betty, Mary, Bob, and Anne. Cherished by his family, sons Peter (Lynne), Mark (Gladys), and daughters, Pinky Franklin (Robert), Jennifer Jackson, and Rebecca Fairbairn. Beloved grandfather of Lee, Troy, Gordon, Alexander, David, Signy, Ali, Tad, Coby, Kate, Kelly, and Luke. Great grandfather of Grace, Percy, Zoe, Eva, Finna, Ruby, and Theo. “Uncle Bill” was adored by his many nieces and nephews and their families. He will be missed by his long-time companion Patsy Gillogly and her family.
Bill was born in Coboconk, Ontario on January 11th, 1921. Educated at St. Andrew’s College, he enlisted immediately after graduation in the RCAF. A pilot trained on Harvard, Lancaster and Halifax aircraft, he flew 32 bombing missions over Europe during WWII and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, and more recently the Bomber Command Bar. Bill continued his love of flying as a recreational pilot well into his seventies. Returning home from the war, Bill went to work with his father, Roy, at Shields’ Store, a hardware, grocery, and dry goods business in Coboconk which he eventually took over. He later expanded, acquiring hardware stores in Fenelon Falls and Bobcaygeon, and became a partner in a lumber business. Bill loved his life in the Kawarthas, and gave back to the community through committed involvement in service clubs including The Lions Club, The Masons, and The Legion. Bill was a Justice Of The Peace, a valued board member of Victoria Grey/National Trust, Sir Sandford Fleming College, Ross Memorial Hospital Foundation and elected member of the Victoria County School Board.
Bill was a real people person, always a gentleman - charming, handsome, witty, and charismatic - a natural storyteller with a wonderful sense of humour that endeared him to all he met. He made lifelong friends and kept them close, including those in his treasured Gull River Yacht, Bottle, and Racquet Club. Playing well into his late eighties, tennis was a passion he passed on to his children and grandkids, but only one of many sports he enjoyed, including skiing, waterskiing, golf, curling, and hockey. With no lock on the door, the family home in Coboconk was a hub of activity where anyone and everyone who stopped by was welcome. Thanks to devoted care by his son Peter and daughter Jenny, assisted by dedicated caregivers Annette, Arlene, Darlene, Kelly, Krista, Lisa, Paula Emily and Linda, Bill was able to stay in the family home to the end. Visitation for Bill will take place at the Mackey Funeral Home, 33 Peel Street, Lindsay on Friday, January 27th at 2:00 – 4:00 and 600 – 8:00. Funeral Service will be at Celebrations, 35 Lindsay Street North, Lindsay at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Coboconk Legion 519 or Ross Memorial Hospital would be appreciated. Online donations and condolences can be made at www.mackeys.ca

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