Jack Shields

Jack Shields (John Andrew)

It is with great sadness that the Shields family announces the passing of Jack on 17 March, loving husband of Betty, proud father of Jackie, Jill, Jenny (John) and Jeff (Carla) and the best grandfather to Blaire, Jake, Gryffin and new arrival Jackson. Jack was born in 1937 to Jack and Agnes Shields in the small Saskatchewan farming community of Nokomis, and his natural love for the land was reflected in his study of Agriculture and Soil Science at the University of Saskatchewan and University of California Davis, where he was a awarded a B.S.A, Masters and a PhD. Jack enjoyed his 33.5 year career for Agriculture Canada, during which he played a major role in classifying Canada's soils and his work alongside his colleagues greatly facilitated agrologists in characterizing the response of crops to their environment. He also found time to be an enthusiastic partner in Betty's Kitchen, the family business. He enjoyed baseball and curling growing up and was a nimble second baseman in the local men’s fastball league – always representing the BK team with class. He passed on his enthusiasm for sport by coaching his children’s softball teams. Later he became a revered member of the Nomad ultimate Frisbee club. His unparalleled belief, support and wisdom helped propel the team to become national and international champions. He was a skilled handyman and enjoyed puttering around and maintaining the cottage. He was always happy if a project was underway particularly if he’d recruited his children and friends to help! We will miss his twinkling eyes and warm hugs. The family wish to express their love and gratitude to Sarally Reyes who helped care for Jack during his illness (Lewy Body), Good Companions and Harmer House for the wonderful day programs, the Guest House and Forest Hill for their kind care and the Alzheimers Society for the advice and guidance. A memorial service will be held on May 6 at Arlington Woods Church (225 McClellan Rd, Nepean) at 3:30 with visitation prior to the service at 2:30. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to http://support.alzheimer.ca/site/TR/WFA/WFA_ON_OttawaandRenfrewCounty?team_id=6414&pg=team&fr_id=1243 .