Daniel R. Shields

Dr. Daniel R. Shields, 90, passed away peacefully on Memorial Day, May 25, 2015. He had been in failing health for several years; a recent fall was one of the very few obstacles in his long life that he could not find a way to overcome. Born in Sugar Grove, IL on December 18, 1924, Dan was the baby of the John E. and Hazel L. Shields family. While an excellent student at SGHS, his first true love was sports. If it could be thrown, hit, kicked or caught, he was in the game with his whole heart. Dan attended Harvard College but, interrupted his education to enlist in the U.S. Navy, serving as a Pharmacist's Mate during World War ll. He returned to finish his education at Harvard and graduated from Harvard Medical School in 1950 with his second true lovea life-long passion for old-school, hands-on medicine. While completing his surgical training in the Boston area, Dan was invited to play golf; the rest is history. Moving to Maine in 1954, Dan joined the surgical staffs of both Central Maine General Hospital (now Central Maine Medical Center) and St. Mary's General Hospital in Lewiston. He was active in numerous medical associations and held many staff positions at CMGH, becoming the first physician to be elected to their Board of Trustees. Outside his medical practice, Dan remained active in many sports in all seasons, most especially golf! His proudest athletic achievement was winning the Maine State Amateur Golf Championship in 1966. He married Marlene E. Ross at Clearwater Lake, Industry, ME on July 19, 1975; they made their home in Lewiston until 1998. Dan's greatest love was his family; Marlene, his three children from his first marriage Steven, Sally and David, and finally John. A chronic neck issue forced Dan to retire from his urology practice in 1987. Compelled to give up both medicine and golf, Dan pulled up his Big Boy Pants, bought a boat, and "went fishin'"! He also spent those years as a devoted hockey dad, a vocal fan and critic of all Boston sports teams, and a proud, happy Dad and Grampa who loved watching our family grow! The cottage at Clearwater Lake became the hub of summer fun and a place where family, friends, kids, and dogs are always welcomed with open arms. Dan and Marlene moved to Punta Gorda in 1998, returning to the lake in Maine each summer until 2014. He was a charter member and former president of the Peace River Harvard Club. Doc was blessed with 15 years of fun and friendship at Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club which generously provided the "Dr. Shields' Special Chair" so he could enjoy his time there in comfort. He is survived by Marlene, his loving wife of 39 years; his 3 beloved children, Dr. Steven J. Shields (Amy) of Medfield, MA, Steven's twin sister Sally S. Thees of Roseland, NJ, and John Daniel Shields (Anne) of Boston, MA; 8 grandchildren, Jennifer, Tommy, and William Shields, Lawrence, Thomas, and Patrick Thees, and Claire and Cole Shields; 4 nieces; 4 nephews; his loyal brothers-in-law, S. Clyde Ross and Frederick A. Ross (Theo) of Maine; and his grand-dog-in-residence, Zarley Gene Simmons Shields. Dan was predeceased by his parents; brother John E. Shields, Jr.; sisters, Irma Norton and Marcia Jean Shields; and son David N. Shields. His most special 4-legged buddy, Tucker Anthony, along with Gretchen, Shadow, and St. Brandy, were all waiting patiently for his arrival on their side of the Rainbow Bridge. Dan relished his last years "facing west"watching beautiful sunsets down the canal in Punta "Gorgeous" and over Mosher Hill on the far side of Clearwater Lake with a dog in his lap, a good single malt scotch in his right hand, and his wife (and on his best days, his children) at his side. There will be no service in Florida; his 90th birthday celebration was a joyous occasion. Let it be enough. A private Celebration of Life will be held in late August at the cottage in Maine. Donations in Dan's memory may be made in his name to the Foundation for Faces of Children, 258 Harvard Street #367, Brookline, MA 02446-2904 or at www.facesofchildren.org. Goodnight, "Handsome Harry"!!! Rest well and kiss the pups for me! His family wishes to thank Dr. & Mrs. Brian Ardel and their staff for their 'old-school, hands-on,' loving care of "Dad". Also, heartfelt thanks to the personnel at Charlotte Harbor Healthcare Center and the Bayfront Port Charlotte Ortho-Neuro unit who treated Dan with patience and kindness as he made his final transition from pain to peace.