David James Shields
1955 ~ 2021
SHIELDS - We are sad to announce the passing of David James Shields on Wednesday, November 17, 2021, at the age of 66. He is survived by his wife Shirley Lee, and his three children: son Davey (Sonya) Shields of Okotoks; son Dustin (Rachelle) Shields of Quesnel, BC; daughter Sierra and her mother of Vanderhoof, BC. David is also survived by five stepchildren: Amy (James), Julie (Derek) Shana (Ryder), Bentley, Jolene (Nick); three grandchildren: Mercedes, Ryan and Bryce; and his mother Merna Shields of Hanna, Alberta. He is also survived by three siblings: John Shields of Cochrane, Lynn Shields of Red Deer and Anna (Mike) Babcock of Innisfail, AB. Other family members include Aunt Norma of Oyen, Uncle Jim Shields and family of Calgary, Mike of Oyen, and cousins Kuhn’s of Oyen, Linda of Shuswap, Jenny of Calgary, Don, Rita, and family of Sylvan Lake, Graham of Strathmore, Corinne (Muff) of Edmonton, Rod and Lisa of Kelowna, and many Shields relatives and their families of Oyen, AB.
David was predeceased by his father John Shields.
Born in Cereal on June 18, 1955, David was the third of four children born to John and Merna Shields of Chinook. David took his early schooling in Chinook, Alberta, one year in High River and completed high school in Hanna, AB. The Shield’s family purchased the Hanna Auction Market and David decided to go to Auctioneer School to become an auctioneer. He also completed his welding course at Diegano’s Welding School. David welded bucking machines to practice his riding skills, and eventually his son Davey rode these bucking machines, and Davey becoming the rodeo champion that he is today,
Some of David’s passions were bareback riding, truck driving and flying airplanes. For many years Dave was the Calgary Stampede “Shute Boss.” Everyone could recognize him for his famous yellow shirt that he always wore. Throughout the years Dave would host rodeo clinics and schools, teaching the young cowboys how to ride. Dave always took the time to help these young kids out, making sure they were learning, and always lending a helping hand if they were hurt, or needed extra assistance.
David was a Canadian Pro Rodeo legend. In 1979, he became a member of the Canadian Pro Rodeo Association. As a child, he was a bucking horse test pilot for the Calgary Stampede Ranch, went on to qualify for the Canadian Finals Rodeo eleven times in bareback, and is a five-time winner of the Calgary Stampede’s Wild Horse Racing Championship. He was named CPRA Douglas Lake Ranch Cowboy of the Year and was inducted into the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2009. Dave will be remembered for his love of family and his passion for rodeo.
About 4 years ago David had open heart surgery and had a valve replaced in his heart. He was unable to work anymore so David and his wife decided to move to Kelowna area to enjoy the warmer weather. It is here in Kelowna that David passed away due to a stroke.
David will be deeply missed by his family, friends, the rodeo circuit, and all those who knew him.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
If desired memorial donations in David’s memory can be made to CPRA Cowboy Benevolent Fund, or to STARS Air Ambulance.