Douglas Shields February 8, 1936 - June 2, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Douglas Allden Shields in his 89th year. Doug passed away peacefully at Princess Court in Dryden on June 2, 2025, with his beloved wife by his side.

Doug was born on February 8, 1936, at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg, MB, to Clarence and Agnes Shields. He was the youngest of three children, growing up alongside his sister, Rosemary, and brother, Donald. The family lived in Transcona, MB. His father Clarence worked for the Canadian National Railway (CNR) which relocated the family to Port Arthur, ON, Kamsack, SK, and Rainy River, ON.

After high school, Doug began a five-year apprenticeship as an electrician at the CNR shops in Transcona. Upon completion, he worked in the CNR depot as an Electrical Draftsman, then started inspecting railcars, diesel engines and remote shops. He loved being busy and travelling in the field.

On his 22nd birthday, Doug met the love of his life, Irene, on a blind date with friends in Winnipeg, MB. From that night, he knew she was the one. Shortly after, on July 11, 1959, they were married in Sioux Lookout, ON. They celebrated 65 years last July. Together, they raised three children: Kenneth, Todd, and Kristine.

In 1970, Doug moved his family to Red Lake for a job opportunity with his brother-in-law, Robert’s survey company. Three years later, Doug brought the family to Dryden, where he worked at the local mill as an electrician for 27 years. He enjoyed his time there, building friendships and frequently taking his “electrical boys” on fishing trips up Lac Seul. He retired in 2000.

Following retirement, Doug and Irene decided to replace their cabin and built their dream home in Sioux Lookout. They spent 22 years together, enjoying their beautiful lakefront property, with frequent visits from children, grandchildren, and friends. The property remains a treasure to the family.

Doug was a proud Canadian and in retirement Doug and Irene wanted to explore Canada. They traveled extensively across Canada by train, camper, and ferry. They explored Prince Edward Island, L’Anse aux Meadows, NL, the Dempster Highway to the Arctic Circle, Northwest Territories, the Yukon, and many places in between. Their adventures also took them on a scenic train journey from Sioux Lookout to Prince Rupert, BC, followed by a ferry down the coast to Vancouver before returning home by rail. They later joined a veteran’s trip to Holland, Belgium, and France, where they celebrated with proud Canadian veterans.

Doug was always active and busy with a project, whether chopping wood, fishing, hunting, snowmachining or picking blueberries. He was great at troubleshooting and could build, fix or draw anything. He took great joy in watching his grandchildren swim from his favorite spot on the deck of his cabin and making them waffles for breakfast. His sense of humor and quick wit were infectious—never afraid to don a costume or grab a microphone at family events to bring laughter to those around him.

Doug was proud of his Icelandic roots and was lovingly called “Afi” by his grandkids and their friends. He passed on his love of vinarterta and other Icelandic recipes to his family.

He loved watching the sunset over Pelican Lake, especially with kids and grandkids, often taking them down to the beach to watch the sun go down. He loved listening to Willie Nelson and Elvis; he was an expert ping pong player, a captivating storyteller and a beautiful dancer. He and Irene were avid dancers, often attending events at the Legion and Moose Hall. They were also members of “Vintage Wheels”, traveling to various rod runs in their beloved ’51 Chevy. He enjoyed his car club friends and always took part in the fun and entertainment.

Doug is survived by his devoted wife, Irene; his sister, Rosemary Laevens; his brother, Donald Shields (Arlette); and his three children: Ken Shields (Ghislaine), Todd Shields (Laurie), and Kristine Shields-Grandmont (Wayne). He leaves behind his grandchildren, Candace Robinson (Jason), Melissa Sgambelluri (Tony), Rikki Shields, Taylor Pyykkönen (Nathan), Robert Grandmont, Brianna Shields (Devon), Jacqueline Grandmont (Mitchell), and Isabella Shields (Cameron), as well as great-grandchildren Tyrell, Domenic, Evelyn, Luca, Gianna and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Doug was predeceased by his parents, Clarence and Agnes Shields; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Irene and Percy Brannan; his sisters-in-law, Carol Shields and Sandra Vosper; his brothers-in-law, Robert Brannan, Jim Brannan, and John Laevens; and his great-granddaughter, Leala Robinson and not to be forgotten, his beloved, “Cookie the Wonder-Dog”.

As per Doug’s wishes, a family celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion.