May 24, 1914 - April 27, 2008
The family of Bertram Edward Sheilds is saddened to announce his passing on April 27, 2008. The only son of pioneers John Edward Sheilds and A.J. Esther Peatt, Bert was born in Colwood on
May 24th, 1914. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Eunice (nee Marshall), their daughter Laurene Sheilds, and granddaughter Paula. Bert is also survived by daughter Carol Sheilds and her family as well as his cousin Margaret Feddon (Peatt).
In marrying Eunice, her family became his, and he will be lovingly missed by Pearl and Joe Marshall and their families, Lyall and Em Marshall, and Liz (Joe) Millard and families. Bert was a quiet, kind, steadfast man; loyal and shy with a deep love of family and friends. With a twinkle in his eye and a dry sense of humour, he was fiercely independent and found joy in helping others. Throughout his life Bert worked in the outdoors, as a young man building roads with his Dad on the southern island, and then as a logger in the woods surrounding Sooke, Courtenay, and Sayward, eventually settling in the community of Lake Cowichan in the early 1960s. There, he and Eunice working together, lovingly built their family home. Bert’s hands were rarely idle, and he enjoyed woodworking and tinkering on whatever project came his way throughout his retirement. His love of life, family and friends sustained him into his final days with dignity and determination. We are all richer having been graced with his presence and he will be deeply missed.
A family graveside service was held at Colwood Pioneer Cemetery where Bert was laid to rest just a short distance from the place of his birth. A remembrance celebration will be held at Lake Cowichan Senior’s Centre on Wednesday, May 7th, 2008 from 4-6 pm. Online condolences may be offered at www.sandsfuneral.com