David Ian Shields

David was the middle child in our family of 9 children. Born prematurely, he was not expected to live for more than a few years. “Take him home and love him,” was the advice of a kind doctor. And that’s exactly what our parents did for 51 remarkable years. 

David never walked or talked, and his disability, diagnosed as microcephaly, meant that daily seizures were a challenging part of his life. The gentle humming of Mom as she cared for him was a soundtrack of his life for many years. Back rubs from Dad were also a regular feature, as was napping in the warm sunshine that came through the windows of the family room. 

As each of us siblings grew up, we formed our own relationships with our brother David. When we brought home friends, and later our spouses, they met David and he became part of their worlds too. Nieces and nephews grew up with “Uncle DD”, always there in the family room, at the centre of our home. Aunts and uncles, cousins and family friends talk about David and how he broadened our shared experience of the diversity of humanity. 

Early in his life, our family tried an intensive therapy program for David. Extended family and the LDS church community supported our efforts, creating a circle of volunteers. We will always be grateful for their generosity of spirit. 

The name David means “beloved” and the love that our parents demonstrated daily in their commitment to our brother was picked up by each sibling and has come, over so many years now, to define our family. For someone who rarely left home, David made an outsized impression on all of us. 

David’s memory is honoured by our parents, Clair and Rochelle; by his sisters Sandra (David) Campion, Maria (Terry) Johnson, Tamara (Kevin) Livingstone, Julie (Bruce) Heninger, Catharine (Paul) Barbeau, Ruth Anne (Dave) Olson, Sharolyn (Paul) Thayer, and by his brother Daniel Shields. He is also survived by 24 nieces and nephews plus a grand-niece and three grand-nephews.

Family and friends are welcome to join us for a funeral service for David on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 1:30 pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints-Coach Hill Chapel (996 Strathcona Dr. SW, Calgary). Livestream of David's service can be accessed at the following link : https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85771119787

Interment will follow at 3 pm at Edenbrook Memorial Gardens (24223 Township Road 242, Calgary) and then a light meal will be served back at the Coach Hill Chapel. 

In lieu of flowers, contribution in memory of David can be made to the Humantiarian Aid Fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through this link : https://donate.churchofjesuschrist.org/contribute/church/humanitarian-services/humanitarian-aid-fund?cde2=475