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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
SHIELDS, John Whitney - On Friday, July 23, 2021, John Whitney Shields, retired Chief Petty Officer 1st Class in the Navy, loving husband, father of two children, grandfather to 6 and great grandfather, passed away at the age of 72.
John was born on January 22, 1949 in Toronto, Ontario to John and Jean Shields.
He joined the Navy in 1967 and was on many ships and submarines in his 37 year career in the Navy. The Navy took him all over the world, he loved being a cook and a mentor to all of the young cooks he led as their Chief.
At the age of 55 he retired to spend more time with his family and friends, and he started a part-time job at Grandview Golf course as a ground's keeper.
On March 10, 1972 he married the love of his life Jean Atkinson and they raised two girls, Tammy and Julia Shields. John had a passion for his family, he spent a lot of time at sea when his girls were young, being away from home was hard on everyone and he didn't get a chance to always be there. John's girls gave him 6 grandchildren who he treated like his own children, he was an amazing father figure to all of them, supporting them in their many passions. He never missed a special occasion and he supported all of them in anything they were interested in. He took them to soccer games, hockey games, dance lessons, hockey practices, boxing at the gym or a track and field race. Let's say he put lots of mileage on the car over the years, you could say they were his second part time job. John will always be remembered as the anchor that helped us ALL weather many a storm.
John was preceded in death by his father, John, and his mother, Jean, his niece Vicky and his grand nephew Zachary, his sister in law Barbara and nephew Brian. He is survived by his wife Jean, his two children Tammy and Julie, his 6 grandchildren, Amelia, Roman, Mitchum, Zoe, Joseph, Naomi, his two great grandchildren Rylan and Wesley, his brother Jerry and his family, his sister Nancy and her family and his sister Jane and her family.
It was John's wish to be cremated and for no visitation or service, those who knew him would know he wouldn't want a fuss. The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to all of the staff on 4 East at the Dartmouth General Hospital. It was with your caring and compassion that our beloved John was comfortable in his last days of life. We would also like to thank all staff at the QE11 Cancer Centre for giving us 6 more months with him and for providing him with the best of care possible. Donations in his memory can be made to either of the above mentioned places or the Canadian Cancer Society. Miss you so much already Daddy! It is believed that he will be laid to rest in the Pugwash, Nova Scotia area.
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