Samuel Marshall Shields

Rumford – Samuel M. “Sam” Shields, age 68, of Wyman Hill Rd. and formerly of Rangeley, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday August 3, 2010 following a six year battle with MDS and Leukemia, with his wife and family at his side.

He was born in Rumford on May 8, 1942 a son of Robert M and Ethelyn (Abbott) Shields.

Sam was educated in Rumford schools.

He was an avid basketball and baseball player and was once scouted by the Boston Red Sox.

He was employed with the Town of Rumford as a truck driver from 1966 to 1977. He then went to work for SAD 43 as a bus driver and custodian from September of 1978 until his retirement in November of 2001.

Sam summered for many years at his lakeside cottage in Rangeley.

In 2002 he renovated the whole cottage and he and his wife Kathy made this their permanent home until July 1st of 2010.

Sam enjoyed fishing, wildlife, feeding the deer, snowmobiling, boating, and fiddlehead picking. He loved watching NASCAR car racing with his daughter Samantha.

He also was a great handyman, helping many neighbors throughout the years. He could fix almost anything.

Sam will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend to many.

Surviving are his wife of 33years, Kathleen Orino Shields of Rumford; two children, Samantha Shields of Saco and Aaron Shields of Gorham; two grandchildren, Emma Shields age 9 of Gorham, and Benjamin Shields age 6 of Gorham; his beloved dog Jake; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, two brothers, Richard and James Shields, and a sister, Maryetta “Sandy” Shields.

A Celebration of Sam’s Life will be held from 1 to 4 pm Friday August 13, at the Rumford Eagles 13 Oxford Avenue Rumford, ME 04276. In lieu of flowers contributions in Sam’s memory may be made to the Oncology Unit at Rumford Hospital 420 Franklin St. Rumford, ME 04276 or the Maine Center for Cancer Medicine (MCCM) Attn: Dr. Hedlund 100 Campus Drive Suite 108 Scarborough, ME 04074.