Norridgewock, ME—Elwin ‘Dick’ P. Shields, 80, went to be with his Lord whom he had a strong relationship, while at home on September 28, 2018, with his wife, Constance Shields, at his side. Elwin was kind and giving, with his door always open to those in need, and his heart and mind always willing to listen. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Elwin, son of Catherine Shields, was born April 17, 1938, in Presque Isle, Maine. Elwin was raised in Norridgewock by his grandfather, Charles Shields. Elwin graduated from Skowhegan High School in 1955 when he also married Arlene R. Crommett. Together they raised their five children in Norridgewock. Family was everything to Elwin, and he never missed a birthday, graduation or birth of a grandchild.
Elwin was extremely proud of his service in the Maine Army National Guard and after 26 years, he retired with the rank of Major. While working full-time, serving in the National Guard, and coaching Little League baseball, Elwin studied to become a Master Electrician. Elwin was very talented, and could build or fix most anything. Elwin worked most of his life in the shoe industry in the maintenance department, first with Norwalk Shoe. He was the first employee to be hired at New Balance upon their arrival in Maine. Elwin worked tirelessly managing the two factories in Norridgewock and Skowhegan until his retirement in 2004.
In 1994 Elwin married the love of his life, Constance Shields. Together they enjoyed retirement life, traveling to New Zealand, and all over most of the United States. In his retirement, Elwin along with Connie, dedicated his life to serving the Lord and volunteering at their church. In 2012, Elwin was baptized at the Norridgewock Baptist Church.
Elwin is survived by his wife, Constance; his sister, Phyllis Berry of Norridegwock; his children, Elwin B. Shields and his wife Leigh of Dixfield, Kathi A. Shields of Port St. Lucie, Florida, Brian Shields of Norridgewock, Staci H. S. Warren and her husband John, of Smithfield, and Wendi Shields of Waterville; step-children Katherin Tolman and her husband Brad of Lynnwood, IL; Dennis Sibley, Jr. and his wife Terry of Lockport, IL; Daniel Sibley and his wife Jane of Old Orchard Beach, ME; and LaDonna Brausey and her husband Alan of Sioux Falls, SD; brother–n-law Carleton Bryer of Hyattsville, MD; grandchildren Lorri Jo Brown of Farmington, Ryan M. Brown of Virginia, Kathleen Shields of Pittston, Rebecca M. Sucy and her husband Aaron of Rome, Zachary Warren of Norridgewock, Tyler Warren of Smithfield, Kristi and Christopher Yoos of Waterville, and Sam and Brady Shields of Norridgewock; great grandchildren Hailey, Adam, Jacob and Gabriel Mealey of Farmington; and Brody, Natalie and Elloise Sucy of Rome; step-grandchildren Delight Gallano, Crestwood, IL; Amber Sibley, New Zealand; Erica Mays, Jessica, Samantha and Rebecca Brausey, Sioux Falls, SD; He is survived by several other step-great grandchildren, (great) nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends. He is predeceased by his infant daughter Patti E. Shields and step-grandson, Jason Tolman.
Visiting hours will be at Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan, on Thursday, October 5th from 6-8 pm. Funeral services will be held on October 5th at 11 am at the Norridgewock Baptist Church, 22 Main St., Norridgewock, with burial immediately following at the East Mercer Cemetery with a reception followed at the church.
Donations in memory may be made to the Norridgewock Baptist Church, PO Box 415, Norridgewock, ME 04957.
