RODERICK A. FARQUHAR SHIELS

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

RODERICK A. FARQUHAR SHIELS Roderick was born on August 7, 1945 in Croydon, Surrey, England; he died in August of natural causes, some months after a stroke. He was predeceased by his parents, Olga and Alex Shiels, his brother Fergus Shiels and sister Morag Bird, and he is survived by two nieces and a nephew. Roderick came to Winnipeg with his family as a teenager and spent the rest of his life here, although he remained proud of his British / Scottish heritage. In the 1970s he travelled to Great Britain and journeyed north to stay for a week in his family's Crofter's Cottage across from the Isle of Skye, while visiting his great-aunt nearby. After high school he worked awhile at Belle Sign Co. for his father, and later worked as a graphic designer at Daly Display. In 1973 he married Linda Freed and entered the University of Manitoba where he received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. In 1978 he and Linda divorced but remained friends, speaking and visiting occasionally through the years. After graduation from the University of Manitoba Roderick worked at the Winnipeg Art Gallery in the design department, and spent time in his studio creating works of art employing multiple mediums including pen and ink, printmaking, photography, metal work, collage and assemblage of found objects, then turned to creating digital art and cartoons - using up to three computers across Mac/PC platforms, with the image split across all three screens. Some of his art influences were Peter Max, Allen Jones, Salvador Dali and especially René Magritte. At one time he was the designer and production artist for the reincarnated Arts Manitoba magazine (now Border Crossings). Throughout the rest of his life he made his living as a caretaker wherever he lived, and doing various odd jobs around town. Roderick was a solitary, private man with an inquiring mind, a quiet wit, a sense of silly fun (Monty Python was a favourite of his), and a gentle demeanour. He enjoyed music and art, and the company and kindness of his few closer friends, one of whom, Hein Hulsbosch, met with him regularly and helped him for the past 20 years get around to do his errands. He is also remembered by neighbours and acquaintances made during his many years inhabiting various studio spaces in The Exchange District of Winnipeg, and in particular his most recent landlord, Richard Walls, who was very kind to him. Cremation has taken place. Donations in Roderick's memory can be made to the Winnipeg Art Gallery, 300 Memorial Boulevard, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R3C 1V1. Bardal Funeral Home and Crematorium 843 Sherbrook Street, 204-774-7474 Condolences: www.bardal.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 10, 2015