LARRY GORDON SHIELDS

Condolences & Memories (16 entries)

• Carol & family, sorry for your loss. I went to high school with Larry, ran track & field and was a neighbour in Wildwood Park. My family moved to Vancouver in 1965, so I lost track of Larry all these years. I remember him as good athlete in both hockey and football. He was competitive in all activities. I remember him as the table top hockey champ of Larry's rec room. Nobody beat Larry and his Toronto Maple Leafs. RIP in peace my old friend. - Posted by: Bob Kinniburgh (High School Friend & Former Neighbour) on: Aug 31, 2023

• I was fortunate to have learned so much from Mr. Shields, both as a student and as a player on his Grade 8 basketball team, at Frontenac School during the 1980s. He was a wonderful coach, and yet so humble. “I don’t know anything about basketball”, he would say as he led us to an undefeated, championship season in 1989. Aside from his leadership, it was the incredible amount of time that he devoted (I recall practices during summer and Christmas breaks) that made us so successful. Mr. Shields normally projected such a calm, steady demeanour that it was hard to imagine he was the same person seen sprinting down the hall in a red-hot rage after the school ne’er-do-well. Luckily, only a few misguided students had to face that wrath. You wanted to do well for Mr. Shields because of how much care he invested in you and didn’t want to let him down. As evidence of his support, four years after leaving Frontenac, there he was commiserating with me after a tough loss in the basketball final played 2+ hours down the road in Brandon. Over the ensuing years, I had the fortune to randomly encounter Mr. Shields on a few occasions and always enjoyed reminiscing with him. On the last such time, I was accompanied by my then-11-year-old son and was impressed with the ease and genuine interest with which Mr. Shields spoke to my son. My sincere condolences to Mr. Shields’s family, friends, and former students. - Posted by: Ryan Penner (Former student) on: Jul 26, 2023

• Great memories of Larry and Tracey, Larry's first child. At Hockey Haven, Larry spending hours driving us around the lake trying to ensure we all experienced getting up on water skis. Larry there to watch Tracey throughout her high school and university basketball career, and later at all of Tracey and Ray's sons' hockey games. Larry's love and pride in his daughter's accomplishments was clearly evident to all of us who had the pleasure of being a spectator to this special relationship. - Posted by: Darcy (Daughter's Friend) on: Jul 22, 2023

• I met Larry when Carson coached my son Greg with the Railer Express junior hockey. Larry was the equipment manager and became a man respected and loved by all. He was a wonderful person. I’m so sorry to hear of his passing.Our deepest condolences to the entire family. Hugs! - Posted by: Shelley Myall (Acquaintance ) on: Jul 22, 2023

• Larry was our gym teacher at Selkirk Collegiate Institute. Man we had some wild murder ball games 69-70. Condolences to Larry's family, may his memories be a blessing. R.I.P. Coach. Don Paskaruk - Posted by: Don Paskaruk (Old student.) on: Jul 21, 2023

• I am truly saddened to hear of Larry’s passing. He was an amazing teacher, coach and mentor, to my children. Larry kept in touch until this past year, through a “newsy” Christmas card and always wanted to know how Kevin and Scott were doing. He was an an honest, fair and compassionate human being and his smile and humour were what made him such a likeable friend and coworker; anyone that worked with him, has a great “Larry” story or two to tell! . We are so sorry for your loss and our sincere condolences to Carol and her family. Louise - Posted by: Louise O’Neill (Friend/Coworker) on: Jul 21, 2023

• We are so sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. Carson and our son played hockey together many years ago. I remember Larry and Carol being very supportive parents and just a lovely couple. We are thinking of you all today. - Posted by: Mulvenna Family (Acquaintances ) on: Jul 21, 2023

• My condolences to the family! He was a great man, teacher, mentor and friend! The generations of children that he had an impact on cannot be measured! He will be missed, but not forgotten! - Posted by: Robert Patenaude (Student) on: Jul 20, 2023

• I grew up in the Fort Garry area and Larry was one of my boyhood heroes! I followed his exploits with the Fort Garry Lions & U of M Bisons and was delighted when he became coach of our Fort Garry hockey team. He taught me so much about the game (and a whole lot more!). I view Larry as one the best coaches I ever had - and an even greater person! Rest in Peace, Larry - you will long be remembered. - Posted by: Bob Penston (Friend) on: Jul 20, 2023

• Larry and I opposed each other in our junior football days but developed a nice friendship through hockey (his devotion to his family and grandchildren) and the story telling of our younger years. We would bump into each other at times and always enjoyed Larry's stories and his quiet character. But he was also an excellent listener... I do cherish the times we had together and our relationship. I will miss him. My deepest sympathies go to his family whom he loved dearly. Kirk Kuppers - Posted by: Kirk Kuppers (acquaintances) on: Jul 20, 2023

• Sad to hear this news. King of the rhyming couplet, Larry was a gem. MargiK./Sunshine Coast B.C./Frontenac Colleague from way back when… - Posted by: Margi Kurys (Frontenac colleague from way back when…) on: Jul 20, 2023

• Mr. Shields was my elementary gym teacher and he was the best! I bought him a (hotwheels) red corvette and a 45 record of his favorite song (which I can't remember right now). He came and watched me play v-ball in Junior High and even came to my wedding social after many years of no longer being my teacher. He made a lasting impression on me and will always be cherished! Thanks for being awesome, Mr. Shields and providing me with skill development and motivation! - Posted by: Brandi (Student) on: Jul 20, 2023

• Carol and family, I was shocked when Dodie called to tell me about Larry. I am so sorry to hear the news and know you will miss him dearly. The only positive thing about Larry going so quickly is that he will not have to experience the latter stages of dementia which is terrible. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Janet Ploen - Posted by: Janet Ploen (Friend) on: Jul 20, 2023

• It was an honor to have met and become friends with Larry through hockey. He was such a kind and caring person. You will be missed - Posted by: wayne a kotchon (acquaintence) on: Jul 20, 2023

• I was greatly saddened when I learned of Larry's passing. My condolences go out to his family. Larry was a great guy and a very good friend of mine while we were growing up in Wildwood Park. I have many fond memories of our friendship during this time and consider myself lucky to have known him. Larry will be greatly missed by all who knew him. RIP my friend - Posted by: Jack Cusack (Friend) on: Jul 20, 2023

• Mr. Shields was one of the best coaches I have ever had in my life. He taught me teamwork, passion for the sport and most of all the fun you need to do while playing. 36 years later and I still go by what he taught me. He was a true mentor. My thoughts are with you and your family during this sad time. - Posted by: Heather Hill (Trevers) (Teacher ) on: Jul 20, 2023