William "Bill" Shiels

On May 20, 2019 after enduring failing health for a number of years, our deeply loved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather achieved the end of his earthly life and went to be with the Lord.

William “Bill” Shiels was born to James & Margaret Shiels on May 30, 1930 in Cranbrook, BC. He was the youngest of three children and grew up in the Kootney area of Cranbrook, Marysville, and Kimberly. In the mid 40’s dad moved to Quesnel. It proved to be a significant move, because there he met and married the love of his life, Vera Gassoff. They were married in 1949. After about a year they moved to Wells and Bill spent the winter working for the department of highways. They moved back to Quesnel in 1951 where Bill went to work for Weldwood of Canada. He worked with this company in Quesnel until he accepted a transfer to Williams Lake in 1977. Bill worked in Management with Weldwood of Canada until his retirement in 1999. Following his retirement he spent nine years working as a private consultant in the lumbering industry. In the last 20 years of his life, Bill & Vera spent a good deal of the time simply enjoying the family.

Anyone who knew Bill knew that following the Lord shaped his life. He became a Christian (along with his wife) at a Billy Graham crusade in Quesnel in 1955. He was baptized in 1957. He was active in the Evangelical Free Church both in Quesnel and in Williams Lake. He will be remembered for being a straight-forward and wise person. Many people were blessed by the hospitality offered through their home.

Bill and his wife made one last unexpected move in July of 2016 to Swift Current, SK. They were forced out of Williams Lake by wildfires, but were quickly convinced to stay because of the support and help received from within the healthcare system here. Bill was deeply thankful for the healthcare he received. His family in Saskatchewan counted it a privilege to have father and mother with them and to support and love them both in every way that they could.

Bill is survived and greatly missed by his wife of 70 years, Vera; his seven children, Sharon Shiels, Gordon (Ann) Shiels, Ron (Sharon) Shiels, Teresa (Dennis) Dyck, Joy (Jack) Funk, Ruth (Jim) O’Neall, and Christine (Lee) Bunce; his fifteen grandchildren (in order of birth) Michelle (Simon), Amanda (Myron), Donna-Lynn (David), Crystal (Brad), Kimberly (Jay), James (Brandi), Erica (Grant), Devon (Lexi), Jason (Taylor), Austin, Morgyn, Brandon, Jordan, Erik, and Vanessa; and by seventeen great-grandchildren.

Bill was predeceased by his brother, Bud Shiels; his sister, “Bubbles”; his son-in-law, Bruce McLeod; and by his great-granddaughter, Mylah Heppner.

Two verses sum up Bill’s life: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day – and not to me only, but to all who have longed for his appearing.” II Timothy 4:7-8

The family wishes to express their thanks to Dr. DeKlerk, his staff, Dr. Akinfiresoye, as well as the staff at Clover House. Thanks for being good to our father and doing all that you could for him. The family also expresses their gratitude to each one in attendance at the funeral service. Thanks to Pastor Rob, Pastor Jay, Pastor Jerred, and to the Church of the Open Bible for your past involvement with the family and your services today.

“I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day.” II Timothy 1:12

The Funeral Service for Bill Shiels was held on Friday, May 24, 2019 at 2:00 pm from the Church of the Open Bible, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Rob Cochrane officiating. “How Great Thou Art,” “The Family of God,” and “Because He Lives” were sung by the congregation. Special music was brought by Sharon Shiels, Sandra Banman, and Cheryl Reimer, who sang “One Day.” The family tribute was given by Bill’s son, Ron Shiels, the obituary was read by Bill’s daughter, Sharon Shiels. The ushers in the church were Ron Klassen and Bill Allin.

The Private Interment Service was held prior to the Funeral Service from Pambrun Cemetery, Pambrun, SK with Jack Funk, Dennis Dyck, Jim O’Neall, James Shiels, Erik Bunce, and Myron Knelsen serving as Pallbearers.

In memory of Bill Shiels, donations made to the Open Bible Mission c/o Church of the Open Bible would be appreciated by the family.   

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