Obituary of Harold Shield

SHIELD, Harold Dorman - April 3, 1928 - July 13, 2008 Passed away peacefully at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre following a sudden stroke in his 80th year, surrounded by his family. Born in Peterborough in 1928, raised in Toronto, Harold attended Jarvis Collegiate Institute and then Ontario Agricultural College, Guelph, where he graduated in 1951. He continued as president of his graduating year throughout his life. Dearly beloved husband of Patricia Jean (nee Mills) for 55 years, father to Maureen (Donald Smith), Paul (Susan), Nancy (Mark Katz) and Patrick (Jennifer). Loving and devoted Papa to Brendan, Kevan, Alexandra, Jameson, Stephanie, Emily, Rebecca, Sarah, Kayleigh, Laura, Liam, Georgia and Oliver. Fondly remembered by brother-in-law Donald Huff and by many dearly loved Huff, Burns and Mills cousins, nieces and nephews. Harold had a very successful 31 year career as President and General Manager of the Canadian National Sportsman's Shows and founder of the Toronto International Boat Show. Harold went on to create and operate Shield Associates Ltd., the family business, organizing and managing consumer and trade exhibitions. He was Past Master (1962) of Imperial East Gate Lodge #543, a member of the Scottish Rite and long time member of the Shrine and Founders' Unit 1888, and the Royal Order of Jesters, Toronto, Court #83. Harold had many varied interests, including a great love of boating on his various "Good News" yachts. He was a long time member of the Royal Canadian Yacht Club and an honourary life member of the Antique and Classic Boat Society. He wrote many articles and books (Ditchburn Boats) on the beloved launches and watercraft of bygone days. Patricia and Harold spent happy days in Naples, Florida enjoying close friendships with many they met… The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME - A.W. MILES CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Eglinton Avenue East) from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, July 17th. A celebration of Harold's life will be held in DONWAY COVENANT UNITED CHURCH, 230 The Donway West, Toronto, M3B 2V8 at 11 o'clock on Friday, July 18th. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to the Aphasia Institute or to the Sleeping Children Around the World. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com