New Bedford - David Shields of New Bedford passed away April 28, 2007 at the New Bedford Health Care Center. At 95, he outlived his sister, Jeanie Dickson Shields, and brother, John Campbell Shields.
Mr. Shields was born in New Bedford, son of the late John and Jemima (Dickson) Shields, and was a lifelong resident of the city. He was a graduate of New Bedford High School. He worked as a machine repairman and supervisor for the Nashawena Mills for much of his life and was later employed by Chamberlain Manufacturing before retiring in 1977.
David had a lifelong love of art and attended the Swain School of Art for five years studying commercial art. His hobby for most of his life was oil painting and his home was filled with beautiful paintings of old whaling ships, still life and gorgeous landscapes. In his later years his other love was poetry. Many of his works were published in poetry anthologies, including several on New Bedford and its whaling history. He was a member of the First Congregational Church at Lunds Corner. One of his last poems was in honor of the church and its history. David was an avid reader which made him knowledgeable in the fields of science and current events. He preferred reading to TV and kept up with all the bestsellers. His wonderful gardens that surrounded his home and his sweet and caring nature will be remembered by all.
Survivors include his nieces: Jane Leslie Hill of McLean, VA and Elizabeth A. Gardner of Raleigh, NC; and grand nieces: Mandi Rinaldi of Londonderry, NH and Marcia Shields of Raleigh, NC.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend:
Visitation 10-11 A.M. on Friday, May 4, 2007 prior to funeral service.
Funeral service at 11 A.M., Friday, May 4, 2007 at the Kirby Funeral Home, 61 Tarkiln Hill Road, New Bedford.
Interment in Pine Grove Cemetery, New Bedford.