William Eugene Shields (1958-2023) Obituary and Memorial

Life story

William Eugene Shields, fondly referred to as Bill, was called to fight a fierce battle with Glioblastoma that he and his family could have never imagined.

His tired and beaten body departed that battlefield on February 6, 2023 surrounded by love, but his fierce and loving spirit endures. He left this life the victor of that valiant battle. A victory won because of how he lived, the people he loved, and the many lives he changed. His spirit now walks with loved ones beyond the veil, including the son of his sweetheart Diann Haws, whom he promised to embrace.

He was born on August 5, 1958, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Melvin Wayne Shields and Sylvia Kathryn Hansen as the oldest of three children, including his brother Roger and sister Karen. Bill was raised in a home where the love and teachings of his parents would remain with him all his life.

He served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Belgium, Brussels mission, where he gained a deep respect and love for the people amongst whom he served. Bill was always a man of great ambition who vigorously pursued his education. He received his Bachelor's degree from The University of Utah and his MBA from BYU. He worked diligently throughout his career and was recognized as an accomplished compliance officer in the banking industry.

Bill married the love of his life, Diann Haws, on August 30, 2004, and they began what he called “Bill and Di’s Excellent Adventure.” Indeed, it was excellent - filled with an ever-growing number of grandchildren, jobs, and travel. Together, they took an amazing leap of faith when they traveled to China on separate occasions to bring home two sweet girls graciously adopted into their family.

Bill was known for his sense of humor, the many passions he pursued, and his enthusiasm for the world of sports. He loved supporting his children and grandchildren in all their interests and pursuits; taking road trips; grilling for his family on Sunday afternoons; and relentlessly cheering on the University of Utah football team.

He was a man who never missed an opportunity to teach his family about who God is. Bill’s mortal journey was filled with love, faith, and trust in his Savior to the very end, a sentiment, and legacy his children and grandchildren will never doubt.

Bill is survived by his parents, Melvin Wayne Shields and Sylvia Kathryn Hansen. His darling wife, Diann Haws. His siblings Roger Shields (Sheryl), UT; Karen Andrews-Toone (Ryan), UT; and his eight children: Dallys Armenta (Victor), UT; Kassidy Maxfield (Samuel), UT; Kaycie Fuhriman (Jay), UT; Ravyn Roberts (Joshua), CO; Isabelle Shields, UT; Chloe Shields, UT; William C. Shields (Jennifer), UT; Katie Woodruff (Jake), UT. He is also survived by many grandchildren whom he adored. His sister Kathryn Shields and stepson Damon Brown preceded him in death.

He was cherished, immensely loved, and respected by many. Bill was not alone in his fight against cancer; his parents, friends, and family rallied around him each and every day. Ultimately, he was surrounded by his loving wife, caring parents, devoted daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren and siblings. Together his devoted family held his hand, assuring him that he would never be forgotten and that his life would be forever etched in their hearts. He will live on through them and the many lives he touched until they are reunited once more.

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