William "Bill" R. Shields

Surrounded by family, William (Bill) Ross Shields passed peacefully from this world on 11/04/2017 at North Colorado Medical Center in Greeley, following a year- long battle with cancer. Bill was born on August 15, 1946 in Longmont Colorado to Bernard and Mayme Shields. He spent his entire childhood and youth in Longmont.  At Longmont High School, Bill was active in sports and especially loved playing football. It was during his school years where Bill developed his passion for music and playing musical instruments.  At Longmont High School he was active in Marching Band, Symphonic Band and the well, known jazz band, The Rhythm Airs.  Bill had many fond memories of the summer tours taken by that group.  Upon graduation, Bill enrolled at the University of Northern Colorado where he went on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education.  He later completed his Master’s Degree in Educational Administration at Colorado State University. Bill married his high school sweetheart, Vicky Feland, on June 5, 1967. Together they raised two daughters, Mandi Huser and Tammy Torrez. Bill served in the U.S. Army from June of 1970 through January of 1972. During that time he served primarily at Fort Bragg in the 82nd Airborne Division.  Upon his discharge he returned to Colorado to resume his job as an instrumental music teacher in the Thompson School District. Besides being a Band Director, Bill also served for many years as the instrumental music coordinator for the district and served as a regional representative and on the board of the Colorado Music Educators Association. Bill retired after 30 years of teaching and touching the lives of so many students.  Bill loved working with kids and helping them to grow and achieve their goals.  He always said "more than anything I want to serve as a positive role model to encourage teachers and students to excel in everything they set out to achieve”. Activity was important to Bill, He loved to fish, bowl and be with family. As a summer job, he and his best buddy, Mike Spoon, painted houses together. Family was Bill’s life. He was completely devoted to being a Grandpa and he tried his very hardest to never miss anything the grandkids were involved in and spent time with them just joking and goofing around. Over the last twelve years he was the number one cheerleader for his three granddaughters’ softball teams.  He became "Grandpa Bill” to all the girls on the teams and was always there with his ever present smile, words of encouragement and hugs. One of the things he most enjoyed was being the announcer for three years at the Mountain Range High School games. Bill was a member of the First United Methodist Church where he sang for many years in the Chancel Choir, served several terms on the Staff Parrish Relations Committee and played on the church’s softball team. He was also a lifetime member of the Loveland Elks Club. Bill was preceded in death by his parents Bernard and Mayme Shield s and his in-laws, Bill and Vivienne Feland. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Vicky, daughters Mandi Huser (Eric) of Thornton and  Tammy Torrez (Jeremy) of Fort Collins, grandchildren Harley Huser, Hunter Huser, Ellie Richards, Zack Torrez and Max Torrez, sister-in-law Geralyn Hay, best friend  Mike Spoon and the entire Spoon family, Huser  family and Vigil family. A memorial service will be held for William on Saturday, 11/25/2017, at 2:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church, 533 Grant, Loveland, CO.  A Celebration of Life Reception will be Held at the Loveland Elks Lodge 103 E 4th St, following the memorial service. Please join the family to celebrate the life of the happiest man around.In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts to the 1st United  Methodist Church Music Fund.