Page created by: Robin Beal

Robert Dennis Shields (78) of Erie, Pennsylvania, son of Clare Shields and Dorothy Elizabeth Bax was born on August 11, 1941. Robert served in the United States Navy and was stationed at Ford Island, Hawaii as a Fireman Apprentice from 1958-60. He courageously fought Parkinson's disease the last few years of his life, yet maintained his independence in Lake Montezuma, Arizona. In September 2019, he knew it was time to move back to Merritt Island, Florida with his daughter and son-in-law, Robin and Shawn Beal. His mind was sharp, he kept his sense of humor, and cherished every moment with family and friends as he died peacefully December 26, 2019. In his own words, "It's been a good run, I've lived a good life and I'm ready to go!"

Robert had many aliases such as Bob, Ace, Ace Hole, Mud Dauber, Pinball Wizard, Pool Shark, and was a Jeopardy Junkie. He held the distinction of being the CEO and president of the CLOD club. He was a proud father and father-in-law survived by Gay (Joe) Marrs, Guy Shields, Robin (Shawn) Beal, Jody Miller, Jessica (Ronnie) Helms, and their mother Diane Shields. His favorite bestowed title of all was “Papa” to Trevor and Marissa McGilvrey, Seth and Nancy Beal, Shane Beal, Rebecca Beal, Tiffany Riherd, Travis Martin, Justin Helms, Christian Shields, Brooke Miller, Marissa Marrs, Matt and Haden Marrs. His beloved great grandchildren are Mason Ramirez, Sean Campos, and Gavin Riherd. Bob is also survived by his sisters Cora Bartosek, Judy Stegen and his cousin Jacqueline O'Brien and family.

Papa Bob was a free spirit who loved spontaneous cross country road trips, "donating" 20 dollars at each casino along the way. He was never lost, he just found "new shortcuts". He loved Cadillacs, "meat and cheese only" burgers, and fresh strawberry shortcakes. Bob could often be found dancing at the Spirit Room in Jerome, Arizona and listening to the Sir Harrison Blues Band. He appreciated the beauty of nature, with sunsets and sunrises in the red rocks of Sedona, or walks on Cocoa Beach during a full moon. He had a keen eye for obscure art, crazy shirts, and good music. He enjoyed hanging out and traveling with his best friends artist Klammer Dave and musician Josh Miller as his Wheelman and biggest fan. He watched his final rocket launch on December 20th in Merritt Island with family and said "It was a hell of a send off! Go Baby, Go!"

Bob's artistic footprint is still displayed in the "Tree of Life and Safari" at Disney World. He also built "Swampy: World's Largest Alligator" at Jungle Adventures in Christmas, Florida and his signature is still engraved at the entrance to Sandbar Sports Grill in Cocoa Beach. Bob also worked and traveled with Wayne Coombs, founder of Mai Tiki in Cocoa Beach, building different creations. He was a master at building realistic rock waterfalls, fountains, caves, and sculptures located in hotels, homes, and businesses through out the states of Florida, Nevada, Arizona, and abroad. Bob also owned and ran a store in Sedona, Arizona from 2010-2014 called "Home on The Porch" which sold local art to tourists.

He cherished every minute of the last few years celebrating birthdays, graduations, weddings, and holidays with family and friends. He expressed how blessed he was to be surrounded and unconditionally loved by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and close friends.