David Albert Shields

David Albert Shields (March 27, 1937 – August 31, 2024)

David Albert Shields passed away surrounded by his loving wife of 57 years and family on August 31st, 2024. David was born to David Nile Shields and Melva Leona (Hardcastle) Shields on March 27th, 1937, at Cottonwood Maternity Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. David grew up in South Jordan, Utah where he was your typical adventurous and mischievous young boy running around with his older brother Marlin along with many family members and friends. He had a love for all things sports and particularly excelled in baseball, football, basketball, and later in life, golf.

David graduated from Jordan High School in 1955 and was always proud to be a “Beetdigger”. David married Joan Naylor (later divorced) and this union was blessed with three children - Steven, Janene, and Paula. He was accepted into the University of Utah for his undergraduate studies, while working for Kennecott Copper Mine to support his young family. David later attended the University of Southern California (USC) for Physical Therapy School. Upon his graduation from USC, he returned home to work for his brother Marlin and shortly thereafter became the Director of Physical Therapy at Cottonwood Hospital.

David married his sweetheart Loree Cook in 1968 where he inherited Loree’s three children Dale, Linda, and Mark. Shortly thereafter they moved their family to Issaquah, WA where two more children, Connie and Karen, were welcomed into their blended family. David worked for the Issaquah Villa prior to opening his own physical therapy practice in Snoqualmie, WA. David ran this practice for 30+ years until his retirement in 2001. Dave & Loree spent their first few years of retirement in Surprise, Arizona living on a golf course and enjoying their favorite pastime prior to moving back to Utah in 2005. 

David was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings throughout his life, but his favorite calling was serving as a counselor in a bishopric in Surprise, Arizona. David had a strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and was eager to share his love for the gospel with others. 

David loved to meet new people and made many wonderful friendships throughout his life. He had a keen sense of humor and loved to joke around with everyone he met. He had the gift of gab and had the ability to make everyone feel at ease in his presence. 

David is survived by his wife Loree, along with their children and spouses - Steven (Brenda) Shields, Janene Shields, Paula (Randy) Nagle, Dale Jenson (Cheryl King), Linda Anderson, Mark (Heidi) Jenson, Connie (Paul) Shumway, Karen (Denzil) Harris along with 21 grandchildren, 39 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. David is also survived by his brother Marlin (Claudia) Shields. He was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws Durwood and Maxine Cook, and one grandson. 

A viewing will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at the Memorial Holladay-Cottonwood Mortuary followed by a graveside service at 11 a.m. at the Memorial Holladay-Cottonwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, David’s request is for donations to the Missionary Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.