RSL mourns

By Lia Bichel
FAMILY, friends and members of the Dandenong-Cranbourne RSL are mourning the loss of a passionate and valued ex-serviceman.
Donald William Shields, 86, died on 4 September, just two days after he resigned from presidency of the Dandenong-Cranbourne RSL where he devoted most of his spare time.
His daughters Helen Rae and Barbara James said there father died peacefully after his health deteriorated.
They remembered him as a loving family man, who loved to dance with his late-wife Mary, enjoyed a weekly game of bowls, and was extremely dedicated to the RSL.
“(The RSL) kept him going. Without it, I don’t think he would have been so active. And (RSL members) were great to him,” Mrs Rae said.
“He told us some stories about his time – he told us about the time he was on the Sydney Harbour Bridge when the Japanese subs came in.”
Mr Shields served as a gunner in New Guinea during the World War II, from August 1942 until February 1945.
When he returned to his home in New South Wales, he married Mary in 1945 and had five children- Barbara, Joseph, Donna (Erbs), Peter and Helen.
He shared his time between family, the RSL and his trucking company Oak Haulage Transport.
“Trucks were his passion,” Mrs Rae said.
“That and the RSL.”
Mrs James said her father’s love for trucks was passed down to the most of the men in the family.
Mr Shields, Mrs Shields and Helen moved to Dandenong in 1971.
He served on the Dandenong RSL committee before being elected vice-president for several years despite suffering a stroke four years ago, and was elected president in 2008.
RSL general manager Graham Keating said Mr Shields was a great asset to the RSL and a dear friend.
“He brought an enthusiasm for the RSL. His whole family was dedicated. His wife was also dedicated but passed away several years ago,” he said. “Being an ex-serviceman, (Mr Shields) always had a camaraderie and mateship gene that made him want to help not only his fellow soldier, but also his fellow man.
“As a friend he was an honest and sincere person, very strong but very fair. He always listed to your concerns.”
John Filmer from the RSL said Mr Shields would be sorely missed.
“He was a very well respected man and such a good family man,” Mr Filmer said.
He also credited the staff at the Valley Veterans Hospital in North Dandenong for their excellent care for Mr Shields.
Mr Shields’ funeral was held yesterday (Wednesday) at 2.30pm at Le Pine Funerals.
Mr Filmer said the funeral was an “extended family service,” conducted by civil celebrant Judy Murdoch JP, assisted by fellow committee members Frank Ferguson and Phil Anstis JP.
Mr Shields was the loving father and father-in-law of Barbara and David, Joe and Elizabeth, Donna and Bruce, Peter and Catherine and Helen and Ian and adored grandfather of 14 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
Two more great-grandchildren are expected in five weeks’ time.