Michael David Shields
On June 20, 2022, the world came to a stop as Michael David Shields, 54, left us while he was swimming back from mooring his boat on Aziscohos Lake, a place he dearly loved and cherished. Michael was better known as “Bert”. The creation of the “Bert” originated back in high school. The Sacopee Valley class of 1985 had five boys named “Mike”. One day, Michael wore a “Bert’s Surf Shop” tee shirt and the differentiating name stuck, even though he never had been a surfer!
Bert was the next to youngest son of David and Janet Shields. Even as a young kid, he had a mild and pleasant demeanor. It was recommended to the older/bigger brothers to not pick on him because someday he would be larger than us. Indeed he did. At six foot four inches with an intimidating build, he was still a big-hearted marshmallow of a man and loved by all! Michael has been described by friends and family as, “There are none better.” If you have had the privilege to shake his hand, feeling yours disappear in his, then look up and see his smiling face with a signature “Aaayuh” greeting, you know you had met a true man and made a friend.
Bert had an extraordinarily strong work ethic. He started his career at Camp Rapatak, a summer camp in Fryeburg, ME, doing dishes. The pay was better there than doing dishes at home. Later, he worked for Joey Charles doing flooring. Somewhere around the time Bert got out of high school, he started working with Mike Murch/Mike’s Drywall learning the trade. Along with his physical build and the talent to produce quality results, within a few years he started his own business, Shields Drywall. He had the ability to hang a 12’ sheet by himself and mud a regular ceiling without needing stilts. He was also creative in business. Every year, he tried to deduct Peking Garden lunch meals as a business expense! Even though he was told “NO”, it never hurt to try! There will be a large hole that will need to be filled and patched with his passing. Bert had also set himself up for a “retirement job”, delivering the mail from Cornish, ME out toward Long Pond, a route he was proud to call “HO-69”. He still couldn’t break from the white dust trade, though, and continued to do drywall before and after his mail deliveries. Bert always said that drywall and delivering the mail were just to get him by until his “modeling career” took off. He was just waiting for the right agent!
Bert married the love of his life, Brenda Draper, on February 14, 2003, after being introduced to her by her sister Crystal. Bert, willingly and knowingly, has been indebted to Crystal ever since. It was a whirlwind year! They were married, purchased their first home, and their son Dylan was born. He was also devoted to Brenda’s son, Tyler - a proud and loving father to both of his boys. He always put his family first, and Bert and Brenda were the perfect pair as their worlds revolved around each other. They both recently maintained a quiet boastful pride with Dylan graduating from Sacopee Valley High School as Salutatorian, only to be very slightly edged by his girlfriend Hailey Capano as Valedictorian, a friendly productive competition.
Brenda would often tell Bert he needed a hobby. He would respond, “My work is my hobby!” He was always busy and doing something. He also loved to go to the casinos and play the slot machines. Notably, he won $1,100 on a 50 cent bet! Winning is what counts! He and Brenda traveled to Oxford Casino, Mohegan Sun, Foxwoods and Las Vegas. They also enjoyed snowmobiling, motorcycling, 4-wheeling and racing (including sponsoring B&G Construction & Excavation, Puzzled Racing). He was also known for his great hunting skills. The most notable was when a red squirrel snuck in through the doggie door. Brenda went screaming and locked herself in the bedroom. Brave Bert defended the keep with his BB-gun! After multiple shots inside the house, with holes in windows and walls, a dead squirrel resulted and normal life resumed…with some repairs needed to the house.
Bert was a great navigator and never got lost, except for the one time on the snowmobile trails in Fryeburg. With the multiple criss crosses trails, it was confusing, but not enough so he couldn’t find his way back to the bar. After a few consoling drinks, he called for help from a friend, Belinda. She arrived to save the day in a micro-small Subaru! After sliding the passenger seat as far back as possible and Brenda tucking in behind the driver's seat, they were able to eventually get back on track.
Gin & tonic and Allen’s Coffee Brandy were Bert’s staples for enjoyment and relaxation. He was well known for bringing his own supply on outings to ensure peace and happiness during events.
Bert and Brenda were incredibly fortunate to have two supportive families. The Draper family was a significant part of Bert’s life. He immensely enjoyed spending time with Howard, Donna, Ginny, Crystal and recently deceased brother Carl whether playing cards, engaging in outdoor activities or doing whatever life brought forth and offered. They are forever a part of his Legend!
Bert was predeceased by his father David Shields. He will be forever watching over his wife Brenda, sons Dylan and girlfriend Hailey Capano, and Tyler Ross, girlfriend Audrielle and granddaughter Ryla and his beloved favorite four-legged pal Autumn; his Mother Janet Shields; brothers Chester Charette and wife Kristen, Mark Shields, John Shields and wife Patty, Tim Shields and wife Laurie, a ton of nieces and nephews, friends and a community that will miss this mountain of a man.
Bert loved and was always up for a fishing trip. Don’t be surprised if you are out on Sebago or Aziscohos Lake, his favorites places, and you catch an image of him smiling and waving from a pontoon boat with lines in tow while cooking breakfast sandwiches or hot dogs.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday July 9, 2022 starting at 1:30 pm, BBQ to follow at 3pm. Location is at John and Patty Shields home, 107 Hampshire Street, Hiram, ME 04041. All are welcome to join in celebrating this extraordinary human being.
Online condolence messages can be submitted at the Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home
website, www.mainefuneral.com