Michael Paul Shields

Michael Paul Shields, 69, passed away after a long illness on November 29, 2014 at his Sterling Heights home. A funeral mass will be held at 9:30 am, Friday, December 5, at Saint Michael Catholic Church, 40501 Hayes Road, Sterling Heights, Michigan with interment following at Resurrection Cemetery.

Michael was born November 5, 1945, in Copperton, Utah, to Royal and Mary (Hess) Shields. He spent his youth in the Salt Lake City area. In 1962, the family moved to Sunnyvale, California. Michael earned a B.A. in 1968 from the University of California, Berkeley. Michael married Gail M. Smith in 1971. He completed his Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Utah in 1975. Michael taught Economics at Southern Illinois University from 1975-1993. He then joined the Economics Department at Central Michigan University from 1993-2012. While at CMU, Michael served as Chair and Graduate Director for the department. Upon his retirement in 2012, CMU awarded Michael the rank of Professor Emeritus. Michael is recognized in his profession for his many publications, both professional articles and textbooks. Michael is also fondly remembered by his graduate students. Many have kept in touch and he has taken great pride in their successes.

Michael loved and cherished his family and encouraged all to reach for their dreams. He will be lovingly remembered by his family, friends, colleagues, and graduate students.

Michael was preceded in death by his brother John Shields (2003), father Royal Shields (2004), and mother Mary Shields (2011). Michael is survived by his wife of forty-three years Gail (Sterling Heights, MI); two daughters Kathryn Shields Jiles (Sterling Heights, MI) and Carolyn Shields (Chicago, IL); two brothers David Shields (Woodside, CA), and Joseph Shields (Sunnyvale, CA); sister Rosemary Shields Butler (Sunnyvale, CA); three grandchildren and seven nieces and nephews.