Mr. Shields was our coach and teacher at Frontenac School in grade 7 and 8. My sister and I learned lessons about dedication and perseverance from Mr. Shields in life and on the court. We loved and respected Mr.Shield. We feel the loss, but  Mr. Shields will never be forgotten in our family. To Shields family our hearts are with you.

Berhane and Tseghereda Andu

I was fortunate to have learned so much from Mr. Shields, both as a student and as a player on his Grade 8 basketball team, at Frontenac School during the 1980s. 

He was a wonderful coach, and yet so humble.  “I don’t know anything about basketball”, he would say as he led us to an undefeated, championship season in 1989.  Aside from his leadership, it was the incredible amount of time that he devoted (I recall practices during summer and Christmas breaks) that made us so successful.

Mr. Shields normally projected such a calm, steady demeanour that it was hard to imagine he was the same person seen sprinting down the hall in a red-hot rage after the school ne’er-do-well.  Luckily, only a few misguided students had to face that wrath.  You wanted to do well for Mr. Shields because of how much care he invested in you and didn’t want to let him down.  

As evidence of his support, four years after leaving Frontenac, there he was commiserating with me after a tough loss in the basketball final played 2+ hours down the road in Brandon.

Over the ensuing years, I had the fortune to randomly encounter Mr. Shields on a few occasions and always enjoyed reminiscing with him.  On the last such time, I was accompanied by my then-11-year-old son and was impressed with the ease and genuine interest with which Mr. Shields spoke to my son.  

My sincere condolences to Mr. Shields’s family, friends, and former students.

 



I was very fortunate to have taught with Larry for many years at both Howden and Frontenac. He was a good friend and colleague. 
 Some of my fondest memories of Larry are his sense of humour, rhyming couplets, dressing up in crazy outfits for special occasions, skipping rope with Nancy and me at noon hours trying to remain fit but mostly for his dedication and passion for teaching and coaching! My students loved Larry and always looked forward to gym class! High praise for a teacher.
My sincerest and heartfelt condolences to Carol and family. 

As one of his former students at Frontenac School, I wanted to reach out and send my deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the family.  Mr. Shields was not only my physical education teacher, but he was also the source of countless fond memories for me and many others. His passion for teaching, combined with his incredible sense of humor(and the Leafs!) left an indelible mark on all of us.  

Mr.Shields and his teaching partner at the time Mr. Rayner, were a dynamic duo like no other. Their shared enthusiasm, encouragement, and keen wit made every physical education class an absolute joy. They were the perfect combination, always finding new and creative ways to engage us in the lessons, no matter the cost.

His teaching went far beyond physical education. He taught us the importance of having fun, even in the face of challenges. He instilled in us the belief that it's okay to embrace our imperfections and to laugh at ourselves. He showed us the power of encouragement, celebrating every small victory and ensuring that every student felt seen and valued.

I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be in Mr.Shields’s class and to have shared those moments of laughter and learning with him. His dedication, passion, and selflessness as a teacher touched the lives of so many, including mine. He truly made a lasting impact. 

Mr. Shields will always hold a special place in our hearts.  Sending love, strength, and comfort to the family during this difficult time.


I recently unexpectedly ran into Larry as we were leaving the Sals up on Pembina, and memories of our time as co-parent reps for the AA Rangers hockey team in Charleswood came flowing back.  I had not seen him for such a long time. It was a great feeling for me and I couldn't resist giving him a big hug. It was the last time I encountered him. I used to call Larry by the nickname of “Cash-Man” as he never to my knowledge ever owned a credit card. I wish that we had stayed in touch more after our Rangers days, but life gets in the way, and then it's too late. Keep watching those Leafs eternally from on high Larry. It may take them that long to get the cup!

My sincere condolences to Carol and family. I knew Larry well when at Vincent Massey and playing for the Lions. I was a few years younger but always admired how fast, tough and tenacious Larry was. I also had the pleasure of being his canoe partner as a Venturer Scout on a trip to Quetico Park in NW Ontario. We had just run a series of small rapids down a river between the lakes when Larry said, “ Let’s try paddling upstream against the rapids!”  I felt “why not?” and we proceeded to paddle as hard as we could upstream against the rapids. I still laugh today when I see Larry’s paddle snapping in two and we both jumped into the river to save our canoe from overturning.

Our deepest condolences to Carole and family on the passing of Larry. I remember going to watch my Dad and his teachers playing floor hockey at the school after hours. So to say the least, a big booming storm will be those guys starting a ruckus back together again. Rest in peace, love the Bill Sawka family. 

Larry touched the lives of everyone he met, regardless if it was a quick meet, or a lifetime connection. Larry was a staple in Dryden while Carson played Jr Hockey here. The moment Larry (Lars) was in town, people went out of their way to just say be able to say Hello to Larry and have a talk with him. 

Larry was also a staple in our lives as we were preparing for the Birth of our triplet daughters. Many days and nights at Women’s Hospital…sitting having coffee at the Salisbury House. Or taking Tamara for nightly cheesecake/desserts. 

He is the definition of a Family Man. Always looking out for the people he cared for. 

He will be missed, but will always be in the minds of everyone who knew him. I know for myself, when I think of the days of waiting for the girls to be born, or think of the good old hockey days…..Larry is one person who is at the forefront of all the great memories. 

Carol, Carson, David and the entire family….we are thinking of you all. 

Mr. Shields was the father figure God placed in my life during those essential formative years at Frontenac. I believe a large part of who I am today is because of his guidance and support.
He was a man of honesty and integrity, and the world was a better place because he was in it.

I wish his family calmness and peace as they move through this difficult time. My condolences for your loss.

As a young kid at Frontenac school Larry introduced me to numerous sports. He was a great teacher, coach, motivator and role model. I'll never forget the track meets, tournaments, and early mornings practices. Larry put in so much time for us kids and I feel truly grateful to have someone like that in my life. He instilled teamwork and work ethic in us, skills that have helped propel me in my life on and off the court. He was truly a great man and I know he has impacted many lives! He will be missed. My friends and I often talk fondly of the times we had with Mr Shields even 30 years later. It takes a special person to have that type of impact on someone's life. My deepest sympathies and condolences to the Shields family and his friends. 

Larry was my soccer coach when I was a 9 year old kid, growing up in Winnipeg, playing for the River Heights Cardinals. I remember him being a strict but fair coach who always preached effort and hustle. 

Fast forward years later - after I had long since moved away from the Peg - and was back in the city visiting my parents. I was awakened one morning by a voice I recognized, from years gone by, coming through the open window that faced the soccer field across the street from my childhood home. I went outside, crossed the street and, sure enough, there was Larry still coaching soccer to young kids! Most amazingly, he looked exactly as I remembered him! I reintroduced myself, we chatted for a bit and he seemed genuinely interested in everything that I was up to at the time. 

I left feeling old, for sure. But - after that chance meeting - it got me thinking about the massive positive impact that a volunteer, grass roots coach can actually have on a young mind; Someone who intersects with a kid just at that moment when they are starting to form their own ideas about some of life’s truly big ticket items like adversity, competition, teamwork, collaboration, commitment, resilience etc…Larry was that for me. 

My sincere condolences to the entire family.


 I will always remember Larry as a great friend with such a great sense of humour. He loved his family -  Carol and the kids (and grandkids) were everything to him.
I met Larry as hockey parent and we became fast friends. We travelled with our boys to Florida, Quebec City, Thunder Bay, Regina, Saskatoon etc etc. We even roomed together on a few trips where we may have gotten to know each other too well!. It’s entirely possible that the kids watched Larry and I stumble over snowbanks and wrestle our way back to the hotel after an extended post game review one evening inThunder Bay.  What I would give to have those days back.
RIP Lars, we’re really miss you Buddy!

Mr. Shields was one of the greats . They don’t make teachers like him anymore . He was my gym teacher at Frontenac , in the late 80’s . To say that he made a life long impression on me would be an understatement. 
I’m so sorry for your family’s loss . His dash 
(1945-2023 ) was well spent . There’s many past Frontenac students who’d agree . May memories bring you comfort . 

My condolences to Carol and the rest of the Shields family at this time of loss.  

We had the opportunity to meet Larry not so long ago. The love he felt for his family was very evident as was the bond he shared with his children .

With our deepest sympathies ,
Jean and Joan Dion


He was my gym teacher for every year at Frontenac k-8. What a great teacher! Fond memories of his Toronto Maple Leafs office. He is a teacher I will never forget!

I am so sorry to hear this news. Mr Shields was my Phys Ed teacher at Frontenac and one of my favourite teachers by far. Sending my condolences and love to his family. 

My heartfelt sympathies and deepest condolences to the Shields for the loss of their proud father and caring family man, this great teacher.

He was always referred to as Larry "the Legend" Shields by us kids at Frontenac elementary. He instilled fun in the culture of sport and a deep respect for hard work, and taught us a fundamental understanding that in order to maintain integrity in our individual pursuits in life, to truly succeed, you need to be the best teammate possible for the people around you. 

Everyday, Coach. I will promise you that.

There can only ever be one number 1 and he was that teacher for me. 

Rest easy, Legend. 

To Carol and family, 
I am saddened by the loss of Larry. I met him only a few times but it was evident he was a family man through and through. 
I am out of the country, cycling solo in Ireland, for several weeks, and am not able to attend the service. 
My thoughts are with you all. 

Frances Edye 

Mr. Shields was my favourite teacher, and I was involved in every sports related activity at Frontenac from Kindergarten to grade 8 because of him. As a mentor, he made an indelible mark on my childhood. He will be greatly missed. 

Gwen Rodrigue 
I taught with Larry for many years at Frontenac School. I remember so many things about him, his loyal friendship, his sense of humour, his rhyming couplets, the marshmallow fights in the staff room with Nancy and others, the funny stories that were shared about Larry. I will never forget 36 years ago I was in the waiting room at the Grace Hospital while my mom was having cancer surgery and all of a sudden there was Larry coming to give me support! 
That’s a true friend! Larry, I will miss you! You will never be forgotten! Rest in peace! 

Mr. Shields was a great teacher and volleyball coach when I was at Frontenac School. Remembering him with respect and appreciation. 

My deepest sympathies to Carson and the entire Shields family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Brothers in hockey always, family in hockey forever. 

Randy Lulashnyk 

I was fortunate to meet Larry when the school transfer was made bringing him to Frontenac. Working and coaching in physical education Larry was always a learning experience. His attention to detail was exceptional and always made decisions that were in the best interest of his students/ athletes. He was exceptionally talented with his program and approach in physical education and sport, regardless of the age of the children. My many memories include his dressing up for special events, his many antics both in and outside the school, his intense nature coaching teams, his creative and often entertaining acts for his classes, his love for the Maple Leafs, and his ability to share the job with Brad and me. Larry was much more than a colleague to me. He was also a good friend.  He has left an indelible mark on all of us. So sad to hear of his passing. Love to Carol and his entire family. 

My most sincere condolences to Carol, Kelly, Tracy, David, Carson, and their families.  Larry is a fixture in my memories of growing g up on Montrose street.  He was a wonderful neighbour and friend to my parents, and just an all round fabulous guy.  So very sorry for your loss.
Greig Blamey

OBITUARY

Larry Gordon Shields

January 30, 1945 – July 15, 2023

Thomson In The Park Funeral Home and Cemetery

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