SHIELD, Alvin William 1940 – 2023

Alvin William Shield, of Milo, Alberta passed away on August 6, 2023 in the Vulcan Extendicare at the age of 82 years.

Alvin was born Aug. 29, 1940 in Bassano, Alberta to William (Bill) and Gladys Shield. He was raised on the family farm near Milo, the eldest of four children, and received his schooling there as well. Al was well known in the community growing up, playing sports, fixing up cars, and as a hired hand on local farms and ranches. Alvin worked with the county road crew building the Vulcan highway as a teenager and followed rodeo and chuckwagon races as well.

In 1957 Alvin boarded a train in Calgary and embarked on the next phase of his life – The Royal Canadian Air Force, where he would train in radar operations. Stationed in St. Denis, Quebec he would meet the love of his life, Helen Secord, who had enlisted the same year. They would be married March 4, 1961 in Helen’s hometown of Penobsquis, New Brunswick. Helen would retire in 1960 and they began their family in 1962 when John William was born. Alvin continued with the Air Force eventually being stationed in Red Deer, Alberta where they would welcome their second son, James Arthur. Alvin worked part time at local farms, he drove taxi, and would begin his training in auto body repair to supplement their income.

In 1965 Alvin lost both parents to cancer and moved his young family back to the farm in Milo, Alberta, a place he would proudly call home until his final days. Alvin loved the Queenstown/Milo community. He was president of the Queenstown Legion until it disbanded, and a member of the Vulcan Legion for 50+ years. He also helped with what he called the greatest weekend of the year – the Lake MacGregor Race Meet. Alvin curled, played hockey and loved the legendary Queenstown Hall dances. Alvin retained his class 1 driving license and traveled years with Ole Willard on the thoroughbred race track circuit. He would eventually obtain his trainers license and in the late 70’s ran the testing areas at local race meets.

Alvin and Helen traveled many miles following minor hockey in Lomond, Alberta where their boys played. They were involved with a great group of parents who Alvin loved spending time with. Alvin also followed the Chuckwagon circuit where he would become a well known staple for generations of drivers and outriders. He rarely missed a race, or a gathering afterwards. Alvin worked years farming his own land and would continue his auto body work with Roy Lerohl of Vulcan before eventually opening his own auto body/ windshield replacement business on the farm. He would spend his later years with Helen, camping, spending time with sons and grandson, following local hockey teams, chuckwagons, and the occasional stop at the Milo Hotel.

Beloved husband of Helen Shield of Milo, Loving father of John (Angie) Shield of Calgary, Jim Shield of Milo, grandfather of Dustin (Stephanie) Shield of Calgary, Siblings Barbara, Dale, and Vern of Calgary. Alvin is predeceased by his parents Bill and Gladys Shield.

A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. in the Milo Community Hall.

Tributes in Alvin’s memory can be made to the Milo and District Fire Association, Box 192, Milo, AB, T0L 1L0 OR Vulcan Extendicare Auxiliary, Box 810, Vulcan, AB, T0L 2B0.

Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.