Dennis Beryl Shields' Obituary
Dennis (Denny) Beryl Shields, 84, a beloved father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2024 in Palm Coast, Florida.
Denny was born on October 31, 1940 to Lola and Beryl Shields in Santa Monica California. He had a happy childhood with his sister Rose Lee (Glover), his parents and his Grandma Laura. In his youth, he joined the Boy Scouts, ultimately achieving the status of Eagle Scout. One of his mottos he instilled in his children from this time is to “leave it better than you found it”, always striving for continuous improvement.
While in the boy scouts, he met Larry Glover, who became his lifelong best friend. Larry married Denny’s sister, Rose Lee.
Denny loved boats, building one with his dad in his late teens. He used to love road-tripping with his friends to go camping and boating. Later, he and his then wife Linda Shields would take their children on many camping/boating adventures.
Denny also was known as an avid game player, loving to play Yahtzee and many card and dice games, along with being a skillful gardener.
In 1964, Denny joined the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). He loved his Caltrans family and made many close friends. He started as a Right of Way Agent in San Bernardino and was one of the top acquisition agents in the state. In 1972, he was promoted and moved his young family to Sacramento. Through these friendships, he and his family had many camping/boating adventures along with fun games nights and barbecues. He retired in 2000 as the Statewide Division Chief for Right of Way and Land Surveys.
During Denny’s long retirement, he lived in Oregon, enjoying fishing, crabbing and volunteer work through his church and the food bank. He spent many years living in Glendora, CA, having breakfast most mornings with Larry and enjoying many birthdays and holidays with his beloved extended family. The last four years, he has been living on the ocean in Palm Coast, Florida with his son Greg and Greg’s spouse Robert.
Denny is preceded in death by his parents Lola and Beryl as well as his sister Rose Lee Glover.
Denny is survived by his children Julie (Brian), Greg (Robert) and Susan, as well as his grandchildren Morgan, Nathan, Erin and Tyler. He is also survived by his cherished brother-in-law Larry and nieces and nephews Alan, Cindy, Penny and Laurie.
Arrangements are being handled by Heritage Funeral and Cremation. His legacy lives on in the hearts of his family and friends, whose lives he touched with positivity and love.
No service is being planned at this time, as there will be a small family gathering in the future. In lieu of flowers, consider donating to Shepherd’s Pantry in Glendora, CA. This nonprofit provides food and resources to those in need.
What’s your fondest memory of Dennis?
What’s a lesson you learned from Dennis?
Share a story where Dennis' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Dennis you’ll never forget.
How did Dennis make you smile?