Blaine M. Shields
October 26, 1932 - February 4, 2012
Blaine M. Shields
Blaine M. Shields, 79, passed away Saturday, February 4, in the presence of his loving wife, Yvonne, and the many family members who had gathered to wish him a journey filled with love and peace. Blaine fought his last battle with the same grace, humor, courage, and compassion with which he overcame so many health obstacles in his later years. He touched the lives of all he encountered to the very end, treating everyone with respect, genuine interest, and kindness. To paraphrase the author Maya Angelou, people may forget what he said, they may forget what he did, but they will never forget the way he made them feel. Blaine was born October 26, 1932 in Pleasant Grove, Utah to Hoyt and Cleone Shields.
He spent his entire childhood in his hometown, and attended Pleasant Grove High School where he made many lifelong friends. He worked for Utah Power and Light until his retirement in 1987, and served his country in the Army from 1952-1954. He was always an active member of his community, serving in various organizations and in various capacities in the Moab Rotary Club, Moab Chamber of Commerce, IES, ASHRAE, IEA, Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce Salt Shakers, Salt Lake Kiwanis, and Junior Achievement.
Blaine is survived by his wife Yvonne; sons Terry (Sally) and Curt Shields; daughter Lesa (John) Ellis; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; his furry friend Rufus; and countless extended family members and friends, all of whom will carry the warmth of Blaine’s memory in their hearts forever. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Wesley; and sister Eloise.
A wake will be held on Thursday, February 9th from 6 to 8 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 10th at 11:00 AM, with a viewing one hour prior, also at Starks Funeral Parlor. Interment at Murray City Cemetery, 5490 S. Vine St., Murray.
The family wishes to thank Blaine’s neighbors for all the concern, support and love that they provided during this difficult time. A special thank you to little Claire Hazen for bringing such joy and love to Blaine. She held such a special place in his heart, and he considered her his granddaughter. He always looked forward to those hugs that only she could give.
In Loving Memory
My condolences to the family. Blaine was my hero as a young child. It was great to have a cousin like Blaine. I'm sure that he will be greatly missed.
Larry B. Gillman
Salt Lake City, UT
Yvonne please know that you are on my mind and in my heart. We miss you so much. Charolet
Charolet Dumas
Taylorsville, UT
Yvonne and Family, You are in my thought, heart and prayers. Always remember all the great memories that you have all have. Miss you Yvonne
Alyce Miller
Salt Lake City, Ut
Yvonne, We are so sorry to hear of Blaines passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
deborah drain
Holladay, UT
Yvonne, I am so so sorry. We were looking forward to going on trips and getting closer this year. I am just grateful that it was possible for us to get together last summer. When you said the UP&L get together was important because you could never tell how long people would be around, you just didn't know how prophetic you were speaking. Blaine was such a great guy. He will really be missed. Love you, Warner and Marilynn
Warner and Marilynn Wood
St. George, Ut
Yvonne and family, I worked for Blaine at UP&L in the 70's. He was a great boss, easy to work for and I fondly remember those days at the office on 1st South. Blaine always had a smile on his face and was always a cheerful person. I am happy to have had the experience. You are in my thoughts.
Bruce Hutchinson
Salt Lake City, Ut
Mom and I have smiled thinking of Blaine's sense of humor, his laughter and memories made. We love you and we are there in prayer. God Bless Tommie and Velia
Tommie and Velia Trujillo
Buena Park, CA
We had the honor of meeting Blaine a couple of times and instantly fell in love with his amazing personality. He was truly an amazing man. I know he will be greatly missed. Our condolences to the family. You all are in our hearts and prayers.
James & Katie Hilton
West Valley City, Ut
Yvonne, Lesa, Terry and Curt -- Our hearts go out to you and your family at this time of sorrow. We know that remembering all of the fun times you shared with Blaine will keep you smiling and moving on through your grief. Yvonne, we have LOTS of wonderful memories of great times we enjoyed with the two of you. Lots of laughs with two of our favorite people! We are thinking of you and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Much love -- Gary and Paulette
Gary & Paulette Birdsall
Bountiful, UT
Yvonne, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you. Love, Marge Openshaw
Marge Openshaw
Bountiful, Ut
A bit unconventional, but a taste of the coeinumtims' love for Greg:Dan Heims Greg Speichert an icon in the horticulture and water gardening industry passed away today in Pennsylvania. So sad. November 5 at 9:40ama0b7a032 Commentsa0b7a0Likea0b7a0RemoveJimmy Turner Does anyone have any news?November 5 at 9:43am��?��Like��?��DeleteC.L. Fornari Oh, no. One of the great spirits in gardening.November 5 at 9:54am��?��Like��?��DeleteLaura Summerhill Deeter I can't find anything online at this point.November 5 at 9:59am��?��Like��?��DeleteDiane Blazek Very sad news. Horticulture has lost another good one.November 5 at 10:08am��?��Like��?��DeleteKathleen Grube Holly cow. He was so young. What happened?November 5 at 10:30am��?��Like��?��DeleteShirley Bovshow Sorry to hear about Greg's passing.November 5 at 10:31am��?��Like��?��DeleteDenise Wiles Adams I am so sorry. This is shocking news.November 5 at 11:14am��?��Like��?��DeleteDoreen Howard OMGosh! I was to call him Monday for an interview. He was a true giant in the industry and a good person.November 5 at 11:15am��?��Like��?��DeleteJames Waddick Dan any details? This sounds too odd. Accidental or ? What happened?November 5 at 11:48am��?��Like��?��DeleteDebbie Lonnee I just saw it on Chris Beytes blogged and I am stunned. First Jack Williams and now Greg. Who is at the breeder conference and can you fill us in? This is so sad . . . .November 5 at 1:03pm��?��Like��?��DeletePam Potts Camp Total Shock!November 5 at 2:07pm��?��Like��?��DeleteDan Heims Greg was attending the conference here, felt sick and went back to the Fairfield Inn and died last evening. He had plants in his car that were recovered by Longwood for his wife Sue. I will miss his startling smile and his grasp of horticulture. We had a moment of silence at the meeting today.November 5 at 2:53pm��?��Like��?��DeleteBarry Yinger Amazing. He was here Tuesday, stayed over, and Wednesday morning he loaded up plants and went to the conference. No sign that anything at all was wrong.November 5 at 3:11pm��?��Like��?��DeleteDebbie Lonnee Thank you Dan for the explanation, it is appreciated. Glad thatGreg spent time surrounded by fellow plant geeks before he was gone . . .November 5 at 3:15pm��?��Like��?��2 people��?��DeleteRobyn Brown I'm so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Rest in peace.November 5 at 4:37pm��?��Like��?��DeleteLaura Summerhill Deeter I'm still in shock! Man time to go tell everyone I care!November 5 at 5:14pm��?��Like��?��DeleteKaren Padgett I've heard him speak, a very nice guy and down to earth.November 5 at 5:42pm��?��Like��?��DeleteStephanie Cohen I have known him for many years. He stayed at my home the last time he spoke in Pa. He was 48. Those of you who planted Persicaria Red Dragon'-this was his plant. He was a member ofPPA, a graduate horticulturist, a lecturer, and garden writer. My condolences to his wife. we shall miss him.November 5 at 6:28pm��?��Like��?��1 person��?��DeleteC. Dale Hendricks Good God!!! Greg was a fine and gentle man- unbelievable!!!! My very best to Sue .November 5 at 7:45pm��?��Like��?��DeleteTim Wood I cannot believe this. I was just catching up with him at the conference. I left the conference this morning and just found out. I am so sad right now. Greg was such a special person, besides being on the the best plantsman I've ever met. A Genuine person. I'm in shock.November 5 at 8:01pm��?��Like��?��DeleteRob Cardillo Hard to believe what a bright and vigorous plantsman. I visited his water plant nursery some years ago and he and Sue were so hospitable.November 5 at 8:57pm��?��Like��?��DeleteStephanie Cohen Me too!StephNovember 5 at 9:39pm��?��Like��?��DeleteKelly Norris So sad to hear about this. It was good to finally connect with him for a length of time this summer at PPA. Terrible loss Saturday at 1:52am��?��Like��?��DeleteMary Walters OMG- Greg was a kind & giving person, knowledgeable plantsman, and good friend. Both he & Sue had been through some tough times but he always had a good attitude.He truly loved plants & was a very sharing individual. Sympathies to the family. What a loss to this industrySaturday at 2:51am��?��Like��?��DeleteChrista Hanson I only recently met him a year or two ago. Actually I didn't know he was a big deal in horticulture, I just met Greg and his wife when I returned home to visit the children's garden program from my childhood, of which he was now director. A great chat with a very good man, who was obviously well-liked by everyone in the hort world. My heart goes out to his wife, family, and friends.Saturday at 5:11am��?��Like��?��DeleteBrent Horvath Greg and I talked about Clematis and Asclepias at the meeting on Wednesday evening. I would love to name a plant in his honor.Saturday at 7:05am��?��Like��?��DeleteJanet Draper i am utterly speachless. My heart goes out to Sue.i originally met greg at plum creek nursery about 1992, and our paths have crossed many times since even in tough times, greg was always positive and upbeat, and always so enthralled with anything possessing chlorophyll. what a loss.Saturday at 7:48am��?��Like��?��DeleteStephanie Cohen Dear Brent,What a super idea! You are a caring and generous person.StephSaturday at 8:14am��?��Like��?��DeleteCharles Thomas Greg and Sue are well known and admired in the water garden community. They were especially helpful with two International Waterlily and Water Garden Society meetings in Chicago. Bless them!Sunday at 9:07am��?��Like��?��DeleteSteve Aitken Greg was one of the nicest guys I have come across. Very patient with a novice editor on his first shoot.Sunday at 9:09am��?��Like��?��DeleteJo Ellen Meyers Sharp This is so very sad. Greg was on the local organizing committee for the 2011 GWA symposium meeting in Indianapolis. He loved his job at Hilltop and was so enthusiastic about the potential of the garden there. I've known him for many years and will miss his wonderful, generous spirit and that great smile. My column in The Indianapolis Star Nov. 20 will be about Greg.Sunday at 7:58pm��?��Like��?��DeleteStephanie Cohen Dear Jo Ellen,Could I have a copy? Greg and I were friends somewhere between 15 and 20years. He died on my birthday. I would ppreciate it if you could.StephanieYesterday at 12:00pm��?��Like��?��Delete
Khurram
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A bit unconventional, but a taste of the ctmounimies' love for Greg:Dan Heims Greg Speichert an icon in the horticulture and water gardening industry passed away today in Pennsylvania. So sad. November 5 at 9:40ama0b7a032 Commentsa0b7a0Likea0b7a0RemoveJimmy Turner Does anyone have any news?November 5 at 9:43am��?��Like��?��DeleteC.L. Fornari Oh, no. One of the great spirits in gardening.November 5 at 9:54am��?��Like��?��DeleteLaura Summerhill Deeter I can't find anything online at this point.November 5 at 9:59am��?��Like��?��DeleteDiane Blazek Very sad news. Horticulture has lost another good one.November 5 at 10:08am��?��Like��?��DeleteKathleen Grube Holly cow. He was so young. What happened?November 5 at 10:30am��?��Like��?��DeleteShirley Bovshow Sorry to hear about Greg's passing.November 5 at 10:31am��?��Like��?��DeleteDenise Wiles Adams I am so sorry. This is shocking news.November 5 at 11:14am��?��Like��?��DeleteDoreen Howard OMGosh! I was to call him Monday for an interview. He was a true giant in the industry and a good person.November 5 at 11:15am��?��Like��?��DeleteJames Waddick Dan any details? This sounds too odd. Accidental or ? What happened?November 5 at 11:48am��?��Like��?��DeleteDebbie Lonnee I just saw it on Chris Beytes blogged and I am stunned. First Jack Williams and now Greg. Who is at the breeder conference and can you fill us in? This is so sad . . . .November 5 at 1:03pm��?��Like��?��DeletePam Potts Camp Total Shock!November 5 at 2:07pm��?��Like��?��DeleteDan Heims Greg was attending the conference here, felt sick and went back to the Fairfield Inn and died last evening. He had plants in his car that were recovered by Longwood for his wife Sue. I will miss his startling smile and his grasp of horticulture. We had a moment of silence at the meeting today.November 5 at 2:53pm��?��Like��?��DeleteBarry Yinger Amazing. He was here Tuesday, stayed over, and Wednesday morning he loaded up plants and went to the conference. No sign that anything at all was wrong.November 5 at 3:11pm��?��Like��?��DeleteDebbie Lonnee Thank you Dan for the explanation, it is appreciated. Glad thatGreg spent time surrounded by fellow plant geeks before he was gone . . .November 5 at 3:15pm��?��Like��?��2 people��?��DeleteRobyn Brown I'm so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Rest in peace.November 5 at 4:37pm��?��Like��?��DeleteLaura Summerhill Deeter I'm still in shock! Man time to go tell everyone I care!November 5 at 5:14pm��?��Like��?��DeleteKaren Padgett I've heard him speak, a very nice guy and down to earth.November 5 at 5:42pm��?��Like��?��DeleteStephanie Cohen I have known him for many years. He stayed at my home the last time he spoke in Pa. He was 48. Those of you who planted Persicaria Red Dragon'-this was his plant. He was a member ofPPA, a graduate horticulturist, a lecturer, and garden writer. My condolences to his wife. we shall miss him.November 5 at 6:28pm��?��Like��?��1 person��?��DeleteC. Dale Hendricks Good God!!! Greg was a fine and gentle man- unbelievable!!!! My very best to Sue .November 5 at 7:45pm��?��Like��?��DeleteTim Wood I cannot believe this. I was just catching up with him at the conference. I left the conference this morning and just found out. I am so sad right now. Greg was such a special person, besides being on the the best plantsman I've ever met. A Genuine person. I'm in shock.November 5 at 8:01pm��?��Like��?��DeleteRob Cardillo Hard to believe what a bright and vigorous plantsman. I visited his water plant nursery some years ago and he and Sue were so hospitable.November 5 at 8:57pm��?��Like��?��DeleteStephanie Cohen Me too!StephNovember 5 at 9:39pm��?��Like��?��DeleteKelly Norris So sad to hear about this. It was good to finally connect with him for a length of time this summer at PPA. Terrible loss Saturday at 1:52am��?��Like��?��DeleteMary Walters OMG- Greg was a kind & giving person, knowledgeable plantsman, and good friend. Both he & Sue had been through some tough times but he always had a good attitude.He truly loved plants & was a very sharing individual. Sympathies to the family. What a loss to this industrySaturday at 2:51am��?��Like��?��DeleteChrista Hanson I only recently met him a year or two ago. Actually I didn't know he was a big deal in horticulture, I just met Greg and his wife when I returned home to visit the children's garden program from my childhood, of which he was now director. A great chat with a very good man, who was obviously well-liked by everyone in the hort world. My heart goes out to his wife, family, and friends.Saturday at 5:11am��?��Like��?��DeleteBrent Horvath Greg and I talked about Clematis and Asclepias at the meeting on Wednesday evening. I would love to name a plant in his honor.Saturday at 7:05am��?��Like��?��DeleteJanet Draper i am utterly speachless. My heart goes out to Sue.i originally met greg at plum creek nursery about 1992, and our paths have crossed many times since even in tough times, greg was always positive and upbeat, and always so enthralled with anything possessing chlorophyll. what a loss.Saturday at 7:48am��?��Like��?��DeleteStephanie Cohen Dear Brent,What a super idea! You are a caring and generous person.StephSaturday at 8:14am��?��Like��?��DeleteCharles Thomas Greg and Sue are well known and admired in the water garden community. They were especially helpful with two International Waterlily and Water Garden Society meetings in Chicago. Bless them!Sunday at 9:07am��?��Like��?��DeleteSteve Aitken Greg was one of the nicest guys I have come across. Very patient with a novice editor on his first shoot.Sunday at 9:09am��?��Like��?��DeleteJo Ellen Meyers Sharp This is so very sad. Greg was on the local organizing committee for the 2011 GWA symposium meeting in Indianapolis. He loved his job at Hilltop and was so enthusiastic about the potential of the garden there. I've known him for many years and will miss his wonderful, generous spirit and that great smile. My column in The Indianapolis Star Nov. 20 will be about Greg.Sunday at 7:58pm��?��Like��?��DeleteStephanie Cohen Dear Jo Ellen,Could I have a copy? Greg and I were friends somewhere between 15 and 20years. He died on my birthday. I would ppreciate it if you could.StephanieYesterday at 12:00pm��?��Like��?��Delete
Giancarlo
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