Passing of HCol Michael Shields
Honorary Colonel Roy Michael Shields, CD, KCJSJ
1931 TO 2025
It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our Honorary Colonel Roy Michael Shields, CD, KCJSJ. HCol Shields passed away peacefully on 19 August 2025.
HCol Shields served as an army cadet during WWII, joined the Canadian Officers Training Corps at the University of British Columbia before transferring to the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada as an Officer Cadet in 1951. HCol Shields served until 1957 as a Lieutenant. While pursuing his distinguished career as a Corporate Officer in a BC coastal water marine tug and barge business he returned to the cadets in 1995 where he served as Chair of the 72nd Seaforth RCACC Sponsoring Committee until 1997. Between 1997 and 2007, he served as Hon. Major and Cadet Liason Officer for the [then] four Seaforth Cadet Corps. In 2002 HCol Shields was awarded the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal.
On April 17, 2007 he was appointed HLCol before being appointed HCol on January 23rd 2012, a role he served in until January 18th, 2018. In 2013 HCol Shields was awarded the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal. As an Honorary officer, Michael served as Chairman of the Seaforth Regimental Committee, the Seaforth Foundation, the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada Museum & Archives, and an executive member of the Seaforth Patrons Corps.
In addition to devoting a signifcant portion of his adult life to the Regiment, HCol Shields served the Greater Vancouver community in many capacities. After being admitted to the Sovereign Order of St. John in March of 1995 he rose to the rank of Knight Commander of the Vancouver Commandery before being appointed to the Senate of the Order and its chair in 2013. He served as Chairman of the Vancouver Maritime Museum, Trustee and President of the Vancouver Museum and Planetarium Association, Director and President of the Churchill Society of BC, Trustee and President of the Vancouver Academy of Music and Director of the Bowen Island Historians. His many helpful and beneficial contributions leave a legacy that will live on and never be forgotten.
There will be a Celebration of Life on Sunday September 7th 2025 beginning at 14:00HRS at the Seaforth Armoury. All members of our Seaforth Highlanders of Canada Regimental Community are both invited and encouraged to attend to pay our respects to the family and to honour the life of the late HCol Roy Michael Shields.
A reception will be held in the Officers Mess and Anderson Room following the Celebration of Life.
Parking will be available in the Hoffmeister Building’s parkade (enter off of West 1st) through the East Gate.