Bob Shields
Robert (Bob) Noel SHIELDS 2nd Jan 1930 …4th June 2018
The death of Mr. Bob Shields, long time Life Member of the Hervey Bay Historical Village & Museum has ended a unique chapter in the annals of our Museum.
Affectionately known to all simply as Bob, the passing of such a humble and unassuming man has left us all saddened but much more enlightened about the important things in life and the wisdom that only can be gained from someone who knew more about human nature than most of us will ever know.
A stalwart of our Museum, his legacy lives on with what he accomplished in establishing the Fishing and Aviation Displays, the numerous oil paintings and handmade models. His models of the Urangan Pier are on display at numerous venues around Hervey Bay as well as at the Museum.
His wit and sense of humour were legendary and his numerous fun items scattered throughout our Museum grounds bear testimony to his uncanny ability to see the funny side of any situation. Visitors to our Australia Day Celebrations each year will recall the old “swaggie” wandering around, always with something to make people laugh, be it an invisible dog on the leash or the latest satellite receiver on his hat!
Thousands of children on Museum visits have searched our Bush Garden for the many animals hiding on the ground or in the trees. These were the work of our Bob and the excitement of a 5 year old getting a Merit stamp for finding all of the animals is an indication of influence that one man can have in the lives of many.
The quiet and very private man loved “his” Museum and it was fitting that on Friday 8th June, his Funeral Service was held in our Historic Church which was filled to overflowing on the day.
All of us who knew can sincerely say “Well done, old mate, you have left a Legacy etched in our memories”
John Andersen, Historian, Hervey Bay Historical Village & Museum.
Click this link to read Bob’s Story,the story of a bush kid last century. The story was discovered by Bob;s wife Heather after he passed away and was transcribed by his son Murray Shields.
Click Here: