We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Canadian Pro Rodeo Legend Dave Shields Sr.

Our thoughts are with his partner, Shirley, his Mom Merna, his children Davey, Dustin and Sierra and their families, extended family members and Dave’s many friends, colleagues and fellow cowboys.  

Born in Cereal, Alberta June 18, 1955; Dave led a dynamic and colourful life. As a young man, the talented athlete was a test pilot for the Calgary Stampede Ranch bucking horses. He would get on the unridden horses to assess their bucking abilities and receive $5 a head for his efforts. 

Dave earned his CPRA membership in 1979 and went on to qualify for the CFR 11 times in the bareback event. Though he never won a championship, he was always in there as a contender during his 17 years of competition. Dave won the Wild Horse Racing Championship five times at the Calgary Stampede and worked as a Stampede chute boss in recent years. In 1987, the Cereal, Alberta native was voted CPRA Douglas Lake Ranch Cowboy of the Year and in 2009, he was inducted into the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame as a Rodeo Legend.

Dave Shields helped many young cowboys over the years through numerous rough stock schools and by providing ongoing mentoring and coaching. Through his life, Dave has been a family man, auctioneer, rancher, hunter, pilot and mentor but always a cowboy and rodeo promoter. 

There are no words to express the devastating heartbreak we are feeling today in the loss of The Legend, Dave Shields. 

You were truly one of a kind, giving the shirt off your back for anyone who needed it more than you did. You are a legend in the sport of rodeo for many reasons but the biggest reason being the love and passion that was the driving force to get youth involved. The smile on your face when you saw your students turn into rodeo athletes, overcoming their biggest fears, spoke to your passion for the sport and the people within it. Your heart smiled every moment of every day no matter what life brought your way. Your constant, handsome smile brought so much joy and hope of better days when needed. Your legacy will live on through all the stories told about you, your whole-hearted love for the sport that was passed down to the youth you taught and for the other lives you touched who chose to live the life of a rodeo cowboy.

Your biggest joys were your wife, children and grandchildren. You were always their biggest fans. The pure happiness and pride you carried when your children and grandchildren accomplished something goes well beyond words.  We know you will continue to be there even from your new view, sitting on top of the clouds. 

It is without a doubt you have entered all the big ones up in heaven now and are most likely teaching others how to ride too. You will forever be in our hearts and never be forgotten. Fly high Dave. We love you.

“Heroes get remembered, but legends never die.”  -Babe Ruth