VENTURA, CALIF. – Vernal “Butch” Shields died suddenly on Dec. 11, 2003, in Ventura, Calif. He was born on June 3, 1958, in Portland to Charles and Arlene Shields. At the age of 14 he moved to Santa Barbara with his mother, where he attended Santa Barbara High School. He was currently employed by Associated Ready Mix Concrete, Inc., where he was known by his peers as a dedicated worker. Butch was a skilled wood craftsman, mason and arborist who had been remodeling his home by himself for the last few years. He had a great passion for music and was a gifted percussionist. Family and friends meant a great deal to him, and he had a warm and giving heart and caring nature. He will be greatly missed by his loving family, many friends and associates. Butch is survived by his wife of 18 years, Bette Fisher; his mother, Arlene Shields; brother, Charles Shields; sisters, Diana Barrows, Kristen Shields; and three nieces and one nephew. Services will be held at Joseph P. Reardon Funeral Home, 757 E. Main St., Ventura, Calif., to celebrate Butch’s life.
VERNAL ‘BUTCH’ SHIELDS
