Thomas Shield Memorial Fund

First of all, thank you for reading and taking a moment to remember my Dad for all that he was to our family and our community. My name is Abraham and for those that know our family my father was unforgettable in so many ways. He was a man of deep faith in Jesus, devoted husband to his wife Candace, and a father that was so much a part of my life in so many ways that it's hard to imagine life moving forward with him gone. He was instrumental in the Northern Michigan community for decades, first as a restaurant manager, maître d, and later as "the man who could fix anything" across most of the northern half of the state. His undying hard work ethic was known by all and whether it was 4AM or a Saturday during Cherry Festival, he would drop what he was doing and try and come do his best to get a business going again and ready for operation. As many of you know, I worked with him for 18 years until I moved to start a new life with my family out in Colorado.

He worked up until 14 days before he took his final breath, giving his all for my mom and his customers. With my dad's sudden passing, my hope is to help my mom transition through the many things left uncompleted and the literally innumerable loose ends left in dad's business that are suddenly adrift. Living 1,300 miles away, it'll be necessary for me to take large blocks of time off from work for several extended trips across the country to assist in readying my mom for what comes next. Once there, there will be unexpected costs for transportation, removal of equipment, clearing of many things, etc. SO many people have asked what they can do or how they can help... it's been overwhelming in such a positive way.

If you feel the desire to give and help during this time, my mom's only requests have been to refrain from sending flowers or gifts at this time, and that all who knew and loved my dad cover her in prayer for the move into this new phase of life for her. My mom has not requested any financial help, however it is my hope that if you want to help in a physical way, this "funding page" will be instrumental in assisting my mom and helping get her settled in a very real way.

Any gift will help, and most of all thinking of us and sending prayers for her is the most valuable gift.

Thank you all, we appreciate it deeply.

Respectfully, Abraham