Stephen V. Shields, age 74, passed away on May 21, 2025 at St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka, with Loretta by his side. Born Aug. 15, 1950 in Eureka to Bob and Gladys Shields. He attended Freshwater Elementary School, Hydesville Elementary and Fortuna High School.

At Fortuna High School, Steve was an outstanding athlete, especially in football. In 1967, Steve was all-county for the football team that was made up of all seniors and each received the H-DN star, which marks him as a member of the only officially recognized all-star team for the Humboldt Del Norte CIF league.

Steve served in the Army in Vietnam for two years. After returning home, it was time to work. He started his career in the timber industry working at Louisiana Pacific, Eel River Sawmills, Palco and Humboldt Redwood Company. He mastered all equipment. Being a loader operator was his favorite.

Steve was a sports fanatic, especially football, baseball, basketball, NASCAR, boxing, MMA and more. If you didn’t know the answer to any sports question, just ask Steve, and they did. He was more than happy to share his knowledge to all that asked and some who didn’t.

Loretta and Steve made many trips to San Francisco to watch the Giants and A’s even though he was a Detroit Tigers fan. Stops were made at local sports bars to catch the action of all the games he didn’t want to miss. There was never a “Dull Moment” but well worth it. Steve was a 49ers forever fan. He wore the complete gear on game day. He would watch it with the guys and raise the roof off the house when the refs made the wrong call. He was in his element watching the Niners, win or lose, as long as he could watch the game and root them on with a cold coors in his hand. His favorite comment was “Just sit down and enjoy the ride.”

Steve and Loretta enjoyed trips to Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Bahamas, Jamaica, Hawaii, Reno and Tahoe.

He is survived by his partner of 43 years, Loretta Olsen; son, Jason Shields of Eureka; sister-in-law Cindy Olsen of Eureka; sister Jean Shields of Milwaukie, Oregon; sister, Ruth Darby of Pleasaton; brother Rob Shields of Portland, Oregon; and his cat Tripper. He was preceded in death by his parents and cats Jackie O, Scotty, CB and Elsie. Private services to be held by the family. Donations may be made to your favorite charity in Steve’s honor.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Stephen Shields’ loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.