Dana K. Shields

February 10, 1953 - August 22, 2018

Dover - Dana Kirk Shields was born on Feb. 10, 1953 in Salem MA but called New Hampshire home from the age of 7 on. He went to North Hampton Elementary and, in 1972, he graduated from Winnacunnet High School where he played football and basketball. Dana was a union bricklayer for many years, working mostly on the seacoast. He was a free spirit who loved surfing, classic rock, and exploring meditation and other forms of spirituality. In the course of his 65 years he also knew hard times and had his struggles with homelessness and alcoholism. A kind and authentic man and a spiritual searcher, he was always willing to help others. He greatly appreciated the community he found in AA Meetings, where he shared with candor, and at the Hampton Soup Kitchen, which was a warm and reliable source of support. Dana was pre-deceased by his mother, Mildred Durham; his step father, Gene; and his father, Bob, who died when Dana was 8 years old. He is survived by his 3 siblings, Bob of Bedford, NH; Karen of Concord, NH; and Marty of Palm Bay, FL, along with a niece, Katie; and a nephew, Jake. He is also survived by his good friend Jim Pelletier. Dana was a resourceful and resilient survivor. Admitted to Portsmouth Hospital with a devastating illness nearly 9 months ago, he was unable to recover, despite his remarkable efforts. He died on August 22 at Hyder Family Hospice in Dover, where he received excellent, compassionate care in his final days. A good soul, big-hearted, cooperative and generous, Dana will be well-remembered and sorely missed by those who knew and loved him. A celebration of Dana's life will be held at 4 PM September 28, 2018 at the Remick & Gendron Funeral Home-Crematory, Hampton. Donations in his memory may be made to the Hampton Beach Soup Kitchen www.svdphampton.com or Hyder Family Hospice House, 276 County Farm Road, Dover, NH 03820.