25/07/2026
VALE IAN SHIELDS
Casey Cannons Hockey Club will unite in wearing black armbands this round to honour and pay respect to dedicated past club-member Ian Shields.
An ever-present figure at the club over decades, Ian played an instrumental role in securing the pitch and clubrooms at Berwick Secondary College we now all call home.
Ian was a driving force in the club's quest to find a home base, acting as a key conduit between club, government and college stakeholders, and helping navigate complex regulatory and funding roadblocks to turn the concept of a dedicated home into a reality.
Beyond the laying of the pitch, Ian stayed heavily involved in the club, serving actively on the grounds sub-committe and worked tirelessly behind the scenes on committee governance and infrastructure projects.
Widely regarded as the ultimate multi-tasker, he was never too proud to mow a lawn or do any maintenance job required.
Of course, were it not for the contributions of daughters Cath and Jo, who played at the club and served in committee roles, son Greg and wife Trish, we would not have been impacted by Ian's passion and expertise - and never been treated to his "sticks down" catch cry from the sidelines.
His contribution is made all the more profound when you consider his dedication to Ormond and Castlemaine United cricket clubs and that sport, which earned him the honour of Cricket Victoria's Community Cricket Volunteer of the Year.
Casey Hockey Club is indebted to Ian and our collective hearts go out to Trish, Cath, Jo and his extended family and friends on their loss.