"This is truly an honorable man with great accomplishments. I love how he served his country! He was a great man in the military and in the civilian world as well. May God bless him and his family! Rest easy my friend! USAF Veteran"
In loving memory of
William Chapin Shiel
William Chapin Shiel, 92, passed away November 18, 2017, surrounded and comforted by his family. A humble man with little to be humble about, Bill was born in Indianapolis on December 7, 1924. One of seven children born to Walter and Mary Shiel, Bill entered the Army in 1943 and two years later received a Congressional appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. He graduated in the Class of 1949. The core values that West Point instills in its Cadets remained a strong influence throughout Bill's entire life. However, the most significant influence on Bill began with a blind date with a beautiful young woman named Virginia Bruneau. They were married in Brophy Chapel on January 27, 1951 and shared an enduring love for one another for the next 58 years. Each day together, Bill and Virginia provided their six children the greatest gift of all --- parents who daily expressed their love and respect for each other, and a home always filled with love, laughter, and positive support (and weekend job lists for the kids!). Four days before Bill passed, he showed a picture of Virginia to his nurses and said she was "stunningly beautiful." Bill proudly served 20 years as a pilot in the U. S. Air Force. He was awarded with the Legion of Merit medal for "exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements." Because his work at the Pentagon was classified, Bill never told anyone specifically why he received this highest of honors, not even Virginia. Bill retired as Lieutenant Colonel in 1969, moved his family to Phoenix, and began a 20-year career in banking. Bill remained active throughout 27 years of retirement, with volunteer work at St. Francis Parish and St. Vincent de Paul, hikes in the forest with family and friends, much scholarly reading, and weekly gatherings with his family. Bill is survived by his children Bill Jr., Mike, Maureen (Mackey), Eldene (Spelder), Rhody and Ralph; their spouses; 13 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. A memorial Mass will be held Friday, November 24, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 4715 North Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85012. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to St. Vincent de Paul Conference c/o St. Francis Parish, 4715 North Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85012, or Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014. "Mission accomplished, Dad!" Visit https://hansenmortuary.wpengine.com for condolences.
Tributes
"My heart is broken to hear of the loss of Uncle Bill. He has been such a wonderful man all his life in so many ways. So accomplished, yet so humble, as you noted in his obit. He has been so admired and respected by all our family most certainly, and your wonderful family is a testament to what loving parents he and Aunt Virgina were to all of you. He gave, and gave to so many. I will miss him and always cherish the fun times and memories. May God bless each one of you during this time of pain and sorrow."
"Over the years, many times we recited the Creed together at Saint Francis. Now Bill and Virginia's Faith brings them together in the life of the world to come. I was Rhody's Counselor at Brophy and when I met his parents we quickly bonded over our Faith and Air Force careers and later volunteer work. Dear Shiel Family be inspired by your patriarchs and consoled by the assurance of their resurrection."
"Members of the West Point Society of Phoenix extend our deepest sympathy upon the death of LTC Shiel. The final words of our Alma Mater are a comfort at times like this: And, when our work is done, Our course on earth is run, May it be said, ?Well done. Be thou at peace.? E?re may that line of Gray Increase from day to day, Live, serve, and die, we pray, West Point, for thee!"
"Uncle Bill was a sweetheart, bright, warm, funny, emotionally attentive. I know all of the family has a full heart at this time of both his death and Thanksgiving blessings. My sympathy for your loss. He truly was so much of what is right in life ? faithful, honest, full of integrity. I celebrate now, smiling and sending love to the Shiel clan where ever they are in body and spirit."
"Sending our love and condolences during this difficult time. All though we only met Bill when we moved across the street from him just six years ago he made a lasting impression on us. What a beautiful obituary, he obviously lived an exemplary life! May the Lord bless you with wonderful memories during this Christmas Season!"
"I remember both Bill Sr. and Virginia very well. I also recall popping in every so often with our sister Catherine to the Shiel household during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season. It was so joyous, upbeat and festive. Great memories now tinged with sadness. Our thoughts are with all of you during this difficult time."
"Dear Maureen, Eldene and Family, My heart is heavy after reading your father's obituary. What a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and servent to God. May you find comfort knowing he is now reunited with his stunningly beautiful Virginia. God bless all of you.......you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God hold him in the palm of His hands. Love, Kelley McNeill"
"We are saddened for the loss of your dad , may his soul Rest In Peace.. our thoughts and prayers are with you. Talal & Maysoon Beydoun"
"Uncle Bill remains a treasure in my memory of many wonderful times with Aunt Virginia and my favorite cousins out in Phoenix...my heart goes out to Chape, Mike, Maureen, Eldine, Rhody, and Ralph and all of their beautiful extended families...!! An era in the Shiel family has passed, and Bill contributed mightily to our legacy !! Big hugs all around to all those who loved Bill and vice versa.... peace, Bob Shiel"
"So sorry for your loss. Great tribute, i especially loved that he called his bride stunningly beautiful even after 58 years ?? Thinking of you all... Judith Carr"