Kenneth R. Shier

Kenneth R. Shier was born the second child to parents William and Helen Shier on April 28, 1933 in Chicago, Illinois. He also had an older brother Eugene Shier. Ken attended Western Military Academy and moved to California after his time served in the US Army during the Korean War. Ken attended San Diego State University where he graduated in 1959 with a degree in engineering. He spent his professional career in the garment manufacturing business, running plants all over the country. Through mutual friends, Ken was set up on a double date with the woman that would prove to be the love of his life. He married Mary Mahedy Shier in July of 1961 and they spent the next 53 years as soulmates and loving parents and grandparents before Mary’s passing in December of 2013. His career took them all over the country, but they eventually settled back in San Diego. Ken and Mary were blessed with three children Deanna, Kenneth and Laurie. Ken is survived by those children, their spouses and numerous grandchildren. Affectionately known as Gramps to all of them, his grandchildren were a special joy to him. He enjoyed watching Deanna and Peter’s children Liam and Daniel compete in karate competitions and spending numerous hours with them building legos and going out to eat at their favorite spots with Aunt Laurie. Before moving to Texas, after Mary passed, his daughter Laurie would taking him shopping and make sure he was taking care of himself and staying busy with his friends. Ken got to spend the last 2 years of his life living with Kenny, his wife Kendra and their 3 children, Madison, Kennedy and Ian in Texas. Ian is an accomplished bass clarinetist and Ken loved attending his musical performances. Madison attended and graduated from the University of Texas and Ken loved his “I’m a Longhorn Grandpa” sweatshirt almost as much as he loved his SDSU Aztec sweatshirt. Kennedy and Ken loved playing Bingo at the Senior Center and spending time playing card games and going out to lunch. Ken was also blessed to have had several life-long college friends like Jeannie Close and Alex Doig that continued to stay a very big part of his life through social functions, musical concerts, SDSU Aztec games and when he moved to Texas, phone calls and letters catching up. Ken loved sports, especially baseball and his beloved Chicago Cubs. One of the highlights of his last few years was seeing the Cubs finally win a world series after 108 years of futility. Ken loved music. In his last days it was the one thing that would bring him back and put a smile on his face. Listening to the hits of the 40’s, big band music and orchestra performances were some of his favorite moments. He was an active member in the Corpus Christi parish until he moved to Texas 2 years ago and was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a member of the San Diego Police RSVP for over 18 years. He loved being on patrol and giving back to his community. He was a selfless man, that worked hard all of his life to ensure his family had every opportunity to succeed. The family finds great comfort knowing he is now reunited with the love of his life, Mary.