ELLSWORTH — Donald “Don” V. Shields died Aug. 11, 2012. He was born Oct. 26, 1934, in Leominster, Mass., the son of Frank and Nellie Shields.

He graduated from Leominster High in 1952 and from the University of Maine in 1956. He was a Golden Glove boxer and a semi-pro football player. He was a loving husband and father. Don worked as a salesman for many years. Through his love of the outdoors and fly-fishing he found his true vocation as an activist and advocate for the environment. He worked with Trout Unlimited and the Atlantic Salmon Federation, and later as an AmeriCorps volunteer. Don was instrumental in the effort to restore native salmon to the Penobscot River in Maine and advocated for proper fish passage for trout and other native species throughout New England.

Don is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; four children; four grandchildren; his mother; three brothers; and a sister.

The immediate family will be having a private memorial service. Donations in his name can be sent to Trout Unlimited or the Atlantic Salmon Federation of Maine.