Dr. George David Shier

Dr. George David Shier, 89, passed away peacefully on November 25, 2025, in Midland, Michigan. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, George lived a life marked by curiosity, integrity, and quiet strength.

He was born on January 8, 1936, in Columbus, Ohio, to George Raymond Shier and Marie (Shouse) Shier. In 1948, his parents moved the family to Golden, Colorado, settling on 50 acres of pastureland north of Golden. The family spent the summer of 1948 living in a tent while building the family home, with George and his two brothers as an important source of labor.

George demonstrated an early passion for reading and a keen intellect. His love of reading began in childhood and remained a defining part of his life. As a high school senior, he earned an Engineer's Day Scholarship to the Colorado School of Mines after excelling in a four-part examination—his exceptional score in Current Events was credited to his habit of reading Time magazine cover to cover each week.

After graduating from Golden High School in 1954, George entered the Colorado School of Mines. After two years of study, he joined the U.S. Navy in 1956, serving aboard the USS New Jersey and the USS Waldron out of Norfolk, Virginia. Following his honorable discharge in 1958, he returned to Mines and graduated with High Honors in Metallurgical Engineering. During his time there, he developed a strong interest in chemistry and decided to pursue graduate studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana.

It was at Illinois that George met Quita Verban, a fellow graduate student in the Zoology program. Their shared love of learning—and football—brought them together during a chance game day encounter while attending a University of Illinois football game. George and Quita were married on January 28, 1962, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in mutual respect and shared adventure.

In 1964, George began his professional career at Dow Chemical Company as a research chemist in chemical process technology. Over the years he advanced through various roles—including supervisor and Lab Director in Central Research—before transitioning in 1990 to work with universities and government laboratories on research and development initiatives. He retired from Dow in 1995 after more than three decades of dedicated service.

George’s intellectual pursuits extended far beyond the laboratory. He was an avid reader throughout his life, exploring topics across science, history, politics, and beyond. His deep knowledge was worn lightly; he was a man of few words who never spoke down to others or ill of anyone. Those who knew him valued his steady presence and thoughtful counsel.

A lifelong lover of nature and the outdoors, George’s passion for camping began with family trips in the 1940s and continued throughout his life. Early adventures with Quita included mountain camping trips in Colorado; later excursions took their growing family across Michigan and beyond. As their children grew older, George led memorable canoe trips through remote Canadian rivers near Lake Superior—journeys that often lasted a week or more—and hiked destinations like Isle Royale and the Grand Canyon. In later years he took up kayaking and continued exploring natural landscapes with enthusiasm.

After retirement, George turned his attention to gardening with characteristic precision and care. His garden flourished under his meticulous attention and became both a source of pride and a gift to others. He generously shared its bounty with friends, neighbors, and his church community, and his pickled green beans were especially beloved by his children and grandchildren.

George was deeply involved with Midland United Church of Christ, alongside Quita. He served faithfully in many volunteer roles over the years, contributing quietly but meaningfully to the life of the congregation.

Above all else, George cherished his family. He leaves behind three children: George Steven Shier (Kristen Shier), Andrew David Shier (Nicki Shier), and Anita Dawn (Shier) Helmus (Brian Helmus); seven grandchildren: Daane Helmus, Benjamin Helmus, Mitchell Helmus, Arianna Shier, Teddy Shier, Nathan Shier, and Owen Shier; two brothers: John Shier (Kathy Shier) and Daniel Shier (Clare Shier); sister-in-law Chiqeeta V. Jameson (Craig Jameson); as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Quita Verban Shier and granddaughter Samantha Shier.

George’s legacy is one of quiet wisdom, steadfast love, intellectual curiosity, and enduring kindness. His familiar farewell—“Press on Regardless”—was more than just a phrase. It reflected how he lived his life: with grace through challenges and humility through success.

May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him. A Memorial Service will be held on March 14, 2026 at 1:00 pm, followed by a luncheon, at Midland United Church of Christ, 4100 Chestnut Hill, Midland, Michigan.