Mackenzie Alan Shields

Mac Obituary

Mackenzie Alan Shields, 33, passed away in the early morning hours of October 8, 2023 in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He was taken too soon from those who loved him, but the Lord understood his struggle and called him home. 

Mackenzie, or “Mac” as he was known by his loved ones,  was born on April 1st, 1990 to Alan and Rina Shields in Oberlin, Kansas. Mac grew up in both Colby, Kansas and Las Vegas, Nevada, before ultimately settling in Colby and later Cheyenne. It was in Cheyenne where he met his one true love, Jaime Elliott, in 2020. In June of 2021, Mac and Jaime married in Wellington, Colorado and soon after, their beloved son Layne William Shields was born on August 18th, 2022. 

Mac’s early passions included skateboarding and bicycling. Later, as a lifelong music enthusiast, he also taught himself to play the guitar. Mac was an avid reader and loved Ernest Hemingway and Edgar Allan Poe. As Mac was very open to learning new skills, he discovered he had a talent for crocheting. To his family’s surprise he presented loved ones with extremely well-made blankets and toys. 

Mac also loved working with animals. In his youth, he thrived on a farm in Las Vegas alongside many horses, goats, and chickens. For several years, he proved himself as a hard worker in the oil field, contributing intensely to a pulling unit crew. 

Mac worked on Harvest Farm in Wellington, Colorado, from November 2020 to June 2021 where he thrived amongst new friends who were fighting the same struggles as himself. At this amazing place, he also formed special friendships with Carl the turkey and Aria the goat. He graduated from the program with flying colors, due to his passion for not only helping others, but also for his commitment to improving himself through recovery. Mac had a special enthusiasm for life, and was incredibly humble as he felt it was his mission to help and support those around him.

Although Mac was headstrong, and even a bit stubborn at times, he had an immense heart and an equally immense sense of humor. 

He was a devoted father, and for a while had the honor of caring for his son Layne on a daily basis, which brought incredible light to his life. With Jaime, Mac thrived as a doting husband who spoke openly of her love as one of the biggest blessings in his life. He often relayed how lucky he was to have married her, and how lucky he was to have built a beautiful life.  

Mackenzie is survived by his wife, Jaime, and his son, Layne. Mac is also survived by his father, Alan Shields, mother Rina Brungardt, his many cousins, and an immensely loving network of family and friends in Colorado and Kansas. 

A memorial service will be held, with details to follow.