FIELDS, John (Oilcan)

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 05/02/2006 John "Oilcan" Fields, 61, died April 22, 2006, at his home in the White Mountains after a long illness. John was born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, Sept. 19, 1944, to John Fields, Jr. and Elizabeth J. Fields. Graduating in 1964 from Kofa High School in Yuma, John became a member of the Army National Guard from 1965-1971, achieving the rank of Sergeant. John then began his 28-year career with the Yuma Fire Department. As a young fireman, John studied as one of the city's first EMTs. In the early 1970's he manned Rescue 1, the city's initial response vehicle. He was instrumental in developing the HAZMAT Response Team in the 1990s. John went on to be Yuma's Emergency Management Director, coordinating emergency planning and responses with all agencies. John represented his fellow firefighters as Past President of Yuma Local 1234, International Association of Firefighters. John retired from the Yuma Fire Department in 1996 as Battalion Chief. After his retirement he relocated briefly in Missouri, then to Lakeside. Soon after moving to the White Mountains, he became an active member of the Modified Motorcycle Association, serving on both the local as well as State Board of Directors. His tireless work for the MMA earned him a Lifetime membership. John is survived by his extraordinary and beloved wife, Kathy Fields, of Lakeside; son Paul Fields of Yuma; son Dusty Fields (Cary) of Yuma. In Farber, Missouri, John is survived by son, Nicholas Fields, and daughter, Katie Fields. Other survivors include his father, John Fields, Jr. of Yuma, and sister Jeanne Givens and her husband, Ron, of Yuma, three grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and countless good friends. At John's request there will be no formal services, but friends will remember him at his father's home during an open house Saturday, May 6, from 2-4 p.m. at 1409 E. Torrey Pines Circle, Yuma. A memorial to celebrate his life will also be held Saturday, May 13, from 9-10 a.m. at the Branding Iron Restaurant in Show Low. A poker run to pay tribute to his memory will immediately follow the memorial. John's dynamic personality enabled him to make friends with people from very different backgrounds. He always had a funny story to tell and made others laugh easily. He loved to ride his motorcycle and feel the wind on his face. My Dearest Husband, if love could have saved you, you would have lived forever. We will miss you. Ride on, Oilcan John. Monetary gifts of John's memory may be made to City of Hope-Samaritan, Bone Marrow Transplant Program, 1111 E. McDowell, Phoenix, AZ 85006. Cards and condolences may be directed to Kathy Fields, 2722 Robin Court, Lakeside, AZ 85929.