by Scott Harvey
Sports Editor
Bill Shier, former assistant football coach and husband of Lou Ann Shier, Athletic Department business manager, died on Sunday, Sept. 21, of a heart attack at the age of 56.
Services were held Sept. 24 at Rose Hills Mortuary in Whittier, with more than 250 family members, friends and University of La Verne supporters in attendance.
“I have received a lot of support from my friends and family at La Verne,” said Lou Ann.
Shier, born on April 7, 1941, was the president of Stepco Insurance in Hollywood and was an employee of the company for more than 25 years.
“Not only was he my insurance man, he was a good friend and his loss will be a void that will be hard to fill,” said Owen Wright, head baseball coach.
Shier was also a member of Roland Ortmayer’s football coaching staff from 1981-90 and according to Rex Huigens, former head football coach, he served as a father figure to the players whom he came in contact with.
Shier joined the coaching staff primarily because his son Scott, now 35, was a standout player from 1981-83 at La Verne.
“Bill was a very close and dear friend of mine. Luckily, I had a chance to spend a day with him at my cabin that Saturday before he passed away,” said Ortmayer.
According to Huigens, Shier was affectionately known as “Pops” to the football players and played a big role in motivating and supporting the team.
“I think anybody who knows Ort, knows that he has some vacancies in detail, Bill helped him fill those vacancies,” said Huigens.
“He was a big supporter of Ortmayer and appreciated his coaching philosophy,” said Lou Ann.
According to her, Shier truly loved the University.
“Bill loved La Verne. He had many friends who will miss him here,” said Lou Ann.
Shier is survived by Lou Ann, Scott and daughter Denise, 33.
“Bill was a great character. He always made people laugh and was just an all around fun guy,” said Huigens.
