March 7, 1943 – August 29, 2024
John Laing Sheppard passed away peacefully at Marjorie Willoughby Hospice with all the family around him. He had been transferred that morning from Royal Inland Hospital where he had been for four months following emergency brain surgery while on holiday in Mexico.
John was predeceased by his oldest daughter, Jacqueline Dawn (March 23, 1968 – April 7, 1984), his parents, Fred Sheppard (1907- 1990), Roie Sheppard (1912 – 1995) as well as in-laws George Flannery (1915 – 1973) and Norma Flannery (1921 – 2004).
John leaves to cherish amazing memories: his wife of 58 years, Sheri Sheppard (née Flannery), sons Aaron Sheppard (Kadia), Christopher Sheppard (April), daughter Alexandria Muir (Mark), and step grandson Jade Muir. The immense joy in his life were his grandchildren, Parker Sheppard (14 ), Hannah Muir (13) and Levi Muir (12).
He always talked about the trips to Mexico and Vancouver Island with the grandchildren. John was filled with love for his family, never complaining, never saying unkind things about others and always grateful for the wonderful family we raised.
John is survived by brother, Rick Sheppard (Barb) and sister, Catherine Piotrowski (Dan), brother-in-law, George Flannery (Steph), sisters-in-law, Jennie Darche (David) and Susan Cairns. He also leaves to mourn him 11 nieces and nephews (+10 spouses).
John (16 years) met Sheri (15 years) at Burnaby South High School in October 1959. Their first date was November 3, 1959 where they saw the movie, “It Started With a Kiss.” They dated on and off during the next six years. John went to University of the Pacific in Stockton, California on a track scholarship. (1962-63). After that year, he returned home and went to work in the grocery business. Sheri went to University of B.C. where she became a teacher.
John had many close friends: some from Elementary and High school, others from our years living in Terrace, B.C. and Arizona as well as close friends through years of working in the grocery business. The groups he golfed and skied with kept him busy after retiring in December of 2003 from Ralston Purina. Other companies over the years were Dominion Stores, Consolidated Grocers, Kraft Foods and Oppenheimer Bros. John often reminisced about how lucky he was to have such extraordinary friends! John was known for his “fun” personality where he loved to tease. He had many silly sayings: “Ace is the Place” (Ace is the Muir’s cat), “Indubitably”, “You got her Cotter”! and “As Aaron says Holy Moly.”
John’s kind, caring ways made him easy to live with. He was always willing to help around the house but drew the line at changing diapers! I countered with drawing the line on cutting the lawn. Neither of us backed down! We lived in 16 homes including the one in Arizona where we spent eleven winters in the sun. After that, John and Sheri holidayed in Mexico going to “all inclusive” hotels in Puerto Vallarta and Bucerias.
John loved sports! Skiing in the winter, playing baseball in Arizona and golfing in the sun. He also enjoyed watching football, hockey, golf and baseball.
Taking in his grandson’s hockey games and granddaughter’s soccer, volleyball and basketball were high on his list. Pure joy! Of course, visits from our son Chris and grandson Parker from Oregon were always looked forward to. Chris, April and Parker would meet us in Mexico. So important to have family time!
John was a humble, gentle man with a sense of humour and thankfulness during the four months in Royal Inland Hospital, Kamloops. We are filled with gratitude for the loving care he received from doctors, nurses, care aides, and all staff working on GT8. We also thank the doctors and nurses in Mexico who removed the tumor from John’s brain giving us a five month gift of time. The whole family will be eternally grateful. No service at this time.
Condolences may be sent to the family from
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com
