Obituary of William (Bill) Shepherd

December 25, 1928 -Kingston, Ontario

January 12, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

With great sadness, we announce that William Thomas George Shepherd of Cochrane, Alberta, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 with family by his side at the age of 93 years.

To know Bill was to love him. He was a son, brother, father, grandpa, great-grandpa, and friend to many. Bill loved life and brought immense joy to all who knew him. He will be lovingly remembered for his infectious laughter and positive outlook on life. As a grandpa, he was the best there was. “Gramps” was extremely generous, loving, and forever young at heart. He was beloved by his grandchildren for his playful nature and was always the first to jump into any game with the kids.

Bill was born in Kingston, Ontario on December 25, 1928. He played junior hockey in Kingston, in Toronto for the Young Rangers, and in the Scottish league in 1947-1948, followed by a return to Canada. Bill met the love of his life, Barbara Godwin, in 1948. They were married in 1951 and started their family in 1953. He completed an apprenticeship as a machinist at the Canadian Locomotive Company in Kingston and was transferred to Toronto by the company in 1961. In Toronto, he co-founded a successful structural steel business in 1965 and retired in 1976, returning to Kingston thereafter. He was a proud Canadian who loved hockey and a good spoonful of maple syrup.

Bill is survived by his wife of 70 years, Barbara, his sons, Ron (Kathy) of Calgary, and Chris (Debbie) of Kingston, ON; six grandchildren, Jim (Jenn), Dave (Kelsey), Katherine (Tyler), and Alison (Gareth), all of Calgary, and Samantha and Steve of Kingston, ON; and great-grandchildren, Hanna, Alodie, Taylor, Brody, Ella, Austin, Mia, and Baby Shepherd (arriving in March); and his brother Dave of Cochrane. Bill was predeceased by his parents, David and Elizabeth Shepherd; his brothers, Ron, Ken, and Allan; and his sister Helen. Bill will live on forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Cochrane, 369 Railway Street, Cochrane, AB), on Saturday, January 22, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Those attending will be asked to provide valid government identification (with name and date of birth) AND confirm one of the following: (A)Provincial vaccine record with QR code (paper or digital); OR (B)negative COVID test (within 72 hours); or (C)valid medical exemption (signed letter); OR (D)under 12 years of age. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr. Shepherd’s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of William Shepherd, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Cochrane, 369 Railway Street, Cochrane, AB T4C 2E2, Telephone: 403-932-4740.

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