It is with deep sadness and broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Percy Vincent Shepard, age 93, on Monday, November 23, 2020, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney.
Born September 20, 1927, in Louisbourg, he was the son of the late Roy and Myrtle (Spencer) Shepard.
Percy is survived by his wife of 69 years, Leona (Clarke); daughter, Kathy (Steve) Price; sons, Aubrey (Ann), Percy (Anna), Kirk (Arlene), Glenn (Eleanor) and David; grandchildren, Ashley (Paul) Coffin, Alison, Krista, James, Stephen (Evelyn), Brian (Shauna), Connor (Janna),Tyler and Morgan; great-grandchildren, Madison, Lilly, Eva, Mia, Melissa, Claudia and William; special family friends, PJ, Leah and Dawn; brother, Edwin (Gwen); sisters, Shirley (the late George) Yeates, Joyce (the late Glen) Boston and Kathryn (the late Ron) Barnett; many nieces and nephews. He will be missed by his best friend and sidekick, Lucky, his cat.
Besides his parents, Percy was also predeceased by his father and mother-in-law, Henry and Christine Clarke; foster father and mother-in-law, Robert and Helen MacDonald; and many other relatives.
At the age of 17, Percy enlisted in the Army and after training was due to be shipped overseas when peace was declared. After his service, he worked on the lake boats for a short period, then with National Sea Products and finally began a 33 plus years career with the Department of Fisheries, retiring as Area Supervisor (Inspection). While working with DFO, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from St. F. X. University at the age of 43. He umpired softball and lob ball in Cape Breton for over 30 years, was a founding member of Louisbourg Little League, a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 62, Louisbourg for74 years and an officer with the Louisbourg Navy League and Louisbourg Sea Cadets Corp. Recently, he was recognized by the Government of Canada for his community involvement.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Sydney Memorial Chapel. A public visitation will be held in the chapel on Saturday, November 28 from 10-11 a.m. followed by a service at 11 a.m., with Rev. Emily Duggan officiating. Following the service, a private family interment will take place in Harbourview Cemetery, Louisbourg.
Covid-19 restrictions and masks are mandatory. If you wish to watch the service, it can be viewed on FaceBook Live by visiting the Sydney Memorial Chapel facebook page.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First United Church, Louisbourg, Feral and Abandoned Cats Society, Sydney or a charity of your choice.
Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or e-mail sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Percy Vincent Shepard 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Sydney, Province: Nova Scotia