David Shepherd
October 14, 2022
Admitted to hospital on August 23, Dave passed away at St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital in St. John’s of health complications on October 14 at the age of 79. His loving wife of 30 years, Julie Cappleman, was there by his side.
Also left to mourn are his sister Susan Wallis of Saltdean, England and his cousins Sian of Touzac, France and Ceri of Cardiff, Wales, Patricia Nutbrown of Shrewsbury who is a great lifelong family friend of Dave’s family, Julie’s siblings Jim Cappleman (Irene) of Baden, Ontario, Jill Van Biesbrouck (Lee) of Grimsby, Ontario, Gerry Cappleman of Stratford, Ontario and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents George Alexander Shepherd and Hilda (nee Issacs) Shepherd of Rottingdean, England, Julie’s sister Karen and brother-in-law Murray Gregory, and nephew Rhett Cappleman.
Dave’s passion for birds started very early in life and began lifelong friendships. At an early age he went on a bird watching trip with a school friend, Dave Brewer, and they remained good friends ever since, acknowledging the anniversary of that trip every year. After a career overseas with Shell Dave followed his love of birds and came to Canada in 1982.
He is missed by many friends around the world, especially in the birding community. One of the things that Dave found to be the most rewarding in life was teaching and encouraging young new bird banders. Much of this happened at Long Point Bird Observatory on Lake Erie (where he met Julie) and Thunder Cape Bird Observatory on Lake Superior. Dave and Julie had a home in Guelph, Ontario. While there he became involved with the local Field Naturalists and helped with their programs and activities.
Dave and Julie moved from Guelph to Portugal Cove South NL in 2004 for the cooler weather and birds. Dave volunteered on various committees, especially with Cape Race Heritage and the then very new Interpretive Centre. They moved to Daniel’s Point, Trepassey in 2018.
Cremation has taken place. There will be a celebration of life at the Edge of Avalon Interpretive Centre in Portugal Cove South at 10:30 am on Saturday, November 5.
SERVICES
Memorial Service
Saturday, November 5, 2022
10:30 AM
Edge of Avalon Interpretive Centre
Portugal Cove South, NL A0A 4B0
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of David Shepherd October 14 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Trepassy, Province: T-N
Jill and I were very sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. We had hoped to see Dave and Julie in September but our cruise ship was diverted from St. Johns because of the storm. We were very sorry to miss seeing them.
Jill and I and Bryan visited Julie and Dave soon (too soon) after they moved to Portugal Cove South in 2004. They had to really hurry to get ready for us! Dave said, with his wry sense of humor, it helped them get done.
They toured us around and took us out to Cape Race. Dave took Bryan and I fly fishing which he loved, and we had a great time.