July 15, 1935 - January 3, 2021
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a beloved father and grandfather, Kenneth Paul Shepherd, on January 3, 2021 at age 85; born on July 15, 1935 in the Stettler hospital to parents Roberts and Laura Shepherd.
Roberts and Laura owned and farmed a quarter section of land just south of Erskine. That is where Ken grew up, the youngest of four children. Although his older siblings, brothers Dave and John, and his sister Connie, would all move away when they got married, Ken did not follow their example when he married his wife Barbara in 1960. Instead they bought a small 4 room house that he moved onto the property so he and his new wife could be close to his parents.
The happy couple quickly had four children of their own, Stephen, Gordon, Cathy, and Michael, which made the small house a touch crowded, so as soon as they could they attached a 3-bedroom mobile home to the original building, giving them the much-needed extra space.
Ken continued to farm the quarter section, raising dairy cattle, chickens, turkeys, pigs, hay, wheat, and whatever other crops that would pay the bills. Even so, providing for a family needed more than a simple multipurpose farm could provide, so Ken would also hire himself out as an extra hand to the neighbours to make ends meet.
Eventually, he landed a job as a custodian at the Stettler elementary and high school where he worked steadily until he finally retired after 25 years. Even after retirement he continued to help his wife with the day-to-day operations of the boarding kennel she had built where their original house had stood.
Ken was a lifelong Albertan who seldom travelled, preferring to remain on the farm he loved. He was a quiet man who preferred the peace and tranquility of rural life and the opportunity it gave him to pursue his various hobbies which included gardening, bird watching, and reading, hobbies he continued up to when he moved into Stettler in 2014.
Ken is predeceased by his wife of 55 years, Barbara Joan Shepherd; his father Roberts and mother Laura; brother Dave and sister-in-law Hulda; brother John; and sister Connie. He leaves behind to mourn his passing his children: Stephen (Nancy), Gordon (Viola Mah), Catherine (James), and Michael.
He will be missed by his grandchildren Laura (Nathan Beauchamp) Shepherd, Leona Shepherd, Alexandra Shepherd, Benjamin Shepherd, Devon (Julie) Dadensky, Paula Dadensky (Ben Shopland), Justin Dadensky (Allyssa Acera), Hannah Shepherd, Sophie Shepherd, Rhys Shepherd, and their mother Ingrid Shepherd, and his sister-in-law Louise Shepherd.
Private family funeral services were held on Saturday, January 9, 2021 at the Stettler Funeral Home. The interment followed at the Erskine Cemetery where Kenneth was buried beside his loving wife Barbara.
Memorial contributions in Kenneth's memory may be made to Animal Haven Rescue, Box 448, Stettler, AB T0C 2L0.
Should friends or family desire condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.stettlerfuneralhome.com
Stettler Funeral Home was entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements. For more information, please call 403-742-3422.