Richard Stephen Sheppard
SHEPPARD Richard (Dick) Stephen September 6, 1946 - July 15, 2019 Age 72 It is with great sadness that the family of Dick Sheppard announces his sudden passing at the Health Sciences Centre, St. John’s, Newfoundland on July 15, 2019. Born in Woody Point, Bonne Bay on Sept 6, 1946, Dick was the son of the late William and Gwendolyn Sheppard. Dick is predeceased by his sisters: Jean Gandier, Joan Newman and brothers-in-law: Russ Griffith, Arnold Gandier, and Pearce Newman. Left to mourn is his loving and adoring wife of 36 years Christine (Bannister) who he referred to as My Sweetness. Also left to mourn are his children: Jerry Blackwood, Nicolle Garrett (Jason), Heather Sheppard (Mike Reader) and Bill Sheppard (Stephanie), all of whom he was so proud; his beloved eight grandchildren: Michael, Abigail, Cole, Dominic, Sam, Alex, Nicholas and James, affectionately known as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs; Sisters: Rona Drewell (John), Iris Webb (Henry), Gwen Crocker (Harvey), Ruby Griffith and special niece Denise Newman; Sisters In-Law: Gwen Bannister (Tom Maloney), Joyce Bannister, Jacqueline Bannister (Cliff LeFrense) and Brothers- In-Law: Colin Bannister (Kim), Andrew Bannister and Glen Bannister (Susanna); and very special friends: Randy and Sharon Bishop. Thank you to anyone who touched Dick’s life and was part of it. He had a wonderful life and enjoyed that life to the fullest. Dick had many friends, extended family and business colleagues. Dick was a Chartered Accountant and practiced in Kelligrews with his partner, Bill Dawe. In 1995 Dick joined Patrick O’Callaghan at East Coast Catering Ltd. and together they built the company into a worldwide venture. He retired in 2018. A special thanks to Audrey O’Rielly of East Coast Catering, Denis and Bridget Williams and Brian Byrne of East Coast (Ireland) Ltd. who remain close personal friends. Among his many accomplishments Dick spent many successful years advancing the projects of Labrador Catering Limited Partnership formed between ECC and the Innu Nation of Labrador. We would like to thank the many associates Dick worked with over the years in Labrador. Dick and Pat remained good friends and business partners and formed Crossroads Holdings Inc. and Crossroads Storage Holdings Ltd. Thank you to our wonderful staff at Crossroads Inns and Suites and Crossroads Storage especially Ed Churchill and Dawn Baggs. The business partners, staff and associates of Garrison Construction Ltd. and Garrison Trust Ltd especially Abe Pye, Junior Blackmore, Phillip Stone, Jim Lewis and the family of the Late Harold Carter. His friend and former business partner Richard (Dick) Squires, Overhead Door (Nfld) Ltd, deceased 2017. Dick loved to spend time at the family cabin in Ocean Pond with Christine tending to their gardens and spending time with family. He loved all his children and grandchildren dearly. Dick was a friend to all and was always affectionately known for his great and witty sense of humor. Dick could always be counted on if a favour or advice was needed. The family would like to give special thanks to the Good Samaritans who assisted Dick in his time of need on the TCH, the paramedics and RCMP who arrived so promptly on scene and the trauma unit at the Health Science Centre who worked diligently to revive and stabilize Dick. Also we would like to thank the ER staff for the heroic efforts. Thank you for the compassion shown to his wife and family and the dignity extended to our beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. Following Dick’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Visitation to be held on Thursday, July 18, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. and Friday, July 19, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Barrett’s Funeral Home, 73 Commonwealth Avenue, Mount Pearl. Funeral and Internment Saturday, July 20, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. at Saint John the Evangelist Church, Rectory Road, Topsail. A reception of celebration of Dick’s life will be at The Shrine Club, 530 Topsail Road commencing 12:30 to 5:00 p.m. Flowers gratefully accepted or a memorial donation may be made to the Janeway Children’s Hospital.