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Kenneth SHEPHERD Obituary

KENNETH WILLIAM SHEPHERD Passed away on August 25, 2021, at home, comforted by Maureen (Moe) Shepherd, his loving spouse of 42 years. He was predeceased by his parents William (Bill) and Elsie Shepherd and his beloved 'Nan', (Margaret Isabella Farrer). Ken lived a rich life of more than 84 years, full of humour, playfulness, travel, sport, career successes and family. A passionate and dedicated hockey player, 'Shep' missed school to the sport in early years, much to his parents' chagrin. He travelled most of his life from Toronto and Florida to the cottage in Muskoka and can be remembered for his joyous and playful outcry each trip north upon passing a certain hill on Hwy 11 that indicated to him that he was almost 'home'. An avid squash player, skier, and golfer, he made an extensive, lifelong community of friends through various sports in his time at the Balmy Beach, Fitness and Cambridge clubs and throughout his career. He built a successful career over 25 years with Xerox that took him from Brazil to Japan and many places in between. Ever young at heart, Ken had a love of music and dancing that was contagious, and he will be fondly remembered for it. In addition to Maureen, the love of his life, he leaves behind his four children: Deidre and David Shepherd (spouse Michelle), and Gordon (spouse Laika) and Dawn Grigor (spouse Michael Buda); and nine grandchildren, Amanda, Jacob, Isabel, Ella, Salla, Matthew, Mavis, Griffin and Gavin; and one great-granddaughter, Kylie and great-grandson, Cameron. Those who wish to remember Ken with a charitable donation may do so through Jumpstart or the St Michael's Foundation. A celebration of life will be planned for a later date at one of Ken's favourite venues.

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Published by The Globe and Mail from Aug. 28 to Sep. 1, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth SHEPHERD

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15 Entries

Denis Lamonde

October 7, 2021

Dear Maureen

First let me offer you my most sincerest condolences for your loss. I had the pleasure of meeting you both at the Xerox Canadian Open in March of 1987 when I joined the WPSA. I worked very closely with Ken on the squash program, I learned so much from Ken, in fact he became my mentor, he had a positive influence in my career. Through my career, when I had to make difficult decisions I always remembered Ken’s famous words keep it simple exercise common sense and have fun. When I think of Ken & Maureen the image I see is Ken’s contagious laughter and your warm inviting smile. We became friends, shared a cocktail or two, had wonderful times at your home in Florida, dinner at you home in Toronto and then getting together with Ken in Montréal in the early 90s. I remember May 18, 1988, you were the first one to see our newborn twins, Ken followed later that day, but you know Maureen, Ken never lived up to his promise to babysit the twins. I am sorry we didn’t keep in touch after Ken returned to Toronto, I have often thought of the both you. I feel blessed to have been friends with the both of you. God bless you and your family . RIP my friend

Dr Kevin Francis

October 1, 2021

Ken was a fabulous Xerox Executive. I learned a great deal from Ken during the years. May he rest In Peace.
Dr Kevin Francis
Retired Chairman and CEO
Xerox Canada

Leslie

September 2, 2021

Hi Maureen,

We're so sorry for your loss. Ken was such a fun loving, warm and always smiling "Shep" as my father called him.
I have so many fond memories growing up and to name a few...
Sunday football games at your home where Kathy and I played with Gordie and Dawn while my dad and Ken would cheer on the Dallas Cowboys more specifically the cheerleaders! LOL
Just so you know, my parents succumbed to getting me a waterbed when I was a teen because we'd sneak into your bedroom and play on yours for hours.
Ken and my dad were always smiling and laughing! I was just looking for that great photo of them both dancing on top of your boathouse, bellies protruding, laughing with cigars dangling out the side of their mouths while singing to loud music which was, no doubt, Frank Sinatra.
A wonderful man.

Lots of love, Leslie, the Captain's daughter xo

William Wood

September 1, 2021

Dear Maureen,
Janet and I extend our sincere sympathies to you and the Shepherd family. Ken was such a wonderful, fun-loving guy. I have great memories of stuff we did with you and with him -- Xerox financing, squash tournaments, golf, Venice Florida, cottage visits. We are so sorry to have lost touch with you guys, and that this message cannot be delivered more personally. Please let us know of funeral or celebration arrangements.
With great affection.
Bill Wood

Dawn G

August 31, 2021

Thanks to all the family and friends posting to this site. At a time where we are waiting to grieve together, it is a real comfort to read these thoughts.

Bill Millar

August 30, 2021

Ken hired me at Xerox in 1965. I worked with him for a number of years before he went to Head Office. During that time I spent a number of weekends at his cottage helping with renovations. Always a fun loving guy we spent many evenings at the Lord Simcoe Hotel righting the wrongs of the world. We continued our friendship over 56 years. He will be sorely missed. My condolences to Moe and family.

Valerie Parsons

August 30, 2021

Ken will be sorely missed. No matter how he was feeling, he always replied "Wonderful", thus a friend nicknamed him "Mr. Wonderful". Your cottage, home in Toronto, Acton Island. Florida always welcomed my family, even those from England. Will never forget his dancing on your deck with you-know-who. He was respected and admired by many and I am so happy he met you, thus sharing so many eventful years - a match made in heaven comes to mind. Besides being the best hostess, you are also a good dancer,Moe. Sending hugs and love to you, Maureen, along with condolences to your entire family.

Lincoln Hill

August 30, 2021

Moe, wishing you all the best in these difficult times. Lots of very fond memories of Ken up north in Muskoka.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

SUSAN MCARTHUR

Planted Trees

Lisa Parsons

August 28, 2021

So sorry to hear this Maureen. Ken was a fabulous very fun person. I’ll always remember his smile And his dancing. Hope you are ok snd have lots of support. Love Lisa parsons

Bryan Press

August 28, 2021

A Statesman in the expansive Taylor/Shepherd clan. So successful and captial F for Fun of life. Great run, awesome kids - excellent legacy. Thanks Kenneth for being part of our lives!

Heather Neiser (née Stephenson)

August 28, 2021

So sorry to hear of Ken. I remember he was always smiling and full of laughter. Hugs to you “Auntie Moe” and the kids.

Heather Neiser (née Stephenson)

August 28, 2021

So sorry to hear of Ken. I remember he was always smiling and full of laughter. Hugs to you “Auntie Moe” and the kids.

Jill Richardson

August 28, 2021

He will be missed..loved his sense of humour and a good friend and neighbour hugs and love Maureen

Wendy Agnew

August 27, 2021

Maureen,
While I only had the privilege of meeting Ken once, during the few years of our friendship there was no doubt as to what a very special role he played in your life. Please extend my sincerest condolences to the family and be ensured that the wonderful memories of your life together will never fade.
Wendy Agnew

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for Kenneth SHEPHERD

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