Stuart Ray Shepard

All three of our children had Stu as a math teacher in Weedsport. Little did I realize what a special person he was. He was inspiring in so far as getting them to do what was required, and for one, more than "just enough" to get through the course. They knew him for the kind teacher that he was. In reading the responses to his untimely death, I am sorry that I didn't take the time to get to know him better as a human being. Obviously he was someone very rare and special. He did what others...

When I was a young man in school at Weedsport Central School I was fortunate to have Stu as a coach and a math teacher. Over the years there have been many good teachers at Weedsport and the school employs many good ones today. But I don't know if there was anyone better than Stu, Mr. Shepard. As many of you knew him in a social setting that is pretty much how he was as a teacher. He posessed intelligence, integrity and showed a genuine interest in the people he was dealing with, whatever the...

What a wonderful service for Stu today at Faith UMC. It was evident from the people attending that Stu was loved by many and that he certainly was a giver, not a taker. I only knew Stu for a short time, but he made a lasting impression on me. Being a Red Sox fan, we differed on our baseball favorites, but had fun watching the series. Stu will be missed by many, but I know he'll be very busy in heaven helping others, just as he did while he was here. I'll continue to pray for all his family.

What a sad day. Our thoughts and prayers are with all whose lives Stu has touched. What a pleasure and honor it was to have Stu tutor our children. Stu has touched so many lifes in so many ways. He will always be remembered and greatly missed. God bless to each and everyone. Thomas Children, St Joseph Drive

I am not sure what God has in his plan for each of us but Stu's was a fine ride, full of all that was meant for someone to have. While He was a member of Myers Park Baptist I never passed his way without great fun and that indeliable smile that he used so often. He was a real pleasure to have known.

We spent the night as Room in the Inn Hosts a year or so back and he was such a real gem of a guy. He knew so much Baseball trivia about the Yanks and was giddy about spring...

Stu and I met on our Ecuador trip this past Summer. We clicked like 2 peas in a pod- anyone can tell you from the trip. He was a kind, loving, generous, and funny man. I will miss him and I will always treasure the time we had together. God bless. Christine Turner

Our family would like to express our condolenses to Stu's family on his passing. Our family just moved in behind Stu 7 months ago; we are fellow NYers so we felt very comfortable with Stu!! He was a very kind man who was very friendly and open with us each time we spoke. Our hearts go out to his family.

Sincerely,
The Barrows Family

Stu was my neighbor for 7 years and was one of the best neighbors I ever had. He was reliable and was always looking to help. We always helped each other out.

I will always remember how you used to come over and give biscuit (our dog) a treat. She loved you as much as you loved her. ...And the many other things that made you unique.

It is a tragic loss that you were taken away from us so soon. 7 years was not long enough - Time is too short. It is now obvious you...

My wife, Joan, and I were so saddened to hear of Stu's death. As a fellow basketball official for the Finger Lakes Women's Basketball Officials, I was fortunate to spend many years working side by side with Stu. He assigned our games for years and was always full of energy and reflected a zest for life, even in the heat of a closely contested game. He lived every day to the fullest and enjoyed so many different activities with so many of his friends. He eagerly welcomed new members to our...