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Harrison Sheppard Obituary

Harrison Jack Sheppard
Oct 23, 1939 - Jan 26, 2022
Born in Philadelphia Pa, attended college at Saint Johns Md. graduate school UC Hastings Law in San Francisco. Harrison was a leader in world legal ethics and the role of lawyers as peacemakers, he was a distinguished author who contributed to newspapers, magazines and published books covering law and ethics, consumerism, satire and poetry. Harrison was a civil servant for the Federal Trade Commission before moving into private practice representing clients in the entertainment industry, arts and business community, he was dedicated to the principles of reconciliation and justice, he influenced World, National and regional dignitaries setting the stage for improving ties between Cuba and Russia on one hand and the United States on the other, he successfully paved the way to bring art shows from United States artists to Russia. On a personal level Harrison touched the lives of many, not only from the eastern to western United States but world wide with personal and business relationships in many countries. Harrison loved spending time with friends and family amidst a meal or an always welcome cup of coffee followed by witty banter as well as conversations of all things, he was a gregarious well spoken man who could strike up a meaningful or entertaining chat with anyone, he loved the bustle of San Francisco but also the peace and solitude of the country. Harrison was not a couch potato, in his younger years he was an avid hiker and mountaineer and climbed to the summit of Mount Shasta, he enjoyed swimming and riding his bicycle especially with his grandson Dillon. Harrison passed away in peace at home in Woodacre Ca with his wife, son and grandson by his side.
Harrison is survived by his wife Joy Sheppard Woodacre Ca, son Justin Sheppard Forest Knolls Ca, grandson Dillon Sheppard Woodacre Ca, grandson Christopher Jones San Francisco Ca, Mother Jessie Sheppard Virginia Beach Va, sister Merrily Sheppard Virginia Beach Va brother Ricky Sheppard Glenview Il. Brother Ben Sheppard Clarkesville Md, nephew David Mascitti Virginia Beach Va, niece Deborah Brandewiedi Garden City Ny, niece Jaqueline Sheppard Glenview Il, niece Cassy Ladcinski Clarkesville Tn, nephew Tony Lando Cary NC, nephew Jack Sheppard Clarkesville Md, nephew Max Sheppard Clarkesville Md, nephew Mathew Sheppard Clarkesville Md.

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Feb. 2 to Feb. 6, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Harrison Sheppard

14 Entries

Stephen Montagne

March 20, 2025

Harrison Sheppard crossed my mind tonight and I wondered how he is doing. But my next thought was I wonder if he is still with us? So, I did what most of us do and I Googled his name. Then, sadly, this was where my search brought me.

I am so saddened that I never got to say goodbye or see him one last time before he passed now more than three years ago.

I did, however, write this email to him on Thanksgiving of 2018. I would like to share the last correspondence I had with the man who was one of the most important and influential mentors not only in my 20's while I was working as his personal assistant in San Francisco -- but in my entire life.

November 24th, 2018

"For Thanksgiving this year, I decided to list the people I am most grateful for in my life that have taught me how to be a better man.

Starting with: My Very First "Mentor" - Harrison Sheppard

Thank You For:

--Seeing qualities and worth in me when others over looked me...

--Teaching me how to conduct myself in business affairs...

--Being tough on me when needed, but always with the best of intentions...

--Valuing the pursuit of ethical principles in all things...

--An appreciation of the Classics...

--A superior work ethic...

--A level of intelligence I have not seen rivaled by anyone I've come across in my life's journey...

--Instilling in me, in my 20s, the kind of man that I've strived to become (now approaching 50)...

--A deep appreciation and love for the arts and literature...

--Immense skills as a writer...

--Being able to articulate a vision...

--Being a willing mentor to younger people...

--A love for being a father, a husband and a friend...

--Being an example of the type of heroic man that is so lacking in the world today (especially in the Era of Trump)...

--For being one of my fondest memories of my time spent in San Francisco in my 20s...

For all of these things, and so much more...

Thank You.

~Stephen

Velvet Valentine

October 19, 2023

I stopped by to see Sandy and Ron last night. They told me of your passing. I always loved hearing your stories of our beloved Frederick building. That you used to throw holiday parties in the main lobby! Which never occurred again sadly as new owners kept taking over the building.

You gave me one of your books and I loved reading it and thinking of you writing it. You gave sound advice to an artist such as myself. I loved the art on your walls and I hope that maybe it will be shown somewhere for all to see. You had treasures in stories and in experiences. There was only one of you! Your words a gift and your fighting yet soft spirit had deep lessons in it's resonance.

I won't forget you walking the neighborhood in deep thought or bounding up the carpeted stairs to your chamber of deep thought. To a true gentleman and fighter for good.

Juan G. Villaseñor

October 13, 2023

A few months ago I learned that Harrison had died. Harrison was a dear friend, mentor, and later, colleague.

We met during "traffic school" in San Francisco in the early 1990s. Both of us were doing penance for a traffic ticket. Like other stories here, he took an interest in me and we quickly became friends. He´s the reason I went to St. John´s College and to law school.

We had many adventures of the years! I met many great artists through him. Dinner parties at his studio apartment or a quiet visit over coffee were memorable. I always enjoyed his enthusiasm and his love for art and the law.

Harrison was a transformational figure in my life. My life would´ve been different if I hadn´t met him. Thank you, Harrison, for everything. Rest easy, friend.

Mark Mosley

February 26, 2023

I'm deeply saddened to learn just now that my dear friend and colleague Harrison Sheppard passed away over a year ago. I had known Harrison for fifty years. We met when I was just 14 and Harrison was a young, idealistic lawyer in Seattle. He gave me a copy of Inherit the Wind, then Attorney for the Damned, and he inspired me to go to law school. His words and values have guided me all these years.

This photo is of the two of us on the summit of Mt. Baker - probably sometime in the late 1970s. Harrison is on the right, in red, his enthusiasm radiating through.

Harrison: I miss you, your boundless energy, your curiosity, your sense of humor. I mourn your passing.

Ralph Lieberman

June 20, 2022

I only just today (June 20) learned that Harrison died nearly five months ago. He owed me a reply to an email and I could not find him by phone or email. We were both at an age at which, in such cases, one searches first the obituaries, and there I found the notice of his death.

Harrison and I met in 1954, when we were in junior high school, and became close friends. I have a picture of him that I made in ninth or tenth grade; he posing like John Steinbeck and I trying to photograph him as Yousef Karsch did Steinbeck, with comical school-boy effect. Yet it is an accurate portrait of two fifteen-year-olds; in Harrison's case how he looked and in both our cases how we saw ourselves at the time.

We stayed in touch through college. I went to visit him for a week at Saint John's and briefly wondered how I could have been so dumb as to go anywhere else, but I got over it. We saw each other often, although less so after he went west to law school. But we stayed in regular touch, and saw each other in San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Williamstown.

He was one of my oldest friends, and it will be strange not being able to give him a call when it's time to say hello, or better, getting an unexpected call from him when he thinks it's time.

Ken Miller

April 17, 2022

Ken Miller

April 17, 2022

Ken Miller

April 17, 2022

Remembering my old friend

Kenneth Miller

April 2, 2022

Kenneth Miller

April 2, 2022

Kenneth Miller

April 2, 2022

Kenneth Miller

April 2, 2022

Kenneth Miller

April 2, 2022

I first met Harrison in 1987 and we became fast friends.
I always enjoyed conversations with Harrison which were always engaging. I will miss my visits, often weekly, at 191 Fredrick St. where a cup of fresh coffee was always available. We had good laughs and some fun times.

David Mascitti

February 3, 2022

You will be missed dearly Uncle Harrison! Even though I haven´t seen you much over the years, you will always have a special place in my heart. Listening to you speak was mesmerizing as you just had a way with your words. It´s hard to explain but everyone who knows you knows what I mean.
The last few times I spoke to you, I distinctly remember what was most important in your life - your family especially Justin and Dillon.
I love you Uncle Harrison! Rest In Peace. Gone but never ever forgotten.

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