Obituary of Alfred Sheppard

It is with great, heartfelt sadness that the family of Alfred Sheppard announce his peaceful passing surrounded by his loving family on Friday, April 22, 2016 at the age of 94. He will be missed greatly by his son, David (Lorraine), grandsons David Jr. and Andrew (Lydia) Sheppard; daughters, Dorothy (Eric) MacDonald, children Amanda (Peter) Mombourquette, great-grandchildren Jack, April and Will; Jeffrey (Matthew Illsley) and Christopher (Ankita Jauhari) MacDonald; Peggy (Kenny) Forward, children Kendra (Kevin Pastuck) great-grandchild Weston and Kent (Gina Brown) Forward. Alfie was born the last of 6 children to the late Alfred and Mary (Russell) Sheppard in Sheppard’s Cove, Little Catalina, Newfoundland on December 5, 1921.. Alfie’s father was lost at sea when the schooner the "President Coaker" went down in 1923 on its way back from Brazil; Alfie was only 2 years of age. Alfie then moved with his family to Port Union, Newfoundland. Alfie had many happy and wonderful stories which he told his family over the years about his happy life in Port Union. At the early age of 16, Alfie went to work in Labrador to help his family. Later, he would work in Boston and on his return to his homeland, Newfoundland, he met the love of his life, Olive Mae Butler. Olive and Alfie were married on July 5, 1951 and celebrated their 60th anniversary before Olive passed in 2010. Alfie worked for the CN Railway and then Eastern Light and Power. Upon his retirement in 1986, Alfie was working for the Nova Scotia Power Corporation as a Lineman. Alfie and Olive had many happy and wonderful years together. They enjoyed dancing on the weekends, one of their greatest pleasures. Each summer, they would head to Newfoundland to visit with Nana Sheppard and the family. Alfie loved camping; they camped all over Cape Breton and many places in Nova Scotia. The family has many happy memories of their camping times together. Alfie was a member of the Cape Breton Citizen Band Radio Club and enjoyed speaking to people from all over the world. Alfie was active all his life and enjoyed bowling up to a few years ago. He was a member of the IOOF, Sydney Branch for many years. He spent many happy hours in the garage crafting gifts for those he held dear. After Olive’s passing, Alfie went to live with his youngest daughter, Peggy, her husband Kenny and her family. Every morning, he and David Sr. would head out to the Tim Horton’s in the Pier to talk about old times at the Power Commission with his buddies. Dorothy and Alfie had many wonderful drives around the area recalling memories and old friends. He was well loved and will be missed greatly by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Alfie is survived by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren;brother-in-law, Clarence (Eileen) Butler; sisters-in-law, Irene Cottiers, Dorothy Manuge and Phoebe Porter. Also left to mourn are many nieces and nephews who will miss Uncle Alf’s wit and humor. Alfie was predecessed by his wife, Olive, daughter Linda, grandson Anthony Sheppard and great-granddaughter, Autumn Mombourquette; brother Moses (Margaret) Sheppard and sisters, Jessie (Bert) Butler, Nellie (Calvin) Diamond, Hazel (Bill) Wicks, Cory (Jim) Haley; sister-in-law, Sadie Elles; brothers-in-law, Ed Porter, Jules Elles, John Manuge and Phillip Cottiers. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. The family would like to thank Dr. Trevor Guy and the staff of 3A for their outstanding, compassionate and professional care; as well as the Doctors and Nurses in the An Cala Palliative Care Unit of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital for their loving and tender care of our father. Cremation has taken place. Keeping with Alfie’s wishes, there will be no visitation and a request for no flowers. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of V. J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 25, 2016 at All Saint’s Anglican Church, New Waterford, with Rev. Vernon Reid officiating. Burial will be in Union Grove Cemetery, Scotchtown with a luncheon taking place at All Saints Anglican Church (lower level). Donations in Alfie’s memory may be made to Ronald McDonald House, An Cala Palliative Care Unit or a charity of your choice. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca