Ronald Edward Shepherd

Shep will be so missed! He was one of a handful of best friends I had as a kid and young man. But as life went once rose to the top of my list - my best lifetime friend, the one that I could count on regardless of how many years or miles separated us. I always knew that he and I, along with my brother, Frank, (also deceased) would have a rock solid friendship that would survive anything- including death! Shep, you were always one of a kind to me - a wild man, a nut, a daring innovator, my teacher, my confidante, my cohort in crime - the one who taught me how to step out and take chances, the one who made me laugh and taught me how to have fun in life. The crazy stuff we did is now a part of me, and I owe it all to you, my best friend! Now you're together with Frank and the others , physically gone, but really just graduated to the next level! I love you, my brother!

We'll miss you Shep! Roger Loughran & family

Deepest condolences to Ron's family and friends. He will be remembered fondly.

Although it has been nearly 50 years since I’ve seen Ron, “Shep” as many of his friends called him, he has always held a very special place in my memories and my heart. 
 He was a dear friend and trusted companion at a time of my life when I needed someone like him very much. He was facing his own inner battles in trying to figure out who he was and what he wanted in life but still knew how to make me laugh at things that made me want to cry, and made me feel special when others were eroding my confidence and self esteem. He was a fantastic drummer and very talented artist, and encouraged me to work on my sketches, paintings, and guitar playing. He even taught me and my two left feet how to dance! We both tried to encourage each other see beyond our teenage troubles and to believe that we were deserving of, and had the inner strength to achieve, our individual dreams. Our lives took different paths while pursuing those dreams, but I was so happy to learn later that Ron had married and become a Dad. Those were two things that were very important to him and were something I always believed he would be good at because of his goodness and caring nature, and his dedication to giving his best to that which mattered most to him.
 It was three years ago, after receiving some devastating information about my own health that I learned that he was dealing with his own health issues. There were many reasons that I did not go see him since then, but maybe one of the most significant is that it has been almost 50 years since I last saw Ron. Time takes a toll on us all… In my memories is a places where he will always be young with his longish blonde hair and that devilish twinkle in his eyes…and maybe we all need a place where we are remembered like that…
 So now, Shep, you will always be young, funny, kind, caring, devilishly handsome and devoted to those who took the time to get to know you too. Whatever comes next…wherever we go next, my friend, I wish your spirit well…and peace…