It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Wilton (Bill) Earl Sheppard, 65, of Red Deer, Alberta, on Thursday, August 8, 2019.

Bill was born to parents Wilton (Bill) Sheppard and Jessie Sheppard, in April 1954 in Kingston, Ontario. After growing up in Trenton and Kingston, Ontario, he travelled west throughout British Columbia and Alberta before settling into Red Deer, Alberta as his home for 40-plus years. Bill worked extensively within the welding and heavy-duty mechanics trades, ending his career as Shop Foreman at Hertz Rentals in Red Deer. His true work and personal passion was his time managing Kapp’s Hobby House for Will and Emmy, before later owning and operating Choo Choo Willie’s, where he helped grow and support the model and train community, and connected with some of his closest friends.

Bill also engaged in a wide range of hobbies and interests including building and racing stock cars with friends he remained close with until his passing. He also worked for years within Scouts Canada as both a leader and trainer, fostering lifelong relationships with many scouts and scouters throughout the province at countless camping trips, hiking expeditions, Challenge and Pioneer Camps, and even the 15th World Scout Jamboree in Kananaskis, Alberta.

Later in life, Bill continued to pursue various interests, including coaching, watching, and supporting high school football, photography, hiking, road and mountain biking, outdoor activities, and hot-rodding, as well as most recently rekindling his passion for woodworking and turning.

Bill dearly loved and is sadly missed by the children he raised, Aaron Sheppard (Joanna), Rus King (Kelli-ann), and Shaune Fandrey (Sheldon), as well as his grandchildren Wilton, Abigail, Autumn, Zander, Hanna, Payton, Dontae, Noah, Taylor (Garrett), Sydney (Cory), Tanner (Sidney), Parker (Stephanie), and Madison (Brandon) and great-grandchildren Ginny and Taven.

Bill is also survived by his sister Judy Sheppard, his close cousins Dave Robb and Daphne Nichols, as well as Ken Farr, Roy Sirman, Tarra Sahlin, and countless other close friends.

He was predeceased by his mother Jessie, his father Bill, his aunt Sylvia, and his uncle Cliff, as well as his beloved grandparents.

A celebration of Bill’s life will take place on Friday, August 16, 2019 at City Chapel Church (5850 Kerry Wood Dr, Red Deer, AB) at 1:00 p.m with a reception to follow. Those wishing to pay their respects to Bill may do so prior to the service, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Condolences for the family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net. Arrangements in care of Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service, serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta, 587-876-4944.

• Date : 2019-08-12
• Location : Red Deer