Obituary of Roger Keith Shepard

July 31, 1952 - July 18, 2024 Roger Keith Shepard passed peacefully on July 18, surrounded by his loving family at the age of 71. Roger is survived by his best friend and loving wife of 51 years, Linda (Pierce), son, Roger (Meagan) Shepard, daughter, Alisha (Andy) Knowles, his sister, Wendy (Walter) MacKinnon, and his brothers, Eric (Valerie) Shepard and Kirk (Leslie) Shepard. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Aiden, Avery and Austen Knowles and Maeve Shepard, his nieces and nephews Erica, Dale, Sandy, Dennis, Megan, Kirk Jacob and Trent and his fur baby, River. Roger was predeceased by his mother and father, Margaret (MacLeod) and Murray Shepard, and his siblings, Charlene (Fred) Snow, Sandy Shepard, and his infant twin brother, Roy Kenneth. Loving husband, proud father, devoted papa, dog lover, avid fisherman and hunter, lover of “the Mira”, Correctional Officer and Commissionaire, each title served with genuine love, dedication and care. Roger leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter. A family man to his very core, Roger’s family was his entire world. His dedication and tenderness as a father and husband were unmatched, always prioritizing his family and nurturing their love and happiness. His grandchildren simply adored him and his patience and hours spent playing with and nurturing them was nothing short of remarkable. Their best friend and their biggest fan, his legacy will live on through their love of fishing and the special piece of heaven he built for them on the Mira. Roger brought joy everywhere he went. With an infectious smile and a sparkle in his eyes, he was a fast friend to all and life-long friend to many. Described as a “kid magnet”, children were instantly drawn to his kind eyes, young heart and patience. Roger loved the outdoors. Fishing and hunting were his favourite pastimes and the many hours spent enjoying this time with his friends was undoubtedly his favourite part. Roger loved campfires and boating on the Mira, a place that has always been special to him; a shared love that he leaves behind for his family to enjoy. Roger dedicated 38 years to the Cape Breton Correctional Facility, starting as a guard when it opened and rising through various leadership roles, eventually retiring as a Captain. He was respected, loved and admired by his colleagues. He will be remembered for his patience, camaraderie, advocacy and quick wit by all who had the pleasure of working with him. Following his retirement, Roger worked as a Commissionaire at the Canadian Coast Guard College, where he again had an incredible impact on their work community. Despite his brief and devastating battle with cancer, Roger faced it with bravery and love. His family surrounded him with the same unwavering patience, tenderness, and care that he had always given them. Roger taught his family how to love deeply and live fully, a legacy they will proudly carry forward. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the many dedicated family, neighbours and friends who supported us during this difficult time. We are also grateful for the incredible care provided by our medical community and hospice family, especially Dr. Michael Gallivan and Dr. Anne Frances D’Intino for their exceptional care, dedication and support during Roger’s illness. Your remarkable council and compassion brought peace to Roger and our family. Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 6 Churchill Drive, Sydney, NS, 902-539-7175. Join us for a celebration of life at the Mira Boat Club (545 Hillside Road, Albert Bridge) on July 24, 2024, from 3-6 PM. Words of remembrance will start at 3 PM, followed by time for laughter, music and shared memories. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton County in Roger’s name. Words of condolence may be made to the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com.