September 30, 1936 to October 10, 2026
With profound sadness we share the passing of our loving Father, Papa, Uncle, Brother, and Great Grandfather, Thomas Hugh Sheppard. He passed suddenly on October 10th, 2026 at the age of 90 years.
Tom was the treasured husband of nearly 60 years to Sally (predeceased 2024). Tom was also predeceased by his first wife Mary Joan Thomson (1963). Cherished father to Mary Lisa Barta (Don) of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Sarah Anne (predeceased infant daughter), Hugh (Emily), Britt (Denise) and Sarah Pappin (Robert) all of Sudbury. Loving grandfather to Bethany and David Franks, Sydney and Morgan Sheppard, Ethan Sheppard, and Kate, Thomas, and Erin Pappin. Great-grandfather to Abby, Anna, Allison, and Alivia Pepple.
Tom was born in Falconbridge to parents Thomas and Margaret (Barlow). He was the older brother of Don (Nancy) of Brighton, Ontario, and predeceased by Harvey, Harriet Goode and Robert. Also survived by his sister-in-law Penny Dutcher of Camden, South Carolina and brother-in-law John Goode (Evelyn) of Toronto, Ontario. Cherished “Uncle Tom” to many nieces and nephews and extended family on both sides.
Tom left Falconbridge on a full hockey scholarship to study Business Administration at Clarkson College in Potsdam, New York. He graduated from Clarkson in 1960. He went on to Syracuse University to earn a Masters of Business Administration in 1964, all while taking on the role of single parent to Mary Lisa after Mary Joan’s sudden passing. Their bond was truly special. He met Sally and they married in 1964. Together they soon welcomed their son Hugh and the family moved to Penman Avenue in Garson in 1967 so Tom could begin working at the recently opened Cambrian College. Britt and Sarah rounded out the family and life was full on Penman. Tom taught business, outdoor survival, and ended his 30-year career in 1997 having spent several years in the Counselling Department. Tom took a sabbatical in 1978 and completed a Masters Degree in Education at the University of South Carolina. The whole family relocated to Sally’s home state for one memorable year.
Upon retirement Tom and Sally moved to Hanmer Lake and spent many happy years making new memories and friends. There were numerous sleepovers with grandchildren and one infamous Pokemon-themed Halloween party where Mama somehow convinced Papa to dress as Pikachu.
Throughout his life Thomas was a true outdoorsman and craftsman. He enjoyed canoe trips all over Ontario and beyond with friends, especially his good friend and paddle partner Fred McLennan. Tom also shared his love of canoeing with his children and brought all four on many canoe trips. One memorable trip down the Vermillion River with our Goode cousins stands out. With some of his lifelong friends he also became a prospector and traipsed through the bush all over Sudbury searching for a pot of gold, even recently out with his childhood best friend Fred Delabbio (we’re still waiting for that gold, Papa).
Tom was also an excellent wood worker. Building the family dining room table and numerous other pieces of furniture. His love of canoeing and working with his hands combined when he started building canoes. Tom built his very own cedar strip kayak and several cedar strip canoes crafted over many hours. He instilled a love of nature that will continue to live on in his grandchildren.
The family would like to acknowledge our parents’ many friends who brought them so much laughter and comfort; Nancy and Fred Delabbio, Cathy and Pete Vallely, Sandra and Fred McLennan, Gail and Bucky Olivier, Janice and Gary Grierson, Agathe and Bernie Murphy.
We are so grateful that we gathered to celebrate Dad’s 90th birthday. He enjoyed his party very much and felt so, so loved by everyone.
At his request there will be no service or celebration. A private burial with his Sal will take place at a future date. Donations to the Maison McCulloch Hospice would be appreciated.
Paddle on, Papa!