Sheppard, S. Thomas

In Loving Memory of Thomas Saxton Sheppard DFC,  M.Ed passed away Monday, November 24th, 2014 at the age of 93.  Born in Toronto on September 17th, 1921, he was the son of Harold and Beatrice Sheppard (predeceased), the father of Harry (wife Susan), Erie Crawley (predeceased), and Sarah Harrington (predeceased). He was the grandfather of Thomas Crawley of Vancouver, and the brother to Alison Sheppard of Toronto and Molly Sheppard (predeceased).  Tom was raised in Toronto and joined the RCAF after high school in 1940. He was assigned to teach flying after receiving his pilot’s wings in 1940. He was sent overseas in 1942. He became a fighter pilot serving in England, India and Burma. He eventually became a squadron commander. Following that, he became a liaison officer with the 14th Army in Burma.  After the war, Tom attended the University of Toronto. After graduating, he became a dairy farmer in southern Ontario, and then a partner in an oil exploration firm in Alberta. Later he became an elementary school teacher and principal in Sudbury, beginning in 1954. After retiring in 1974, he was an independent construction contractor and a commercial pilot.  He has been an active bird watcher, travelling throughout the world in pursuit of his hobby. He has been active in many Sudbury organizations including the Children’s Aid Society (as a board member and Chariman), Canadian Power Squadron (as an instructor), Canadian Owner and Pilots Association (founding member and first President), Sudbury Theatre Centre (board member), Sudbury Ornithological Society (founding member and organizer), Sudbury Manitoulin Children’s Foundation (board member) and Meals on Wheels (driver).  Tom had a great zest for life and loved people.  Resting at the Lougheed Funeral Home 252 Regent Street at Hazel Street (Friends may call 3:30-7:30 P.M. Friday and after 10:00 a.m. Saturday) Memorial service at 7:30 P.M. Friday under the auspices of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #76, Sudbury Funeral Service in the Lougheed Funeral Home Saturday, November 29th, 2014 at 11:30 A.M. Cremation at the Park Lawn Crematorium In lieu of flowers donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.