With deep sadness, we say goodbye to John who passed away peacefully at home into the presence of his Lord and Savior. John was born in Edmonton and lived in a log house on his father’s homestead in Pibroch, AB with his parents and two sisters. When he was 13 years old, the family moved to Sidney, BC. John graduated from North Saanich High School in 1948, attended Victoria College for two years and UBC for three years. There he trained as a teacher and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Physics and Math). John’s first year of teaching was in Port Alberni followed by Trail and Slocan City, where he met Anne. They were married in 1960 and Anne joined John who was teaching in Salmon Arm. They both taught in Salmon Arm until 1964, when they moved to Victoria after John accepted a position teaching science with the Faculty of Education at UVIC. During his time at UVIC, he spent much time observing student teachers in Victoria and across BC. After retiring, John enjoyed using his education skills to teach his grandsons their homeschool-science curriculum. John attended Oaklands Chapel for over 50 years, leading many home Bible studies. He is survived by his loving wife Anne of 61 years, his daughter Heather, grandsons Tim and Daniel, sisters Margarette and Mary as well as nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his son David.
A memorial service is scheduled for February 4, 2022 at 2 pm at Gateway Baptist Church. Please check John’s obituary at www.mccallgardens.com for updated details about attending in-person or virtually, and to offer condolences to the family. Instead of flowers, the family suggests donations to Victoria Hospice and the Red Cross https://www.redcross.ca/. Many thanks to John’s community nurse, Bal, and the many support workers who helped care for John over the past years.
In-person attendance:
Current Covid guidelines do not restrict in-person attendance at funeral services but do require people in attendance to wear masks. Gateway’s sanctuary is large, and the balcony is available. We encourage groups attending to sit together and distance themselves six feet apart from other groups. There will not be a reception afterwards. People wishing to offer condolences are welcome to speak with the family before or after the service.
Virtual attendance:
Virtual attendance will be by Zoom. Email JSheppyMemorial@gmail.com by Thursday, February 3rd at 12 noon to request a Zoom invitation and include your full name and the email you will use to attend. The Zoom room will open by 1:45 pm on February 4th, 2022. Please connect by 1:55 pm to ensure there is time to admit you to the Zoom room before the service starts. We regret we cannot assist if you experience difficulties connecting to Zoom. Information on getting started with Zoom is available at: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/214629443-Getting-started-with-the-Zoom-web-client
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
18 Responses
Anne, Heather, Tim, Daniel
Our condolences on the passing of your husband, dad, grampa. Anne, you and John invited us out for lunch on our very first Sunday at Oaklands. Not long after, we enjoyed a meal at your house. You have always been so very warm and welcoming. Thank you! Wishing you strength and peace, Cheryl (and Ken) Marr
I remember meeting John and Anne at Oaklands and thru a summer at Camp Imadene so many decades ago. Both of you were encouragers and mentors all thru the years we have known you. John’s humour will be missed, as will his gentle soul who showed interest in both of us for many years. the hospitality both of you extended to so many people will always be a good memory and a reminder to share that to others.
Our thoughts and prayers for Anne, Heather and the extended family.
Penny & Ken Plumbly
Dear Anne and Heather,
We are sad with you and send our love. We have very fond memories of being in your home for Sunday lunches after church when we were students at UVIC. We remember John as a man of God who led by example and who always had an encouraging word for anyone in his presence. We rejoice that he is in the presence of our Lord and look forward to the day when we will all be together again.
with love,
Chang and Jean Lim
Dear Anne, Heather and family,
Please accept our condolences from afar, here in Australia. Brent remembers how John was an encouragement to so many young adults at Oaklands Chapel, including himself. He helped many of us in our journey to understand and grow in our faith.
With love, Brent and Shelley Weeks
It is with deep sadness that we hear of John’s passing. To our dear childhood friend Anne, and her family, please accept our deepest and most heartfelt condolences.
Nancy Land Jorgensen, Ian Land, and Elizabeth Land Giddens.
Dear Anne and family. We offer our condolences and prayers on the occasion of John’s passing. I remember John as a wonderful colleague, very knowledgeable and dedicated to his profession. I valued very highly his wisdom and sage advice. As a person John was a good man of great personal integrity. His sense of humour and his laugh was infectious.
The world has been a better place for him being in it. We will miss him very much.
Anne and Heather, I just heard about John. My heart breaks for your loss. I loved John very much. He was one of the coolest guys I’ve ever met. Sitting under his teaching at a Bible study alway made a bad day seem better for everyone. Heaven just got better.
Anne, Heather and family,
Our sincere condolences as you mourn the loss of dear John.
We have many fond memories of him leading bible studies, welcoming us at Oaklands and into your home.
Love and prayers
Bob and Margaret Wormald