Shepherd, The Right Reverend Ronald Francis died on October 24th, 2012 in Victoria. Bishop Ron was born July 15th 1926 also in Victoria. Survived by his loving wife Ann, and their six children Mary, Jeremy, Christopher, Susie, Tim and Peter; and eight grandchildren.
Ron faithfully served the Anglican Communion his whole life. He was ordained at St. Paul’s Cathedral, London in 1953 and served in the parish of St. Stephen’s Rochester Row. In Canada he served as parish priest in Hamilton and Winnipeg; he was the dean of the Anglican diocese in Edmonton and in 1969 was named dean of Montreal for a period of 14 years. After serving the parish of St. Matthias, Victoria, in 1984 he was elected the 10th bishop of the diocese of British Columbia. Upon retirement Ron and Ann served the Episcopalian mission in Borrego Springs, California until 2001.
A sharp wit, exceptional intellect, and a lover of the written word, Ron was also an avid gardener. For many years Ann and Ron enjoyed visits from friends and family from around the world on their beloved Easter Hill home on Salt Spring Island.
Funeral services will be held on November 3rd, 2012 at 10:00 am at Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria. Archbishop David Crawley, Bishop James Cowan and Dean Logan McMenamie will be officiating. Reception to follow. Interment on Salt Spring Island. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Primate’s World Relief Fund, 80 Hayden Street, Toronto, Ontario M4Y 3G2. Condolences may be offered below.
22 Responses
Dear Ann,
Sorry to hear of Ron’s death. He has had a long and fruitful ministry with you at his side. We remember with fondness walking home from the All Saints’ rectory wheeling an empty but beautiful, huge, English pram which you give us for the expected arrival of our first child in 1965 (Christopher now 47). Several people looked in the carriage and then at us with gentle sadness. It was used, as it was for you children, for an additional four kids.
Ron shared in our wedding at St. Luke’s which was another story you may remember. We are grateful for his particiapation.
All our best to you and your family. David & Lynn
I’m glad to see him referred to as “Bishop Ron” in the notice. It was as Ron that I knew him, a valued friend since our college days, over sixty years ago. We went our separate ways but respected and took an interest in each other’s doings always. How many Victorians still recall him as the adroit teen-aged milk-delivery driver, & admire as I do his pan-Canadian services to his Church? Kathleen and I will always treasure our recollection of visiting him and Ann in their retirement home in January of this year. Such a warm & lively human being. We send our sympathies to Ann & the family. Sincerely, JB.
Ann, you know how important Ron is to me – probably the most important influence in my life. As my rector in Winnipeg he was responsible for his layreader becoming a worker-priest and he was my Bishop after I retired to Victoria and served here. I join you and the family in some small way in missing him, my prayers are with you.
My late wife, Lois, and I first knew Fr Ron when he was curate at St Stephen’s, Rochester Row and I was lecturing at St Augustine’s in Canterbury. When I left Christ Church Cathedral in Montreal to return to Trinity College I had the privilege of nominating Ron to Bishop McGuire as a possible successor as Dean of Montreal and am among those who are grateful for his work there during difficult years. I shall remember Bishop Shepherd and his family at the altar here in Orangeville ON. In Christo Domino nostro.
WILLIAM BOTHWELL.
Betsy and I will remember Ronald
To the Shepherd Family
Father Shepherd married my husband and me in All Saints Church, Winnipeg in March of 1961. Primarily because of budget restraints, our wedding was very small, the reception was held in the parish hall and there was to be no honeymoon. But on our wall unit there is a small, framed photo of us signing the register in the vestry. While we both sit, pen in hand, Father Shepherd is looking over us with that beatific smile of his. He made us feel important. He made us feel loved. When someone dies, he/she is remembered by family and friends. Father Shepherd will not only be remembered by his kin but by the many, many couples with photos of him in albums and frames throughout the land. He will always be remembered.
Jan and Cam Bright
Burlington, Ontario
Dear Ann – I first met Ron when he and Michael Creel took my sister Liz on their rounds for Shepherd’s Dairy in Victoria when they were all students at U Vic.(I was about 12!) Then he became Rector at St.Matthias where my parents attended and he was then gracious enough to come over to take Mum’s funeral there in 1995.
He was a wonderful man – keen sense of humour, wise and humble and so perfectly fitted for his role in Christ’s service.
My great sympathy to you and the family on his loss.My own husband died last November after three years in care so I know what you have gone and are going through.Blessings – Marion
Dear Ann and Family
We were so sorry to read Ron’s obituary this morning. We have aften spoken of you wondering how you were liking your place in Victoria. Ron was a great guy but you know that. Anthony remembers how Ron liked to tell stories whist having his hair cut, he was never at a loss for words.
We also remember the police coming into the shop looking for you, you had been there a couple of hours and it appeard your car was parked outside the liquer store, locked with the engine still on. You sent him off with spare keys, We did laugh when he left.
We hope you are living somewhere nice where they look after you well. It would be nice to see you again one day, maybe you will get over to the Isalnd one day.
Love to you all
Joanna and Anthony
Dear Ann – I was sorry to read this morning of the death of Bishop Ron in Victoria. I first met him in Winnipeg in the early 1960s where he was at All Saints’ and I was at St John’s College. A few years later we connected again when I came to Montreal to work and Ron was the Dean at the Cathedral. He was an incredible man at many levels and he will be missed! My sincere sympathy to you and your family, may God bless Ron, and, as we say in French – Courage!
Brian Webb
Ann, We were at a retired Bishop’s lunch just last Tuesday and we were asking about you and we’re very sorry to hear Ron had not been well and that you had moved again. We saw Ron’s obituary this a.m. And will be thinking of you all. We remember our visit with you both…and the bees!!! On Salt Spring Island and also our days at Lambeth. Hope you are hanging in o.k.,this growing old is not for the faint hearted. We send love and prayers. John and Joan Bothwell