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 and family . I was so sad to hear about Reverend Shepherd’s passing. Our family were parishioners at Christ Church Cathedral in Montreal.. He married my husband and I, christened my eldest son and buried my father. One of my fondest memories was in 1976 when Queen Elizabeth attended a service at the cathedral. My father had been released from hospital to attend the service. Reverend Shepherd had been to the hospital to visit him and prayed for him. Reverend Shepherd was walking down the aisle to escort the queen to the front of the church when he walked past my father, he was very surprised to see him and stopped and came back to greet my father. My dad thought it was so great that Reverend Shepherd put him before the queen. He told that story for years. Reverend Shepherd was an amazing person and minister. We missed him terribly when your family moved to B C . My condolences to you and your family and all those who knew and loved him. Sincerely Lisbeth
Dear Annie,
What a privilege it was to share lodgings with you and Ronald in London at the start of both our ministries. I feel I learnt a lot from him and it was so good to renew old friendships when you were so hospitable to us a few years ago in Vancouver Island. We do thank God for him and your friendship. God bless you in what must be a painful time of your life. We have been praying regularly for you both on Fridays. We only heard today from Naomi Abbott about Ronald’s death.
Every blessing as you readjust. Love from
Jean and David Warner