William “Bill” “Shep” Ernest Shepherd, aged 81, passed away on Thursday, September 15, 2022, at 8:38 a.m. We lost a true hero this day. Bill “Shep” was a man of God, an incredible husband, an amazing father, a wonderful grandfather, a loving great-grandfather, a loyal friend, an outstanding community figure, and veteran. Words cannot describe how much Bill meant to his family, friends, and anyone that crossed his path. He made a difference everywhere he went and touched so many hearts.
Bill was born on May 7, 1941, in Bakersfield, CA. He graduated from South High in Bakersfield, CA, Bakersfield Junior College with an AA in Liberal Arts, and Northrop Institute of Technology with an A&P license. He was a track athlete in high school and college and was honored to carry the 1960 Winter Olympic Torch for a mile out of Bakersfield, CA.
He spent 4 years in the USAF, 22 years in the MTANG, 19 years as a Community Service Officer/Accident Investigator (Badge 838) with the Great Falls Police Department, and 6 years as a Funeral Assistant for Schnider Family Funeral Homes.
He married his one true love, Jo Schaff, on May 23, 1970, and together they had a 52-year non-ending love affair and had three beautiful children.
When Bill retired from the GFPD, he knew he had to continue to help others. He became a volunteer chaplain at Benefis where he once again brought peace, comfort, and encouragement to those who needed it. He was a faithful, constant friend and helper to his church family, regardless of the circumstances. His Pastor told him in Hospice that he was “Every Pastor’s Dream.” Bill always said, it isn’t about religion, it’s about relationship. He lived his relationship with Jesus Christ to the fullest and now rejoices with his Lord and Savior face to face.
He was loved by so many, and all will miss him deeply, always, and forever.
He is survived by his wife, Jo; children, Brian (Mandy) Shepherd, Heather (Tim) Martin, and Aaron (Hillary) Shepherd, all of Great Falls; grandchildren, Caleb, Aidan (Elora), Kael (Rebeka), Simon, Liam, Dominik, Shantee, Josh, Chelsea, and Tesla; great-grandchildren, Piper and Joelle; his best childhood friend, Dan Brown of California; and his sister, Becky Fair of Pocatello, ID.
A celebration of life will be held in December. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Eagle Mount Great Falls, P.O. Box 2866, Great Falls, MT 59403; or Northwest Family Fellowship, 300 23rd Ave NE, Great Falls, MT 59404.
