William "Bill" Shepard

Bill was born on May 2 1952 to William L. and Bernadette M. (Alber) Shepard in Grand Rapids MI and passed away Saturday August 1, 2015. Bill loved the water and swimming and spent many years growing up at the family cottage on Pine Lake in Cedar Springs. He had no fear of danger which he proved by becoming a diver on the West Catholic swim team. He loved cars and early in his life dabbled in Drag racing. Bill also was a talented musician and artist. He received his first guitar on Christmas in 1963 and took off as a self taught lead guitar player. He played in a family band The Un4gettables, which was started by his parents, for 25 years. Bill had a sense of humor second to none and people were drawn to him wherever he went. After high school Bill worked at Grand Rapids Street Lighting and worked his way up to foreman. Bill raised 7 children and was an active member at SS Peter and Paul as an usher. Bill had a natural ability to draw. Later in life he took art lessons from Dana Ziebart and his talents flourished. Bill had a heart of gold and was very generous to all around him. He would often say “Jesus said to give your coat to someone who has none”. Bill loved animals especially his dog Peaches of 16 years. We are sure she will be greeting him in heaven and will be waiting for her treats and a snuggle on Daddy’s lap. Bill was preceded in death by his beautiful daughter Brenda Jean VanderSloot and his tiny granddaughter Georgia VanderSloot. He will be greatly missed by all whom he has left behind. He is survived by his children Angela Wosinski, William Scott Shepard, Gy Sgt USMC Bernadette Shepard –Avelar (Kelvin), HM2 USN Katherine Shepard (Luke), Holly Shepard, and Lisa (John–Marc) Ormechea and 10 Grandchildren, Hanna, Ben, Nate, Olivia, Noah, Sam, Roman, Skyler, Summer and Stella. He is also survived by his parents, William L and Bernadette Shepard who lovingly cared for him in their home along with his sisters Linda (Paul) Matthews, Tammy (Steve) Sweeney, Sherie (Tim) Armstrong until his last breath. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. We want to send a special thanks to his cousin Brian Alber for being Bill’s guardian angel while he lived at the Villa Maria. His high school sweet heart Sandy Stroh, Hospice of Michigan’s caver givers and nurses, and all the staff at Villa Maria who watched over him. The Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Thursday at 11:00 AM at St. James Church 733 Bridge St. NW (due to construction at St. Anthony Church) His family will receive visitors at the church one hour before the Mass. Memorial contributions to Hospice of Michigan, St. Anthony Church Building Fund or Kelley’s Heart to Heart Pet Adoption Center will be appreciated.

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William "Bill" Shepard

May 2, 1952 - August 1, 2015