Mr. Martin Marty Aart Shepherd

Martin Shepherd was born December 12,1978 in Langley, BC to Terry and Mariette Shepherd. He had the life of any typical boy. He was involved in soccer, ball hockey and was a progressive artist at a young age, that continued into his teenage years. Martin always had a lot of friends, most of the friendships he made lasted into his 30's. He was an amazing brother who always had his sister’s back, and would stand up for any of his friends at any time. He seen the best in anyone regardless of their faults.   Martin was a good brother. Often ditching plans with friends to hang out with his sister me when she was down, he would even help plan her parties. After the death of his  parents, Martin became stronger and started taking on more responsibilities with life and taking life a little more seriously.   Martin was a big teddy bear with a soft heart and cheeky side who didn't take boundaries seriously. Martin had many qualities which were loyalty, strength, courage, compassion, his giving nature, and gentleness. He had a lot of love to give to many people and he made sure you knew, whether it be by bugging you until you smiled or showing up unexpectedly when you are in the middle of something. He would do anything he could for anyone, especially his family and friends. He was a bit of a klutz and was often labeled " a bull in a china shop“,  Martin had his own version of being on time that is referred to as "MARTY TIME" which translated to being ridiculously late. He had a few nicknames since childhood and they started in this order "pork chop, lumpy and boot scraper." Anyone who knew Martin knows how much he loved Superman, it was a bit of an obsession really.  Martin dressed as superman almost every Halloween. He had over twenty superman shirts, lots of collectibles and he decorated one of his cars in the superman theme to the point of painting the calipers yellow.  Martin had a few other passions that included paint ball. Martin belonged to a paint ball league often playing whenever he could. He was almost as enthusiastic about paint ball as he was with Superman. Other interests include his massive sticker fascination. He had stickers on just about everything he owned, especially his laptop that he brought where ever he went, he once stated he would even decorate his son, Liam with stickers if he could.  He collected sunglasses and t-shirts like women collect shoes. Some more interests were, blue ray movies, sunny start sandwiches, the ultimate fighter show, burger king, Harley Davidson, garlic, accidentally pocket dialing Tineke, pork roast and potatoes, Heineken, Braveheart the movie, Play station 3, and hitting up Triple O's after a long days ride.  After many failed job attempts, (For example, working graveyards at Chevron, and getting fired for bringing in his TV, VCR player and video games to work ) His Dad encouraged Martin to get into a trade . He went to school to become a sheet metal worker. After completing his apprenticeship he got hired in the field. Martin met a lot of good people and workers along the way, many becoming dear friends to this day.  Martin's most recent passion over the last few years was riding his motorcycle. He grew up on a motorcycle so learning how to ride was a breeze for Martin especially since his first bike was the same bike as his dad’s. Martin and his Dad enjoyed many road trips throughout BC on Terry’s bike. Once he acquired his license, he would bug just about anyone he knew that rode a bike, at anytime, day or night, sun or rain, to go for a burn. Martin would even come to his sisters house, sit and pout in the corner up to an hour until she caved to go for a ride. Martin was a quick learner and was always open for suggestion. He couldn't wait to take Liam for his first ride. Tineke will never forget going on rides together and Martin pulling up beside her, with his arms straight forward, chest leaning on the gas tank and legs sprawled backwards like he was flying. As well as him laid back on the passenger seat arms spread out like wings, He knew how to let loose and make you smile. That was a part of his personality.    Martin was determined to hold onto the family house so he could raise his children in the same neighborhood that he grew up in. He was really excited to get married to his high school sweetheart Laura and to start family with her, which recently they did. Martin and Laura got married in July of 2007 and had their baby Liam June of 2009. Martin was a wonderful husband. He was so loving, caring and made Laura laugh everyday. She would laugh and say that living with Martin was like living out a slap stick comedy. Martin was an extremely proud and loving father; always showing Liam off and constantly talking about Liam's little achievements. He nicknamed Liam his "little bobble head". The day he died Martin and Laura were talking about how much they love their son and Martin was excited to celebrate Liam’s first birthday. He mentioned that he would have to get a few more hard drives to fit all the pictures of Liam that they were taking. He loves Liam so much. He truly loved his life and was genuinely happy. Martin left a lot of things undone and others that he never had a chance to start. Lets just be thankful for all the special moments that Martin has left us and Martin will continue to live on in our hearts.