Once I was involved with one of John’s Lovely daughters.  Now as I was raised by wolves, the Shepard family rather mystified me.  They enjoyed Friday night sing-alongs together, were supportive and loving.  I could not relate.  Sadly, the lovely daughter and I ended up in lives empty of each other, never meeting again save perhaps in fond memories and sweet regrets.  But from that time so long ago to as I write these words now, I have never met a man I respected more than John Shepard.  The silent strength of his decency and his solid unwavering humanity was inspirational.  I don’t know if there’s a heaven, but if there is, for John Shepard they rolled out the red carpet and rightly so.  

Mr. Shepard, Thank you for offering stability, consistency and honor to a gaggle of guys struggling to become men. Thank you for being the embodiment of a good Catholic man. You will be missed Sir.
Captain Robert Scanlon, MBA, USMC, Ret., Class of 1980

I always had great respect and admiration for Mr. Shepard. As a Freshman, I remember him calling me to his office to discuss basketball. Basically, he said Mr. Mozena we want you to be the voice of Central Catholic Rams basketball team. As a Freshman, we will have you announce the Junior Varsity team freshman year to learn the players and gain the experience of announcing, and the following years, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior year, you alone, will be the announcer for the Varsity Basketball team here at Central Catholic.  I did as I was instructed and enjoyed it immensely as I became the voice of the Varsity Rams from 1975 through 1978 --- never missing a game. Not only did it develop my booming radio voice, I had the great opportunity to announce at the Memorial Coliseum like Mr. Rip City himself Bill Schonely of the Portland Trailblazers. From basketball announcing, it led me to Coach Brent Kehoe who asked me to announce Varsity baseball and which subsequently led me to getting hired by the Portland Park District's Paul Keenan to announce City League Softball and American Legion Baseball during the summer --- $6.00 per game and all the concession food and drinks I could consume while I was there. From there, I became a voice with KGW's Bud Frimoth's Open Door worldwide Sunday radio program for teenagers. Beyond that, it took me to a pinnacle of career in announcing where I was a morning radio personality in Phoenix, Arizona in the late 1980s at FM 100 KLZI with the handle "Dr." Steve. Mr. Shepard thanks for putting me on that path and giving me the opportunity to ride on that journey, I enjoyed every minute of it. Mr. Shepard! God bless you. You were a great role model and a great mentor for young men like me. You will be sorely missed. Steve Mozena, Class of 1978.

Mr. Sheppard was a true gentleman and a godly leader, one who will be remembered dearly by many of the students at Central Catholic High School.  I am one of those, class of 1967.

John Shepard will not be forgotten.  The great ones never are!  Now, as he begins his Eternal Life in Heaven, he has perfect joy and perfect peace.  Mr. Shepard, you were awesome!

"Gentlemen, please get in your seats".  I will never forget the image of Big John walking the halls of CC.  What a great man.

Mr. Shepard set the standard for an educator, administrator and Christian. Many fond memories of his Marriage class that he taught. About 15 years ago we meet again at a fundraiser- he insisted that I call him "John"- I thought he was setting me up and he would put me in detention:) just did not feel right- he was and  always be  known as Mr Shepherd.

John Shepard, No!  He was "Mr. Shepard" as our sixth grade teacher and coach at All Saints grade school, his first teaching position, and remained that any time I had contact with him.
Was he my friend?  No, teachers are not friends, they are role models.  Now I learn that he was merely 10-days shy of 10 years my senior!  I look forward to our paths crossing again, hopefully I will be allowed access to his level in heaven, and hopefully I'll remember to greet him as "John"-both role model and friend.

He was the epitome of dedication and preparation--an example for all to follow

Mr. Shepard was always a respected presence at Central and his spirit will continue to be remembered.

So sorry to hear he has passed...he was the fixture within the school both feared and respected. If you ended up in his office, you knew you'd be treated fairly...always and without question. Rest in Peace

A wonderful man, teacher & Coach who influenced many lives of individuals who knew him. RIP Coach.

John Alderton/ Palm Desert CA

Mr. Shepard. 
There are not enough superlatives to explain who you are and what you gave to those of us fortunate enough to pass through the doors of Central Catholic. You are CC and will be forever. 
Deepest Condolences to the Family so sorry for your loss.
Tom Ficker '68

Mr. Shepard truly set the example for others to live by.

An admirable Catholic educator, a mentor to many, and example to all. Requiescat in pace.

It has been 37 years since I left CC, but of the few remaining memories one of them is John Shepard. He was simply the textbook definition of that of a man of honor and dignity who helped to shape the lives of those of us who were lucky enough to have known him. John Robinson Gladstone

.... a great man who inspired me to do great things.

Truly an exemplary Christian gentleman. He also could and did at Central do it all excellently. And there was no one nicer.
Jim Kiley  '64

John was truly dedicated and helped make CC the outstanding institution that it is today.

Jim Braun '61

John and his wife were chaperons for our C.C. band trip to Canada. That's where we found out he could laugh and smile. Thank you John for your mentorship.  Paul Quimby "71

Taught me Biology, a favorite class of mine.  Rest in Peace.
Jon Reif CC '65

When I was a Freshman at CC, I was afraid of Mr. Shepard, by the time I was a Senior I respected him.  Now, all these years later, I really appreciate everything he did for Central and it's students.  The world needs more leaders like him.  He will be missed greatly.  
RIP, John.
Sincerely,
Tom Mack CCHS 77

John was the very best at running high school track meets. His meets where always run on time and were legendary in the sport. He was the starter for all CCHS home cross country meets for many years and his starting command made a impression on any runner who ever competed in one of his meets.
God Bless John and his family,

I feel very fortunate to have spoken to John at the 2016 b-ball tournament named in his honor. Condolences to the family. All of our CC family will truly miss this great man.
Steve Ellefson '75

My best mentor. A dedicated leader and loyal friend. Thanks, John, for the many years of commitment and dedication. You will be missed - as will all the almond roca sitting in basements across Portland waiting to be sold!

Not only was John vital to the growth and health of Central Catholic, but he gave selflessly to Holy Cross Area school. That is where we met John. He helped breath life into the fundraising of that school and parish.  And dare I say taught Sister Mary Ryan all that she knows today. They were the perfect team.  John you blessed so many, you leave an amazing legacy.

To say that Mr. Shepard (aka Big John) was an institution at CC is like saying the Pope is really Catholic.
Apart from the notable works with Almond Roca, and setting up the Development function at CC  I have many fond memories of Big John working the Christian Marriage classroom at a time when the last all male class was matriculating.  He seemed to start every class with: All right men, sit down, and cut the crap. He would then look into his notes, call us by our pseudonyms, and then ask a very tailored and pointed question to each of us. John really did his homework and knew his students, and he will be greatly missed. God bless you, Mr. Shepard.

He actually dated my mom when they were in high school!  It was a surprize on my first day of school when he walked up to her and said, "Hey Barb! It's good to see you!"  Mr. Shepard was a very good man.  He was a great teacher too.  I hope people remember that about him.

May the Angels lead you to Paradise, may the Martyrs greet you at the Gates, and may you with Lazarus, who was once poor, have Eternal Light and Rest.

John Shepard was the right man in the right time of my life, those four formative years in high school! Fair, balanced and always ready to help! What a great role model. I will miss you, John! Thanks! Rest in Peace! Phil Brennan Class of 72

Mr Shepard (and during my days at CCHS--class of 1967-- it was always Mister Shepard) was a soft-spoken, caring gentleman who exemplified what it mean to be a teacher, a coach and a christian. His spirit will be missed.

John Shepard was a strong and bright light for all that is good with Catholic education. John provided tremendous guidance for CC students in the way that he lived his life. John's self-less contribution to education will be missed.

Mr Shepard instilled a love of biology in this former student that stimulated a journey through a bachelors, masters, doctorate, and medical degrees.   All along I participated in teaching with frequent flashbacks to his classroom.   Thank you Mr Shepard!

The following students report to my office between 7th and 8th period......
God Bless you Mr. Shepard.

Mr. Shepard will be truly missed. John Doran Class of 74.

John Shepard was CC!  No one worked harder for CC students than he did. There is a special place in Everlasting Life for him. I was fortunate to have been with him for 4 years at CC. Rest In Peace Sir!
We have it from here.
Tim George (class of 74')

John Shepard was one of the most outstanding men I have ever met. He was always there, whenever I had questions. I commuted over 1 1/2 hours each way to school from Corbett daily, and because of dedicated professionals like John, I was always excited to come to school. I have thought about him over the years often.
Mike Anderson '74

Thank you John for your resounding dedication to Central Catholic High School. You worked tirelessly for the students and faculty of CCHS. You were a true blessing to our community and will be sorely missed.

John was always such a special person. I used to love conversations with he and Donna when they lived close to the office. Will be missed even though I had not seen him for a while. The family is in my prayers. 

John Shepard was a leader at Central Catholic for many years, giving a great deal to the students and entire community. Known as Big John when he was Dean of Discipline, he was a tireless worker and a real gentleman. He expected much of us students, but was always there to help you succeed. 
Wishing his family peace and comfort in your loss.

John Shepard was a Giant, and a Ubiquitous Fixture at Central Catholic HS, from His obligatory daily morning announcements, His Control & Command of the Almond Roca annual Drive to Running a Track & Field Meet like a Swiss Watch. I am so glad and honored to have been a part of that Time. He will be missed but not forgotten. Matt Kelleher '75

Mr Shepard was influential to so many young people from Central Catholic, including myself. He will be missed!

Nels Lundgren (75)

Diane, Linda and family, prayers for all of you. I clearly remember the kindness of your dad. I think he took me with you two to every Central Catholic sporting event in his years there as Athletic Director. He was so kind to me. Thoughts are wth you from the Maguigan Family.

My Deepest Condolence to the Family Of John.... He was a very dear Friend of mine along with his girls, Brother and Wife...Lovingly   Calline May

OBITUARIO

John F. Shepard

23 octubre, 1930 – 6 julio, 2017

Zeller Chapel of the Roses

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