SHEPHERD, Gilbert James - 86, of Brampton, Ontario, quietly “slipped the surly bonds of earth” on July 16, 2021, at the Peel Manor Long Term Care facility.
Gilbert (Shep) was born November 1, 1934, in Almonte, Ontario, the son of Alexander & Myra (Cunningham) Shepherd.
In 1951, at the age of 17, Gilbert joined the Royal Canadian Navy and proudly served Canada for over 30 years.
During this time, he sailed on the HMCS Bonaventure and later took his commission and cross trained to become a pilot in the Canadian Armed Forces air element, flying the Anti-Submarine Tracker from CFB Shearwater, Nova Scotia, and later the CC130 Hercules from CFB Trenton, Ontario.
He flew hundreds of missions all over the world. Upon retirement from the “Forces”, Gilbert became a Pilot Licensing Examiner for Transport Canada in Mississauga, Ontario.
While stationed in Halifax in 1955, Shep met a beautiful girl, Alma Irene Sangster, of New Harbour, Nova Scotia. They married on March 17, 1956 (St. Patrick’s Day) and celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary earlier this year. Together, with their children, they moved from coast to coast, wherever Shep was stationed.
Shep loved family gatherings, pool parties, barbeques, birthdays, Christmas, TGIF nights, - any occasion for a family get together.
Shep is survived by: His Wife: Alma, His Children: Kim (Peter), Brad (Bev), Dianne (Glen), Lisa and Ben. His Grandchildren: Gavin, Kristen, Max, Sam, Paige, Alex, James and Rebecca. His many Great Grandchildren…
Shep is predeceased by: His Mother & Father and his sister Kay (Kathleen Spicer).
As per his wishes, Shep has been cremated; there will be no funeral. A family gathering to celebrate his life will occur at a future date.
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