Obituary of John M. Shepherd

Long-time Modesto resident, John M. Shepherd, passed away in Santa Cruz on January 2, 2012 at the age of 91. Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, John grew up in Washington state and graduated from high school in Spokane. John served his country during WWII in the US Army Air Corps as a B25 command bomber pilot, flying more than 50 combat missions over North Africa, Sicily and Italy. Upon return from the war zone, he became a Flight Crew Instructor for the B29 "Superfortress." John earned his Bachelor's of Science Degree from the University of Arizona in Metallurgical Mining and Engineering. His career in manufacturing, plant management and metallurgical engineering spanned over 36 years. He was employed with Kaiser Aluminum, Anaconda Aluminum, and retired as Vice President/General Manager of Mid-Cal Aluminum (a Gallo subsidiary) in Modesto. He belonged to the Rotary Club of Modesto East and leaves many dear friends and colleagues in the community. John and his wife, Beverly, moved to Watsonville, CA in April 2011. He will be remembered for his love of adventure and nature. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed camping, traveling in his RV, boating, skiing, scuba diving, rock collecting and learned to hang-glide at the age of 54, an activity he enjoyed for ten years. John is survived by his wife of 64 years, Beverly Blazzard Shepherd, of Watsonville; his son and daughter-in-law, John Gareth and Lynda Shepherd of Aptos; three grandchildren; five great grandchildren; and one great-great granddaughter. Also surviving John are his two sisters, Joyce Paulson of Spokane, WA and Mary Giles of Portland OR, and his brother David Shepherd of San Diego, CA, in addition to a host of loving extended family members. A private family memorial service will be held at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella, CA. Remembrances may be made in his honor to the Rotary Club of Modesto East, PO Box 578372, Modesto, CA 95357. Please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com to light a candle and share your thoughts and memories.