Thomas Lyle Shepard

Thomas Lyle Shepard 1942 – 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Thomas Lyle Shepard on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at the Wellington Hospice in Guelph, at the age of 83.

Reunited at last with the love of his life, Jette, whom he cherished every moment with and missed deeply since her passing in 2001, Tom leaves behind a legacy of devotion, friendship, and community spirit. He was the proud father and best friend of Kris and his wife Jessica, and the loving grandfather of Kasen. He will also be deeply missed by his loyal four-legged companion, Mocha, who never left his side.

Tom was predeceased by his brother James “Jim” Shepard, and will be fondly remembered by his sister-in-law Judy, whose bond with Tom remained strong throughout the years.

A lifelong friend to Dave and Gerry Kentner, Tom shared decades of laughter, camaraderie, and community involvement. He proudly served for many years as Town Director of Parks and Recreation for Halton Hills, dedicating himself to enhancing local recreation and public spaces. He was also a long-standing member of the Georgetown Hockey Heritage Council for over 40 years, served on its Dinner Committee, and was a member of the Ontario Parks and Recreation Committee.

Tom was deeply involved in youth sports, serving as a Minor Baseball coach in Georgetown, where his invaluable knowledge of the game helped lead his team to a championship win at the Ontario Finals. His own love for baseball ran deep, having played at a remarkable level, including time with the Detroit Tigers minor league organization.

For 14 years, Tom served on the Board of Directors of Light Up the Hills, where he was a dedicated team member responsible for park setup and decorations, helping bring joy and holiday spirit to the community year after year.

He lived life with passion — for hockey, NASCAR, and his beloved 1958 Corvette and later his 1967 Corvette Stingray, through which he was an active member of the local Corvette club. Tom was also a familiar and cherished presence at the morning coffee and daily gatherings at Kentner’s Catering Dairy Bar, where he participated for decades, sharing stories, laughter, and friendship.

Friends are invited to share memories and condolences at the Jones Funeral Home – Trafalgar Room on Saturday, December 20, 2025, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. A private family inurnment will be held at Greenwood Cemetery.

Tom will be remembered for his warm heart, steady presence, and the joy he brought to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest peacefully.