Harold Lloyd “Shep” Shepherd, 81, passed away at his home of natural causes on Sunday, January 17, 2016. Harold was being visited and comforted by family members and friends prior to his passing. Harold and his twin brother Jarold were born in the stone house near Winston, Montana on February 11, 1934. He was the eighth child of Bonnie (Slater) and George Shepherd.
His father worked near Winston until Harold was 2 and the family moved to Helena. He attended Hawthorne School and graduated from Helena High in 1953. Harold was an accomplished distance runner. As a four-year letterman in track and field he was offered a full-ride scholarship to the University of Montana. However, he declined and stayed in Helena to care for his mother. Harold was inducted into the Helena Sports Hall of Fame as a member of the 1952 Helena High State Champion track team.
After high school he joined the Montana National Guard and worked at Anderson Motors. He married his high school sweetheart, Doris Schimpf on July 31, 1954. Harold especially enjoyed reconnecting with his many friends during their 60th anniversary celebration June of 2014.
Harold established Shep’s Body Shop in 1959, first on Euclid Ave and later moved the shop near his ranch in 1973. He maintained his dual occupation of body repairman and rancher until the late 90’s, even though he suffered a major setback in 1982 as a result of a direct lighting strike while golfing at Fairmont.
Harold had an artistic flair and enjoyed creating sculptures from automotive putty. He actually won several awards at the L&C fair for his creativity. He fabricated novelties and figurines from nuts, bolts, barbed wire and metal as well, which he gave as gifts to family and friends. He loved the outdoors and took his family on camping adventures throughout the summers. As his children grew, he supported them and enjoyed attending all of their athletic events, and continued this tradition by attending his grandchildren’s events. He was even able to see some great-grandchildren perform as well.
Harold was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Jarold and Floyd and sisters, Daisy, Hazel, Florence, Mildred and Gladys Tovey He is survived by his wife, Doris and children: Kent (Sheri) of Helena, Kirk (Dayna) of White Sulphur Springs, Kari (Chuck) Smith of Helena. His grandchildren, Krista (Josh) Mix of Helena, Kaycee (Brandon) Thoeny of Glendive, Katie (Tyler) Schlosser of Dickinson, ND, Kurtis Gross of Helena, Koleman Gross of Gillette, WY, Kane Shepherd of Knoxville, TN, Kyle Shepherd of Butte, and Grady Shepherd of Missoula. Great-grandchildren: Tristan Thompson, Kaleigh Mix, Kavin Thoeny, Addelyn Mix, Braxton Schlosser, Kale Thoeny, Natalie Schlosser and baby Thoeny expected in February. He is also survived by multiple nieces, nephews and their extended families. The family will hold a service in late spring.
A service celebrating Harold’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 13th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. Burial will take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery following the reception.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday May 13, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke F.H.
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Friday May 13, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke F.H. Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Reception
Friday May 13, 2016
Sunset Memorial Gardens
7100 N. Montana Ave.
Helena , Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday May 13, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke F.H.
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Friday May 13, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke F.H. Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Reception
Friday May 13, 2016
Sunset Memorial Gardens
7100 N. Montana Ave.
Helena , Montana 59602
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Carlene Cloninger-Bouillon says
My condolences to the whole family. I have very fond memories of Harold. He and Doris treated me like a daughter many years ago when I stayed with the family for a short time. My thoughts and prayers to the family.
Morris Burneer says
To Doris, Kent, Kirk and Kari:
My heart goes out to all of you including grandchildren and great grand children. Harold will be deeply missed by the members of the class of 1953 as well as the Helena community. He was loved and respected by all of us. We hope your great memories of Harold will help ease the loss. Our prayers go out to you all.
George and Jackie Lloyd says
So sorry for your loss. Our condolence goes out to all the family.
Bill Moore formerly from carquest says
It saddened me to hear of his passing ,have known him for many years great guy.
Marlene Sangray Wallis says
Doris and Family: My thoughts and prayers for all of you. It is so hard to lose your lover, best friend, and companion. You and Harold have been the “Perfect Couple” since we were in high school. I remember your wedding day like it was yesterday and I pray that all the great memories you have will help you at this time. Thinking of all of you. Marlene
Bob and Smithe Docktor says
To the Shepherd Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Darleen Armstrong says
Doris, So sorry to heard you lost Harold. I have such fond memories of riding in that gorgeous blue and white chevy to school. It hard to believe it been over 60 years.
Love
Darleen Armstrong
Ellie (Mayala) Osborne says
To Kent and your entire Family:
So sorry to hear about your loss. My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to you all at this time.
Judy Trevor says
To the Shephards: I did not know any of you as far as I know. But I drove by Shep’s place every day on my way into town. I noticed the different things put out for the seasons in front of the driveway and often saw an elderly couple walking along the York road who I think was Shep and his wife. I admired them and their lifestyle and send you all my condolences.
Mona Faul Rose says
To the Shepard family: Harold, and Jarold,too, were neighborhood playmates as we lived WAY out on Hauser Blvd. Knowing him most of my life was a pleasure as we went to the same schools and lived and worked in Helena most of our lives. Harold had a big smile and hearty laugh and good work ethics which I am sure he passed onto his family. My heartfelt condolences to all of you.