William George Shepherd

William George Shepherd

OGDEN a€" William George Shepherd, 86, passed away Tuesday, July 17, 2007 at McKay-Dee Hospital.

He was born September 11, 1920 in Paris, Idaho to George Edward and Lucy Blanche Lewis. Known as "Bill" to family and friends, he lived a full and active life. As a young man in Idaho he was an undefeated high school state wrestling champ for two years and later wrestled for both Weber State College and Utah State University. He loved his Idaho heritage and returned to his beloved Liberty, Paris and Montpelier as often as he could.

During World War II, Bill proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Navy. He also served as a member of the U.S. Air Force after the war while enrolled at Weber State College. He completed his college degree at Utah State University in Dairy Science.

While at USU he met the love of his life, Jenness Swenson. They were married on October 7, 1950. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Oakland Temple. To this union were born three children, Rich, Mike and Judy. Dad was a loving caregiver to Mom while she was seriously ill until she passed away in 2001.

Bill''s career began with the R & W Ice Cream Company in Salt Lake City. He later became a county and state dairy inspector for the State of California. After retirement he was often called upon for consultation work in the dairy industry.

Bill was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved serving others through church callings. He served twice as a Bishop in California and twice as a Branch President to the Laotian people in that state, and recently served as Branch President of the Emeritus Estates in Ogden.

He was a friend to all he met, never tiring in his efforts to help others. He truly endured to the end.

Surviving are one brother, J. Farrell (Lois) Shepherd, Ogden; his children: Richard (Myrna) Shepherd, Riverdale; Michael (Pamela) Shepherd, Orem; Judy (Keith) Everett, San Diego, CA; 16 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews who all gave him endless joy. They never tired of hearing Grandpa tell stories of his younger days. He will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jenness, his parents, and three brothers, Grenville (Pete), Todd, and Kay, and one grandchild, Jared Shepherd.

Funeral services will be held Monday at 11 a.m. at Lindquist''s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd.

Friends may call at the mortuary on Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Monday 9:45 to 10:45 a.m.

Interment, Lindquist''s Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd.

Email condolences to the family at: www.lindquistmortuary.com