April 16, 1938 – April 4, 2018
Don peacefully passed away at his cottage home in Huntsville, ON, shortly before his 80th birthday. Don was a loving husband to his beautiful wife Elizabeth of 56 years. He was an amazing father to his three children Scott, Marc and Karen and father-in-law to their spouses Karen, Kathryn and Matt. A treasured Grandpa to Grant, Michael, Kristen, Daniel, Sarah, Kai, and Carter. A dear brother to Joan, Marion and Robert, and uncle to all his wonderful nieces and nephews, and loved by extended family and friends.
Don was born in Hafford, Saskatchewan to Dr. Jean and Dr. Ledson Shepley. He was raised in Chatham, ON where he grew strong and lifelong bonds with many friends. Don attended the University of Toronto graduating first from Electrical Engineering in 1961, and Medicine in 1965.
Don interned at St. Michael’s Hospital, followed by working at IBM. Don then furthered his career at SickKids for the next seven years where he implemented the first computer system in the hospital. Don opened his general practice at The Whitby Clinic in 1974, and was a well respected physician working in the Durham Region for over 34 years. He was a dedicated physician whom not only made house calls, he also spent endless time with his patients when they needed him most. Dr. Shepley was part of the team that spearheaded 911 into the Durham Region, forever changing the emergency response in the area, with Toronto soon following their lead.
Don had a deep appreciation for his family, friends, colleagues, and patients. He brought humour into his daily life and everyone could count on him to pull a joke or two out of his shirt pocket. He had a vibrant laugh and strong faith in God and “Mother Nature”.
Don touched many lives and will forever live in our hearts.
Visitation will be held on Saturday April 21, 2018 from 9:30-11 am at St. Mark’s United Church Whitby ON.
The funeral service will be held at 11-12 at St. Mark’s.
Reception will follow the service in the Regal Room at the Centennial Building, Whitby.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Mark’s United Church, or online to the Amici Camping Charity, or SickKids Hospital.
St. Mark’s United Church: http://stmarkswhitby.ca
Centennial building: http://www.whitby.ca/en/residents/facility rentals.asp
Amici Charity: http://amicicharity.org/donate-now
SickKids: http://www.sickkidsfoundation.com
“The setting sun lay down a golden path upon the lakes glassy water. The clouds descend and blend again to change the dazzling pattern. The air was still. The only noise was that of the busy bees darting from flower to flower. A sense of peace enveloped him. He was again one with nature.”
Written by: Donald Shepley
Janice (Wright) Strong
Dear Mrs. Shepley and Scott, Mark, and Karen:We were neighbours on Delhi and I was thinking about your family recently when I came across the news of Dr. Shepley’s passing. My sincere condolences to all of you. May the Love of God, family, and friends, and cherished memories bring comfort during this time. Love to all of you, Janice (Wright) Strong
Emma and John Terry
Dear Elizabeth and family, We remember Don as happy, laughing, and very kind. I have a strong memory of seeing you and Don arrive at an engagement party held at Don’s parents’ home in Chatham, both of you beaming with happiness. You both always looked very happy together in the years since then. We appreciated the rides you and Don offered us to and from Chatham and Toronto, in those early years of our married life when we were without a car. Another warm memory is of attending a polka party at your house and having a lot of fun together. We are thinking of you, and know that you will continue to form memories with your children and grandchildren. Sincere sympathy, and much love, from John and Emma Terry
Elisa and Patrizia Bellotto
We were very sorry to read of Dr. Shepley’s passing. He was a kind and thoughtful physician to our family. We send our sincere condolences to your family.
Elisa and Patrizia Bellotto
David Blanchard & Sharon Lillico
So sorry to hear about Don! Was glad to see him in the summer enjoying the sunshine. He was a wonderful man and we all remember his booming voice calling us to order!! Heartfelt sympathies to you Liz and the rest of the family. Our thoughts are with you at this time.
Gino and Jane Falconi
Dear Elizabeth,We were saddened to read of Don’s death in the Toronto Star.. He was a wonderful physician and your perfect life partner.
I remember vividly Don appearing at our door in response to my desperate call to you when Gino gashed his forehead open one stormy winter night. He rushed over to our house and immediately started to stitch up the gash, asking me to hold a lamp steady so he could see better. Shaking with anxiety (and with my eyes closed) I tried to “assist””. Partway through he switched hands
Jean Burgess
Dear Shepleys all,
My thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow and celebration of Don.
I remember how I looked up to Don, and Bob, Marion and Joan, when I lived with your parents. I was in awe of the breadth of Don’s gifts, embracing engineering and medicine and sports, all with a seeming ease and joie de vivre.
Don and Liz inspired me as couple, each beautiful in their way and with compatible gifts. I was touched, Liz, when you and Don invited me to babysit your children one time when I was at university and your usual arrangements had fallen through.
When Don left his cutting edge position in computer medicine to enter family practice I had great appreciation for the values and priorities underlying such a decision. The condolences from his patients are a real testimony to his outstanding contribution in that role.
Having spent adolescent summers at Fox Lake I have a lovely image in my mind of Don’s retirement years with family.
It has been good to hear about the continuing family traditions such as the annual carol sing which my brother Ken has participated in and shared with us.
Remembering how comforted I was on Mum’s death, by the words of remembrance and celebration from her friends and family by blood and by heart, including words from Don and you, his sibs, I wish this comfort for you all.
Anne Butler
So sorry Liz, to hear of Don’s passing. He was such a wonderful compassionate Doctor and friend to my late husband Ron for many years. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Look up at the stars. A bright new one is shining bright. Anne Butler
Barb Ritchie
My sincere condolences to the Shepley family. I had the wonderful pleasure of working with Don at Oshawa General Hospital and at his office at the Whitby Clinic. He was always kind and took any time needed to care for and listen to his patients. A few years after leaving the clinic, I had the pleasure of meeting up with him again on a pretty rough flight on a small aircraft from Ottawato Oshawa Airport. He was a delight to be with and I was grateful he made me feel so comfortable on that turbulent flight. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones at this sad time…..
Barb Ritchie
Marjory Gass
Mrs. Shepley. I worked with Dr. Shepley and Dr. Butts inn the 70’s for a couple of years along with Doreen Mosolf at The Whitby Clinic. A time I enjoyed very much before moving to Woodstock and then to Chatham. My sincere condolences to you and your family.Marjory Gass
Marjory Gass
Mrs. Shepley. I worked with Dr. Shepley and Dr. Butts inn the 70’s for a couple of years along with Doreen Mosolf at The Whitby Clinic. A time I enjoyed very much before moving to Woodstock and then to Chatham. My sincere condolences to you and your family.Marjory Gass
ANNE GILHULA (SAVIN)
I went to CCI high school with Don. He was a very caring and smart class mate.After we leave school we often wonder about our friends. I entered Nursing
worked with Dr Ledson and Jean.
Isn’t it funny how life takes us on our journey. My condolences
Anne
Elaine & Gord Jackson
We remember Don well from our years of cottaging and living at Fox Lake. He contributed so much in life, not only at the lake but in his career, as noted above. Our thoughts are with Elizabeth and his family at this sad time in their lives. He will be missed by many. May God bless.
Elaine & Gord Jackson
Our sincere condolences to all the Shepley family from us. We remember Don and Elizabeth well from our years at Fox Lake. We are so sorry to hear of his passing. May God bless.
Pat (Burrows) Belanger
Please accept my deepest sympathy in your loss. I remember Elizabeth Carter Shepley from high school and Don’s parents were our family doctors who regularly made house calls. I also remember Marion. From reading your remembrances detailing Don’s life, he was a wonderful, compassionate and loving man. Thinking of you with fond memories.
Erika Chapman
Dear Liz & family. Sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved husband and father.from former Whitby resident & friend of Liz through the Whitby Hospital Auxiliary.
Dominic and Lisa Codirenzi
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the passing of Don Shepley. I know he will live on in the loving memories of his family and friends including those of our dear friends Marc Shepley and Kathryn Gallichan. Warmest thoughts, Dominic and Lisa Codirenzi
Jim Kitchen
Doctor Shepley went beyond traditional medicine in treating his patients – he always had time to listen and explain – thanks to him I’m still here today.Rest in Peace Doctor – I owe you!
Maureen Melong
My sincere condolences to Dr. Shepley’s family. Dr Shepley was our family doctor for over thirty years, starting in 1977 & ending with his retirement. He was a wonderful doctor & friend & I shall never forget him. May he rest in eternal peace.
Maureen Melong
Sharon Pollock
To the Shepley family:
I worked at Whitby General Hosp from 1980 to 1992. During my time working on Medical, ICU, ER and as Supervisor, I had the opportunity to work with Dr Shepley. He was always so attentive to his patients, respectful to all of the nurses. I always found he listened to our suggestions re patient care and interventions.
A great loss to family , friends and co-workers
May he RIP
Sharon Pollock RN
Julie Robertson (nee Bate)
Dr. Shepley was my family Doctor from the time I was born until my teens. Although I haven’t seen Dr. Shepley in many years, I want to share how appreciative I am of his wonderful care. He always took the time to chat and I remember him as a caring man who was a great influence in my younger days. Sending sincere condolences and warm thoughts to the Shepley family in this difficult time. Julie Robertson
Stan & Carol Krupicz
Elizabeth & Family:Sorry for your loss at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We will not be able to come to the visitation as we will be out the area. We will light a candle for Dr. She.pley
Elizabeth AnnetteThompson
I was so sorry to hear the sad news of your loss.Dr Shelley was my Dr for 25+years.He got me through some really dark days,even made house call to me.I will never forget him.He was a wonderful kind man.He always had a little joke for me at the end of my visit.I remember giving a print of a picture my brother in law painted and he was so kind about that.Have never had a Dr like him.RIP.
Cindy & Bill Albright
Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Doug & Dianne Flook
We are all very sad to learn that Don’s hearty laugh and joy in life has dimmed but we will cherish our memories of him. His beautiful poem brings comfort. Our love and support go out to Elizabeth and his wonderful family.
Doug & Dianne Flook
Sharon/Don Henshaw
So very sorry to learn of this. Our sincere condolences.
Karen Beamer
Liz and family
Our condolences to you and family. Don’s memory will live on through the history journals of Fox Lake. A treasure to the association.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Karen Beamer
Rick Facchini
Robin Yule
I will miss Don and will be thinking of Liz at this difficult time.