Bowler’s memory lives on
The Sheppard family remember a muchloved husband and father at the 2018 Tom Sheppard Memorial tournament, which is played at his beloved Kaka Point Bowling Club every year.
On the Matai St side of the Kaka Point Bowling Club, there is a sign that says ‘‘Shep’s entrance’’.
It was put there in honour of the late Tom Sheppard, who died on Christmas Eve seven years ago.
It is not the only reminder of the keen club member.
For the past six years, the Tom Sheppard Memorial bowling tournament has been played at Kaka Point on Boxing Day in his honour.
It took over as the name of one of the longest running tournaments held in Otago, with more than 14 teams entered from around the province as well as Southland taking part yesterday.
The Sheppard family were out in force, with Tom’s widow Joy, a good keen bowler like her late husband, and her daughter Pam Hannah and sons Mark and Craig Sheppard making up mixed teams.
The family has a long association with Kaka Point and has had a holiday home there for more than 20 years.
It is a bitter-sweet time of year for Pam Hannah remembering her dad.
‘‘He was the best dad ever,’’ she said.
The tournament was cancelled in 2011 when he died.
He started playing bowls when he stopped milking at nearby Paretai and retired.
He was president of the club from 1999 to 2001, which is just metres from the holiday home that he and Joy established.
‘‘The entrance was always called Shep’s entrance, and it used to be handwritten on gate, but this is the second year there’s been a more permanent sign,’’ Hannah said.
It was organised by his best friend and community stalwart Ken Stephens, who also played in the tournament.
‘‘It’s a special and emotional time for us all,’’ Hannah said.
Her dad would have loved seeing them all out playing.
‘‘I’ve actually played quite well today too. He would be pleased.’’
The bowling action continues next Wednesday with the annual Kaka Point Holiday Tournament.