Bradford Shepard
Salem — Bradford “Brad” S. Shepard passed away April 4, 2024, at the Togus, Maine, VA Medical Center, surrounded by his two sons. He was born June 29, 1948, to the late Donald L. Shepard and Virginia Shepard (Carley) in New London.
Brad attended grade school in New London, and Bellows Free Academy High School, Class of 1966, in St. Albans, Vt. Upon graduating from high school, Brad enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1967, and went to Submarine Warfare Training and Nuclear Training School in Windsor. Brad went on to serve on the USS John Marshall (SSBN-611) from 1969 to 1973. After his service with the Navy, in 1973, he was hired by Millstone Nuclear Power Plant in Waterford, where he stayed until he retired in 2001. Brad had two sons, Christopher and Stephen, and he made his home in Salem.
Brad was an avid outdoorsman. In the ’70s and ’80s, Brad enjoyed annual trips to Iowa with close friends in pursuit of wild pheasants. Brad’s pride and joy during these years were his prized English setters, Buffy, Toby, Siam, Bullet and Bubba. Brad was active in the Field Trial circuit and was an accomplished dog handler and trainer.
Brad moved to Maine in 2002. At this time, Brad focused most of his free time on fishing. He discovered a love for trolling for salmon and trout on lakes such as Rangeley, Mooselookmeguntic and Great Pond. He also pursued contracting work in the nuclear field traveling the United States to various nuclear sites. This allowed Brad to enjoy the finest hunting and fishing opportunities the country offered. Brad’s love of hunting eventually transitioned to waterfowl hunting with his trusty black lab Tule, (Tool-ee). Brad hunted all over California, Maine, Arkansas, Rhode Island, and Saskatchewan, Canada. Brad shared many fishing and hunting adventures with his two sons, Christopher and Stephen.
In 2009, Chris and his wife Andree blessed Brad with what would be his first of three grandchildren, Evan Shepard, and later, Mackenzie Shepard. Brad cherished his time with Evan and Mackenzie and loved passing his love of the outdoors on to them. More recently, Stephen and his wife, Allison, welcomed Brad’s third grandchild, James, into the world. One of Brad’s final wishes was to hold baby James, which he did just two weeks before his passing.
Brad was predeceased by his parents; and his sister, Mary Schianca of Canton. Brad leaves behind his brother Mark Shepard; his three beautiful grandchildren, Evan, Mackenzie and James; his two sons, Christopher and Stephen and their wives, Andree and Allison; along with his most recent companion dog, Roxie.
Brad’s sons would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Togus, Maine ,VA Medical Center and the entire hospice staff for the special care and attention that they gave to their dad.
There will be a graveside service with military honors at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 18, at Morningside Cemetery in Brattleboro, Vt . Family and friends are invited to attend.