SHEPPARD, Bradley James

March 15, 1957 — July 25, 2023

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bradley James Sheppard, on July 25, 2023. Brad died peacefully at home surrounded by family after a long battle with cancer caused by a rare incurable autoimmune disease, Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).

Brad is survived by his wife Sandra Genereux; daughters Samantha Sheppard (Jordan LaRue), and Sidney Sheppard; grandchildren Callan and Barrett LaRue; sisters Cheryl Lewis (Kevin Lewis), and Cindy Rochon (Hubert); and nieces and nephews Ashleigh, Brett, Justin, and Brianne, Olivia and Ethan. As a Rotary International dad to 14 exchange students from 10 countries, plus others who spent time under his roof, Brad is survived by many children of his heart, including: Cara, James, Justin, Brett, Emma, Eric, Hector, Paula, Stephane, Lisa, Franzi, Rodrigo, Michelle, Margot, Mateo, Yuka, and Ayan and others.

Brad was born in Toronto in 1957 to Barry and Kay Sheppard, and he grew up in Victoria Village, where he built friendships that would last a lifetime. Brad bled blue as a diehard Toronto Maple Leafs fan and after attending the first Blue Jays game in the snow in the 70s, he became a baseball fan for life.  Brad travelled to Vancouver in 1989 to work for a year, and within a week of arriving in Vancouver he called back to Toronto to give up his sublet apartment and let everyone know he was staying in BC.  It was in Vancouver that he met the love of his life, Sandra, through mutual friends.  In 1996, the family moved to Kelowna, a new adventure and chapter in their life, spending years transforming old houses into beautiful masterpieces.  Brad loved to see new places and meet new people and spent time camping, sailing, and travelling, visiting numerous countries prior to his passing.

Brad followed in his father’s footsteps, with a great capacity for empathy and a huge heart. He had the ability to take people under his wing and help them navigate through life. From the many exchange students, his nephews, the young (often inexperienced) men he hired to help renovate houses, to his own children, he was quick to spread his words of wisdom – whether you wanted to hear it or not! Once Brad considered you a friend or family member, you could expect near-daily phone calls just to check in and give you encouragement.

We would like to thank the Tuesday Ogopogo Rotary Golf gang, who kept Brad out golfing until two weeks prior to his passing.   A special thank you to Dr. Rachel Carver, who provided Brad exceptional care and helped us navigate the medical system with a rare disease.  We would also like to thank Dr. Aliya Gulamhusein, UHN Toronto team, who gave us Brad back for a few more years.  And a special thanks to the Okanagan Palliative Care team who enabled Brad to stay home comfortably and die at home in peace with his family and four-legged companion, Moose, at his side.

At Brad’s request, there will be no formal service. There will be a small celebration of life, with details to be sent out to family and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, or for those wishing, donations in memory of Bradley James Sheppard “Brad” may be made to support PSC Research at the Francis Family Liver Clinic at UHN Foundation would be greatly appreciated by the family.  Please visit:
UHNfoundation.ca/tribute online or call 416-603-5300, and someone will assist you.

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