Michael Duane Shepherd

Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories

Michael Duane Shepherd, 77 of Sun City West, Arizona died of complications related to Cirrhosis at his home in Sun City West, Arizona on December 13, 2023.

He was born in Denver, Colorado in 1946 to Justine Teazel and Louis Clayborne Shepherd. He had two sisters, Nannette, and Jeanine, and a brother Denny who passed away on March 3, 1950, when Michael was just 3. He was raised by his mother and two stepfathers, Adolf Davidek and Roy Ide. He attended Mullen High School where he played football, ran track, and graduated in 1964. He studied at the College of Santa Fe, graduating in 1968, going on to work as a teacher for Albuquerque Public Schools. He received his Master’s in Administration from the University of New Mexico in 1980. He worked primarily as a social studies teacher, before becoming dean and ultimately student success advisor at Harrison Middle School before his retirement in 2005. After his retirement from Albuquerque Public Schools, he took a position as operations manager for about a dozen local branches of Compass Bank, a position he held until he was fully able to transition to retired life.

Shortly after starting his career as a teacher, he met and married Carol Barringer of Knoxville Tennessee in 1974. The couple had two sons, Michael Anthony and Richard Alan. They remained married until 1991 and divorced amicably. He was briefly married to Petra Padilla of Albuquerque, New Mexico from 1992 until 1997. He married Frenchie Pilloud of Pinewood, Minnesota in 2007 and divorced in 2014. Frenchie and Michael would remain in daily contact until the end of his life.

Michael’s hobbies were wide ranging, he loved the ocean, and was happiest looking at the waves rolling into the shore. Prior to the birth of his sons, he was able to dedicate his time to adventurous pastimes including riding motorcycles, flying planes, hangliding and bodybuilding. He had dozens of hangliding flights over the ocean from the top of Torrey Pines in San Diego and out over the city from the top of Sandia Crest in Albuquerque. For bodybuilding, he went on to compete in Mr. New Mexico in 1977 as a bodybuilder. After his retirement, he once again renewed his sense of adventure, purchasing a Dodge Viper and becoming actively involved in the local car club scene. He rose to serve as the club's president for several years.

In his twilight years, he focused his efforts on working in the community and giving back. He joined the local chapter of Kiawanis and remained active in the chapter's philanthropy activities. He attended a number of churches throughout his lifetime, returning to his catholic faith before his passing.

He will be remembered for his smile, sense of humor, and quick wit and the ability to brighten any room with his presence.

He is survived by his two sons, Michael and his wife Stephanie, their daughter Faith, and Richard and his wife Wim, and son Graceson, as well as his two sisters, Nannette and her husband Jim, and Jeananne and her husband, Ian.

A funeral service will occur Thursday, December 21, 2023 from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM, 8600 East Hampden Ave, Denver, CO 80231.

A graveside service will occur Thursday, December 21, 2023 from 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM, 8600 East Hampden Ave, Denver, CO 80231.

A reception will occur Thursday, December 21, 2023 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Olinger Hampden Mortuary, 8600 E. Hampden Ave., Denver, CO 80231.