Tony Shephard

Cecil Anthony Yaxley Shephard of Dublin, Ohio, died after a lengthy illness on October 7, 2022, at Kobacker House, Columbus, Ohio. Born December, 1935, in Port of Spain, Trinidad, West Indies, he was the son of Professor Cecil Yaxley Shephard, CBE, and Phyllis Mae Shephard (née Pashley).

Tony was educated at Oundle School, Northamptonshire, and Queens’ College, Cambridge, achieving a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.

While still at Oundle School and continuing during his time at Cambridge, Tony was a keen oarsman, successfully competing in many events throughout his years at school and university. He was most proud of his crew’s win at the Henley Royal Regatta in 1955, and his membership in the Leander Club. The Henley trophy, a 12 foot long decorated oar, accompanied the family around the globe throughout his career. He continued his interest in rowing during his years in Calgary, co-founding the Calgary Rowing Club, whose members represented Canada in the Olympics. He also coached young people who wanted to learn how to row competitively. He often said that “Nothing teaches you to be a team player like rowing in an eight.”

Tony began his career as a petroleum engineer with Mobil Oil Canada in 1957. He was involved in the development of Canada’s young oil industry almost from its outset in Alberta. He invented a process for oil extraction known as “Miscible Flooding” that was patented in 1974. Eventually his career in the oil industry took him away from Canada to the United States, Great Britain and back to several states. After retiring from Columbia Gas in 1996, Tony fully enjoyed his retirement in Dublin, Ohio. Golf, travel, and grandchildren filled his days with fun and contentment. We will all miss his many creative skills and easy-going ways.

He is survived by Sara (née Nelson), his wife of 60 years; sister MaryAnne (George) Dolnack; daughters Susan (John) Pepper, Caryn (John) Francis, Gillian (Phillip) Parker, and Carolyn (Michael) Kelley; grandchildren Natasha and Lilian Mitrev, Ethan, Sydney, Harrison and Kristen Francis, Allison Parker, Katherine and Joseph Kelley; and many nieces and nephews.

At 1 p.m. on October 22, 2022, we will celebrate Tony’s life at a service at Schoedinger’s Funeral Home, located at 5980 Perimeter Drive, Dublin, Ohio. A reception will follow.

The family would like to extend our sincere thanks to the staff of the James Cancer Center, in particularly Dr. Sameek Roychowdhury, MD, PhD, Michelle Wing, PhD, CNP, and the staff of the Kobacker House Hospice Center.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ohio State University’s Precision Cancer Medicine Fund, or Kobacker House.

OSU’s Precision Cancer Medicine Fund:

https://www.giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/OnlineGivingDonation.aspx?Source_Code=DEV_AG-MED_CHRI-JamesWeb-ON-S&Fund=315680

Kobacker House:

https://www.ohiohealth.com/locations/hospice/kobacker-house

(under the drop down window for “designation” select “Kobacker House”)