Walter Elliot Shepard II

1938~2021

Walter Shepard, age 83, died July 31, 2021 with his wife Mary by his side.

Mr. Shepard was born April 25, 1938 to Cecilia (Dettman) and Walter Shepard. He joined siblings John and Helen. His youth was joyously spent growing up amid dozens of young people who lived in the close-knit Laurelhurst/All Saints community.

Every summer for over 10 years, the Shepard family joined the MacIntyre, Miller and Murphy families at Manhattan Beach for 2 weeks of merriment. The friendships developed over these years continued as did the life-long friendships with members of his All Saints grade school class. In the days preceding his death, he was visited by many friends who came to say good bye to their dear friend.

He attended All Saints Catholic Grade School, Central Catholic High School and graduated from the University of Portland with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. He then received a Master Degree in Education from Lewis and Clark.

In the early 1960’s, Mr. Shepard begin what would be a remarkable and storied 50 year career as an eighth grade teacher, coach, and athletic director at All Saints. He retired “for the last time” three times, then returned each time on a part time basis. He always treasured his memories of his years as part of the All Saints School Family and the countless students he taught.

In 2003, Joey Harrington, then a starting quarterback for the Detroit Lions, nominated him for the National Football League’s Teacher of the Year award. The NFL ultimately named Mr. Shepard the November Teacher of the month.

In 2014, Mr. Shepard was inducted into the CYO Hall of Fame. This was a beautiful honor for a man who had spent years working in various capacities with CYO as the program continued to grow.

Mr. Shepard’s Catholic faith was central to his life, how he lived his life and how he interacted with everyone. He never said a negative thing about anyone, and was always there to offer a kind comment.

He dearly loved his wife Mary, (married for 27 years) his extended family, his countless friends, cruising, Lake Chelan, the Oregon Coast, especially Rockaway Beach, and anything and everything sports related. The Green Bay Packers were his team.

When describing Mr. Shepard, the words: kind, gentle, thoughtful, honest, gracious and humble come to mind.

Mr. Shepard is survived by his loving wife Mary, sister Helen Greenan, brother- in-law and sister-in-law, Ed and Liz Temple, eleven nieces and nephews and twenty one great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother John.

Concelebrated funeral Mass will be Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at 11:00 am at All Saints Catholic Church, 3847 NE Glisan. A reception will follow in the parish hall. Private inurnment will take place at Mt Calvary Cemetery.

His family suggests remembrances be made to All Saints School with “Wally Shepard Scholarship Fund” on the memo line.