Corporal Brandon Matthew Shepherd

Corporal Brandon Matthew Shepherd formerly of Grand Manan Island passed away unexpectedly Sunday September 4, 2011 in Petewawa ON.  Brandon was born in 1988 and at an early age enjoyed the outdoors.  Whether it was trips to Wood Island to go "gulls egging" or hiking with his dog to Miller’s Pond being outside was for him.  Later his enthusiasm for nature led him to pursue a career in the Canadian Armed Forces.  He began his basic training in his own back yard at home.  He signed on as a volunteer firefighter with the Grand Manan Volunteer Fire Department when he was still in high school and stayed on until he graduated from the Grand Manan Community School in 2006.  Following his enlistment in the service he was stationed at C.F.B. Gagetown then onto C.F.B. Petewawa and served with The Royal Canadian Dragoons one of the Army’s Armored Regiments.  He served his country with honor in Afghanistan by volunteering for a tour of duty in 2010.  He was currently training to participate as a top contender in the 2011 Iron Man completion at C.F.B. Petewawa.  Brandon will always be remembered as a person who helped others and would quietly step in to help a fellow soldier, friend, or family member when in need and will be sadly missed and always loved in the hearts of all who were able to know him. He is survived by his mother Mrs. Karen Lloyd (Richard) of Woodwards Cove, his father Captain Vincent Derald Shepherd of Grand Harbour. One sister Alisha Shepherd of Fredericton, also one brother Shayler Shepherd of Halifax.  His grandfather Bowlin Gaskill of North Head and his grandparents Lillian and Captain Fraser Shepherd of Grand Harbour.  Also many aunts, uncles, and cousins and his military family from his unit at C.F.B. Petewawa.  He was predeceased by his grandmother Doris Gaskill in 2009.

Visiting hours will take place from the Community Life Church (formally Grand Harbour Baptist Church) on Saturday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. The funeral service will take place at the church on Sunday September 11, 2011 at 1:00 pm with Rev. Jeff Benson officiating and Padre Mike Gibbons assisting with the interment to follow at the Maple Grove Cemetery.  There will be a reception at the Grand Manan Fire Hall following the committal service and all are welcome and invited to attend.  Donations may be made to the Charlotte County Cancer Society or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Funeral arrangements are in the care of ELLS FUNERAL HOME INC.1199 Route 776, Grand Manan, NB E5G 1G2. Condolences, messages of sympathy also may be sent to www.ells.ca or (506)662-3116.