DEANE SHEPHARD Obituary

DEANE REUBEN SHEPHARD "In the end it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." - Abraham Lincoln "More Hot Fudge Sauce, please." - Deane Deane Reuben Shephard, a man whose life was marked by love of friends and family, devotion to his faith, service to others, kindness, and a passion for music, passed away peacefully on 11/4/24, at the age of 81. Born and raised in Kailua, Oahu, he found joy in swimming out to Flat Island and The Mokes, diving, surfing, paddling, fishing, water skiing, clamming, and visiting Coconut Island in Kaneohe Bay. Deane was a graduate of Punahou School, Class of 1961, where he served as Class Treasurer, was a member of the diving team, played Tommy Albright in Brigadoon, and hosted the Variety Show cast party. He served as the class correspondent for the Punahou Bulletin for thirty years and enjoyed maintaining close ties with his school friends. His intellectual pursuits led him to UC Berkeley, where he earned his B.A., and the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where he completed his M.B.A. He lived and worked in California, Honolulu, Singapore and Guam. Deane's life of service took him to various corners of the globe. His mission trips led him to Sakhalin, Saipan, Yokohama, Myanmar, and the Philippines. Wherever he went, Deane carried with him a deep love for sharing his faith and helping others. He volunteered in many ways, from being a Sunday School Teacher, Youth Leader and Nursery Assistant to a Worship Leader, Prayer Team Member, Seminar Teacher and Barista at his church, demonstrating his boundless commitment to his community. Deane's musical talents brought joy to those around him, whether he was strumming his guitar and singing at parties, composing songs, or performing for those in care homes. He had a remarkable ability to memorize lyrics, poetry, and scripture. One of his favorites was Psalms 19:14: "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer." A man who deeply appreciated life's simple pleasures, Deane enjoyed reading nonfiction and spy thrillers. He had a sense of humor and a down-to-earth philosophy, believing that eating salads and exercising "paid for" cookies, cakes, pastries, seconds and hot fudge sundaes. Deane is survived by Sherrilyn [Kahanu] Shephard, his devoted wife of 40 years, his daughter Kate (Colin), his granddaughters, Elle and Malia, and many nieces and nephews, all of whom will miss him dearly. He is predeceased by his beloved siblings, David and Linda. Deane was a man of deep faith, boundless energy, and incredible joy. His legacy of service, music, and devotion to others will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. May he rest in peace, knowing that he made the world a brighter place for those fortunate enough to share in his journey. An outdoor graveside burial service will be held on Saturday 04/05/25 at Oahu Cemetery at 1:30 pm, with visitation beginning at 12:45 pm. Refreshments will follow. There will be a tent and seating in a lawn space close to the grave site. The closest cemetery entrance is off of N Judd Street, near to Nuuanu Avenue. A memorial party service will be held on Sunday 04/06/25 at the Koolau Ballrooms at 1:30 pm, with visitation beginning at 12:30 pm. Reception to follow.