Widespread regret at the passing of Bro Sam Sheppard

Paying tribute to the late Mr Sheppard, former Governor of the Apprentice Boys of Derry, and the current General Secretary, Billy Moore, said: “Members and friends were saddened to hear the news that Brother Samuel Sheppard, who was Governor of the Associated Clubs of Apprentice Boys of Derry from 1986 to 1991 passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, January 11.

Sam, as he was affectionately known to everyone, was a dedicated and committed member of the Association for many years. During these years he held many offices within General Committee, along with various offices within his own Parent Club.

Right up until his sad passing, Sam regularly attended General Committee as a representative for the ABOD Parent Club and frequently took part in many events and meetings on behalf of the Association both locally and further afield.

“Sam’s great tact and skill as Governor brought the Association through a very trying and controversial period in the late 1980’s. He was a great inspiration to those of us who followed in his footsteps as Governor and always first to offer help and support during difficult times.

“Sam’s reassuring smile, warm good nature and kind friendship will be sadly missed by many who valued and respected his guidance and advice,” Mr Moore said.

Meanwhile, paying tribute to Mr Sheppard on behalf of the City of Londonderry Grand Orange Lodge, the City Grand press oficer, Victor Wray, said: “It is with sadness that I speak of the death of Wor Bro Sam Sheppard, who was a long-time and highly respected member of Relief of Derry LOL 1689, where he gave unstinting support and dedication to everything the Lodge did. Sam was a member of the Lodge for over 40 years and will be sadly missed by all the members of LOL 1689. In addition to being a loyal member of the Orange Order and an Apprentice Boy, Sam was a personal friend of mine and he was one of those rare people who was a real gentleman and friend to everyone he met.”

“Wor Bro Sheppard was Worshipful Master of No.4 District in the West Bank of the City, where he love to be. That was where he was born and brought up, in the Park Avenue area of the City. In addition to his own Lodge, Sam was also a member of the City of Londonderry Grand Orange Lodge and was an active member, putting himself forward to serve on a large number of committees.

“He will be fondly remembered for the role he undertook as a Sword Bearer for the City Grand Lodge,” said Mr Wray, adding: “The last committee he served on was the Twelfth of July Committee for the UK City of Culture, which was an event he really enjoyed, particularly as his sons came from England to walk with his Lodge on July 12 and one of his sons drove Bro Sam round the parade route in his car to make sure that he could talk part in the event in his own right.”

In addition to the Orange Order, Bro Sheppard was a member of the Royal Black Preceptory , and was a loyal and supportive member of RBP 113, where he took a big interest of all the events that were going on, attending meetings and events, and at meetings he would have put forward his point of view in a strong manner.

“He was looking forward to the Royal Black Parade in the City this year and loved marching in his hometown,” said Mr Wray, adding: “Wor Bro Sheppard was Governor of the Apprentice Boys of Derry for some years and when we had difficulties in the City celebrating our culture and trying to achieve greater outreach and acceptance of the culture, he gave the right level of support and leadership that was needed at the time. Wor Bro Sheppard gave his all for the Loyal Orders in the City of Londonderry and everyone who knew him through the Loyal Orders were proud to have worked with him. Bro Sam will be sadly missed by all members of the Loyal Orders.”

Bro Sheppard was a loyal member of the Apprentice of Derry Club for over 40 years,,,,he was President for 4 year as well….