BRIAN SHEPPARD

Brian Sheppard or "Shep" as he is known to his friends is truly a man who is outstanding in his field.  This "field" includes his marksmanship in trap shooting, his skill in fitting a good pair of skates and keeping them sharp and in top shape for the ice, as well as just being ready to offer a helping hand or a friendly word of advice.

Brian was born in the Lloydminster Hospital and grew up with his parents Belle and Dodger Sheppard and two brothers Bob and Ken on the family farm ten miles southwest of Kitscoty.  He attended Kinaird country school for grades one to nine and then attended Kitscoty where he boarded in the dormitory from Sunday night until Friday night.

These years held many fond memories for Brian. From developing an interest in sports such as baseball and playing hockey on outdoor rinks to his introduction to shooting from his uncle Dee Mark, Brian was learning the various skills necessary to "get the job done right."

While attending high school his summer jobs varied. He was employed by Husky Oil, worked as a painter with Dick Gayle, learned plumbing at Bodard's, worked at Skinner Motors, and, as a post-graduate, managed a Treasury Branch in Paradise Valley.  He was the second man at United Grain Growers and worked at Gray's Grocery Store in Kitscoty.

In 1963, Brian started up a partnership with Bill' Foster in a sports shop.  In 1989, Brian purchased the Merit Store and started Shep's Sports Shop.  This shop is a source of fascination for sportsminded kids and adults alike. Among the sports equipment for sale are all kinds of memorabilia, silver cups, plaques, and trophies that have been won by one of Canada's greatest trapshooters.

Brian was introduced to the sport of trap shooting in 1975 by Jerry Mills and in the past twenty years has racked up an impressive number of titles and championships, including Canadian Doubles titles in 1987,1988, and 1994.  As well there have been numerous Provincial titles in both doubles and singles.  In 1995 one win gave him a perfect score of 200/200 and won him the Canadian Singles. 


Brian and his wife, Donna, were married in 1964 and their family includes two daughters, Brenda and Christine. Both girls enjoy coming home on the weekend to hunt with their Dad.

Brian and Donna reside in Lloydminster and continue to be active in both the Gun Club and in the fund raising and conservation efforts for Ducks Unlimited.  Brian is also a director of the Amateur Trapshooting Association.