Rev. Arthur Sheppard
Dr. Rev. Arthur Edgar Sheppard, a wonderful father, grandfather, great grandfather, and preacher, died Dec. 17, 2009, at his home in Abbotsford, BC, Canada. He was 81.
Art, born in Pangman, Saskatchewan, Canada, came to Christ at age 9. He had been singing the hymn, “When the Roll is Called Up Yonder.” His mother asked, “Arthur, when the roll is called, will you be there?” He gave his heart to Jesus that day and never wavered.
He ran a great race. In 1949, after graduating from Bible school, he married Greta, and the two served in ministry together for 60 years. They travelled to 55 countries, preaching the Gospel. They planted churches. They pastored. They counselled and prayed. They saw miracles over and over again.
Art was an incredible preacher, whether speaking to six people, or six thousand. He never missed an opportunity to make sure his listeners were on the Lord’s roll. In his later years, he spent countless hours calling and encouraging those he had met through the years.
Art died quickly and peacefully. As his family gathered around him, we sang that hymn one more time.
“Let us labour for the Master from the dawn till setting sun,
Let us talk of all His wondrous love and care;
Then when all of life is over, and our work on earth is done,
And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.”
Art was survived by his wife Greta, three children and their spouses, six grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.
A few months before he died, Art’s grandson, Mackenzie, interviewed Art for a film school project. In the following video clip, Art shares the story of how he came to know Christ, what the Gospel has meant to him, and other thoughts on faith.
Arthur Edgar Sheppard (1928-2009) from Mackenzie Sheppard on Vimeo.
A memorial service for Art was held on January 2, 2010, in Abbotsford.