Former State Farm agent Fred Shepard passed away on Dec. 17, 2013, surrounded by his loving family. Fred is survived by his beloved wife Shirley, daughter Tracey (husband Kevin Brown), son Brian (wife Marci Vickery), grandsons Tyson and Colton Shepard and numerous siblings and extended family members from his Ohio birthplace.

Fred truly embodied the “good neighbor” philosophy while operating his Oak Harbor State Farm agency from 1983 through his retirement in 2009. Fred’s agency was a community resource, where Fred and Shirley supported local charities, doled out advice and took more than a few folks under their wing.

Fred was a member of the Masons and the Lion’s Club and a volunteer with wife Shirley at the Whidbey Playhouse. He was legendary for his extensive knowledge of trivial facts and his sense of humor.

If the measure of a man’s life is how he treated others or the number of times he made people smile or how much he was loved, then Fred Shepard’s life was an immeasurable success.

A family service was held on Dec. 20. In lieu of flowers, please honor Fred by giving to your favorite children’s charity.