Don Shepherd

Big Lake resident Don Shepherd, 96, died July 9, 2011, at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Palmer.

A private family service is planned. His cremated remains will be scattered at Nancy Lake in Willow.

Don was born July 6, 1915, in Pennsylvania. He served in the U.S. Army with the 101st Airborne during World War II. He moved to Alaska in 1981, residing in Eagle River from 1982 to 2002. From 2002 to 2007, he lived in Willow.

Don had many careers over his lifetime. In his later years, he was president of Northland Mortgage from 1988 to 1996, retiring from Northland Mortgage in 1997 at the age of 82.

He was member of the Eagle River Elks Lodge. His enjoyment came from socializing. He was happiest when he could tell stories and when he could make people laugh.

His family wrote: “In so many ways he was larger than life. He was loved by his family and he will be missed dearly. He was truly a character on so many levels. If he was in a room, it was not possible for him to go unnoticed. He touched many people’s lives and he felt very loved.”

He is survived by his son, Curt Shepherd of Florida; daughter, Lynn Berry of Wasilla; granddaughter, Breanne Shults of Palmer; grandson, Ryan Berry of Wasilla; and great-grandchildren, Brady, Naya and Avery Shults of Palmer, and Kelsey Berry of Wasilla.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 51 years, Jan Shepherd.

Arrangements were by the Cremation Society of Alaska.