Obituary
Globe & Mail, July 3, 2002
SHEPPARD, June Mary — On June 28, 2002, June Sheppard passed away peacefully in Edmonton at the age of 82 years after a long battle with ill health. Prior to her retirement, June was known nationally for her careers in journalism (as a columnist with the Edmonton Journal), radio broadcasting and television. June will be lovingly remembered by her family: daughters Laura Sheppard Binsted (John) of North Vancouver; Wendy Sheppard of Edmonton; son Craig Sheppard of Edmonton; four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. At June’s request, creation has taken place. A memorial service will be held in Edmonton at a date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations to Capital Care Lynnwood (Resident Unit 3rd Lynnwood), 8740 – 165 Street, Edmonton, AB, T5R 2R8 would be appreciated.
Journalist June Sheppard dies at 82 with Alzheimer’s
Keith Gerein, Journal Staff Writer
Edmonton Journal
July 5, 2002, p. B2
June Sheppard was barely out of her teens when she stepped into a scriptwriter’s job at an Edmonton radio station.
And she immediately knew she had found her calling. The world of journalism was a perfect fit for her active mind, steering her on a distinguished 44-year career that saw her become a leading local crusader on social issues, particularly women’s rights.
Mrs. Sheppard, a lifelong Edmontonian, died on Friday at age 82 following a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
She will be remembered for her sharp intellect, critical judgment and human compassion.
“I’d call her an early feminist,” said Catherine Carson, who served as Mrs. Sheppard’s editor at the Edmonton Journal for many years. “She had very strong, very definite views. She really touched a lot of readers through what she wrote.”
But before the radio job, it seemed like she’d never get the chance. It was the middle of the Second World War, everyone and everything seemingly in upheaval, and she was stuck behind a desk working for the Alberta government.
Not that she had much choice. Growing up during the Great Depression, there were few opportunities for women to study at university.
Mrs. Sheppard, however, knew she had much more to offer the world than her typing skills. She had brains. She had opinions. She had ambition.
“It’s really quite amazing the career she had, considering she never went to university,” said her oldest daughter, Wendy. “She was self-taught and an absolutely voracious learner. She always had her nose in a book, she was always researching for a story.”
Following her time at CJCA radio, Mrs. Sheppard worked for a CBC television show called Ladies First, where she reviewed books, movies and plays.
Twice a week she also delivered commentaries for CKUA radio, interviewing a number of famous people, including Canadian author Farley Mowat and Philip Morrison, one of the men who helped to make the first atomic bomb.
Her career as a columnist for The Journal began in 1969, and she kept at it for 17 years. Her writing reflected her varied interest in the world, and her willingness to hold nothing back. It was an eclectic mix, ranging from local to international, practical to speculative, compassionate to critical.
Along the way there were several honours, including a Media Club of Canada award, a YWCA Tribute to Women award and a membership in the Academic Women’s Association. She was also a member of the University of Alberta senate.
Mrs. Sheppard is also survived by her son, Craig, of Edmonton, her daughter Laura, of North Vancouver, four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Her former husband, Russell, died in 1997.
A memorial service is being planned for the first week of August and the date will be announced later.
June Sheppard was ‘a feminist before the word was invented’
Edmonton journalist a media triple threat — radio, TV and newsprint
Cathy Lord, Journal Staff Writer
Edmonton Journal
August 5, 2002, p. B15
A woman described as a media triple threat was remembered with fondness and tears at Friday’s memorial service at Robertson Wesley United Church.
June Sheppard enjoyed a 44-year career in radio, television and print, which included writing a column for The Journal from 1969 to 1986.
When she graduated from Victoria high school, her stated ambition in the Vic Argosy graduation issue was “to become a top-notch journalist” and she did just that.
The lifelong Edmontonian died June 28 at the age of 82.
Sheppard’s longtime friend, Diane Woodman, gave a moving tribute to a woman she called one of the most important influences in her life.
“She was a person of remarkable character and brought to our friendship an open mind and a generous, caring nature,” said Woodman. “She was well-read and well-informed, but she did not take herself too seriously.”
The two spoke on the phone every day even though both were busy with their work and raising children.
“June was a feminist before the word was invented,” said Woodman.
“She raised her family, nurtured her husband and pursued a career. She had so many gifts, an inquiring mind, an appreciation of the arts and an intellect attuned to the world of ideas.
“She loved books because books are the repository of ideas. And it was ideas that attracted and fascinated her.”
Sheppard began her distinguished career as a scriptwriter at CJCA radio and worked for a CBC television show called Ladies First where she reviewed books, movies and plays.
She also hosted a show on CKUA radio twice a week called Conversation piece with June Sheppard where she interviewed a number of famous people.
Her wide-ranging column at The Journal dealt with many things, including social issues, women’s rights, local and international events.
“In all the years I knew her, she was never ill-prepared for an interview,” said Woodman.
Former CBC television makeup artist Jennie Diment met Sheppard when she reviewed books for the CBC and they struck up a friendship that lasted years.
Diment appreciated Sheppard’s sense of humour, intelligence and grace. “She got immense pleasure from ordinary things.”
Gil Evans, who worked with Sheppard at CKUA, said he loved her smile.
Laura Sheppard spoke of her mother’s love of music, the arts, and books. “She was a very smart woman who gave us many gifts. She loved what she did. She loved the issues, the debate and she loved her family, her friends and the people with whom she associated.”
Rev. Peggy McDonagh, who conducted the memorial service, urged those in attendance to live life as passionately as Sheppard did.
Sheppard is survived by her daughters Wendy and Laura, son Craig, four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Her former husband, Russell, died in 1997.