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Friday Findings at Stockmen's Memorial

The story of Mr. Herbert Sheppard.

Is anyone else in holiday mode and no more work mode, because I am and I shouldn't be saying that so ... Shhh.

Another Friday is here and we can almost be in official no work mode but until then we must crack down for one more week and let me make it a little easier on you with another Friday Find from Stockmen's Memorial Foundation. 

This week I bring to you the story of Mr. Herbert (Bert) Sheppard. A story I can't believe I haven't got around to telling yet seeing as Bert was a founding member and big contributor to Stockmen's Memorial Foundation. It is evident in their name "Stockmen's Memorial Foundation, Bert Sheppard Library & Archives."

On Cottonwood Ranch near High River, Bert would be born to Isabelle Beatrice Godden and Henry Norman Sheppard on February 26, 1901. His parents were both from England and would marry in 1888 in Midnapore, Calgary. Together the couple had four children, Henry, Edmond, George and Herbert (Bert). 

It seemed to be a common occurrence in these older times that the mother or father would pass away when the children were quite young. This was the case for Bert as his mother would pass away when he was 12-years-old. His father would continue on for some time, and passed when Bert was 33.

Bert attended school in High River and throughout his younger years would learn to be on a horse by riding his father's colts - younger male horses. As he got older he became accustomed to riding broncs which are more commonly known as bucking horses. He always joked saying he got his higher education "from the back of a horse."

Known for his gentle nature, Bert soon became in high demand for horse breaking. He trained several horses a week, which involved countless hours of riding. He worked for Bar U Ranch near Longview, Alta. for several summers breaking horses and also worked at Virginia Ranch in Dogpound north of Cochrane for a winter breaking two (railway) carloads of polo ponies before they were set to ship to New York in the spring.

And while Bert referred to handling horses as the "wine of life" to him, he would eventually hang up his hat in this field at the ripe age of 23, joking that it was a job for a younger man and his "insides had been churned up enough." Shortly after Bert would begin his new lifelong affair with cattle, more specifically, Herefords.

Bert had many fortes he would gather over his lifetime not only as a saddle and cattleman, but he was rather good at writing. He was certainly, fitting to say, a man of many hats. Over the years he would contribute to many history-related and livestock management pieces for agricultural magazines. He also aided in compiling the High River history book.

At 70 years young Bert would go on to publish Spitzee Days which entailed a collection of memoirs which couldn't stay on shelves. A few years later he published Just About Nothing which was another bestseller, showing that Bert certainly had a thing or two to say and he did it very well.

Having a creative side, Bert also enjoyed western art. Throughout his home, walls were covered by the works of personal and local friends. They would eventually go on to become well known, all thanks to Bert.

Wanting to keep his western artifacts and art collection in the spotlight, Bert would hand over his assemblage from numerous years to Stockmen's Memorial Foundation, along with a generous financial contribution. His one wish was for western heritage and its artifacts, stories and art to have a place to carry on. Bert was successful in doing so and is smiling down from above on Stockmen's knowing that he played a little piece in making that wish a reality.

As I finish the story of Bert Sheppard, I need to write a little something for a dear friend I have had the wonderful pleasure of getting to know, week after week, for the last five months. Teresa Lewis has been the library coordinator at Stockmen's since January 2019 and is bidding farewell to fellow coffee comers and the foundation. Her journey has led her to an opportunity closer to home with Mount Royal University and although she will be deeply missed by many, including myself, she promises not to venture too far and will continue to drop in and volunteer. Good byes are never easy but we must branch out to new endeavours in life and hold on for a crazy ride. By doing so we will never carry any regrets, just proud memories of the encounters, experiences and accomplishments we have made. I wish you nothing but the very best, Teresa and it was ever so nice to witty banter with you every week.

Chrissy Da Silva's weekly Stockmen's Memorial Foundation Friday Find column will now also be featured in our weekly Thursday newspaper. You can still get a preview of the column every Friday morning on www.cochranetoday.ca

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