TONY SHEPPARD (SHEP) – Joint President of Team Bath Buccaneers HC
Today we are sad to report that our Joint President and lifetime servant and supporter, Tony Sheppard , passed away peacefully aged 90 years.
Tony, always known as Shep, battled so bravely against a series of illnesses and accidents over the last couple of decades but never gave up his work for and support of the club.
Shep joined our founding club, Bath Civil Service , in the second year of its existence and held the offices of Chairman, Secretary from time to time as well as being the first Team Captains of the Blades (now G,s) and then the Ancient Mariners (now F,s). Becoming Joint President in 2001 he continued to attend Executive Meetings until very recently.
In recent seasons Shep may be best remembered as the ever-present Tournament Co-Ordinator at the very many senior and junior events we hold . The photograph is from one such event.
Those attending Men’s 1st Team home MHL matches will know he was also ever present, hosting visiting teams and selling programmes.
In his playing career Shep was a skilful midfielder in the first team before going on the play Masters until his 70’s.
Many treasured memories of Shep relate to decades of club tours to Torquay, Worthing, France & Ireland when he was always at the heart of the action on and off the pitch
Away from hockey, Shep, was one of the top Table Tennis players in the area, being Bath Champion many times, playing in the Premier League into his 70’s and still playing until recently. He also became an excellent golfer even though not taking up the sport until over 70.
His love for and his service to the club cannot be overstated and he will be greatly missed for his wisdom, sense of fair play and sense of humour. We pass on our sympathies to wife Sheila, daughters Lizzy and Alison and his whole family along with his very many friends