ROCKLAND - Glenn Shepard, 66, of Rockland and Deer Isle, passed peacefully on Jan. 10, 2017, at the Sussman House, surrounded by family and friends, ending his courageous battle with cancer. Glenn was the eldest son of the late Prentis and Evelyn Shepard of Rockland and Deer Isle.

Glenn is survived by his wife, Virginia (Ginger) Beveridge Shepard; his beloved children, including his daughters, Susan Shepard and her partner, Travis Wilson, and Amy Shepard and her partner, Josh Scholz; two grandaughters, Madelyn Grace Pease and Olivia Scholz; his brothers and their wives, Neal and Mary Shepard, and Barry and Debra Shepard; his nieces and nephews, including Alicia Shepard and her children, Kasey and Christina, Jessica Shepard, Joshua Shepard and his wife, Kashia, and their children, Oren and Owen, Darci Grotton and her husband, Christopher, and their children, Norah and Oakley, and Bret Shepard and his wife, Joscelyn; his sister-in-law, Rose Stebbins and her husband, David; his brother-in-law, Curtis Beveridge and his wife, Pamela, and their families; his AFS brother, Wilhelm Kobuch and his family; his aunt, Margorie Welch; and his lifelong best friend, Edward Kolmosky and his family.

Glenn was born and raised in Stonington. He spent many hours in Deer Isle on his grandfather's property. In 1964 the family moved to Rockland when Chevrolet asked the family to move their franchise dealership. He resided the rest of his life in Rockland, however there still remains a family camp in Deer Isle. Glenn was a true gentleman in all aspects of his life. He was a loving and devoted family man who cherished time with his wife, daughters, their partners and his grandchildren, Madelyn and Olivia, who called him "Papa." Sunday evenings were reserved for family dinners sitting around the table. He believed his greatest accomplishment in life was his family.

Glenn's smile and laughter was infectious to all who came to know him. He was known for his calm and patient manner. He was a man of few words, but when he spoke people listened.

Family traditions Glenn enjoyed were spending Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day at the family's camp in Deer Isle. He loved loading up the boat to go for rides in search of seals, beaches or just joy rides around the reach. He loved children, and loved spending time with all the children in his life, and would always make time to play with them. Kind, patient, thoughtful, generous, loving, selfless and math magician were adjectives that describe him. He had a knack for numbers and figures and had a talent for remembering them. Glenn's personality was matter-of-fact and common sense oriented. He learned by listening, which was his gift to all who knew him.

Glenn graduated from Rockland District High School in 1968, and went on to receive his business degree from Husson College in 1972. After he graduated he started his career as general manager and part owner of Shepard Datsun. The Honda motorcycle franchise was added in 1975, and in 1983 the Chrysler/Dodge franchise was added to the business. Glenn became general manager of Shepard Chevrolet and Toyota. Glenn and his brothers purchased Shepard Motors from their father, Prentis, and Uncle Leroy in 1992. That same year Glenn became dealer principal. In 1994 he and his brothers started Shepard Brothers Storage. In 2006 the third generation of family started working full time at the dealerships. In 2016 the dealerships celebrated 60 years in business.

Glenn served on the advisory board for the Salvation Army Rockland Corps, and was a member of a National Automobile Dealers Association Group 20. His professional side was that of an accomplished businessman. He was devoted to his work. He loved to go to Port City Auto Auction in Maine, the ADESA Auto Auction in Massachusetts and the Southern Auto Auction in Connecticut. He loved to travel to new car introductions and promotions throughout the country.

No words can express the sense of loss his family, friends and colleagues feel at his passing. We all love him and will miss him greatly.

Friends and relatives are invited to visit on Saturday, Jan. 21, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland. A celebration of Glenn's life will be held Sunday, Jan. 22, at 2 p.m. at Owls Head Transportation Museum. Private interment will be in Deer Isle at a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Glenn Shepard Automotive Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 605, Rockland, ME 04841.