Bryant Joseph Sheppard
On December 31, 1991, Bryant Joseph Sheppard came into the loving arms of his Mother Tamra K. Brugger Sheppard and Father Jeffrey Joseph Sheppard. Bryant came to us with the most loving, beautiful spirit, a spirit that was infectious and touched everyone he met. Even in the face of life's harshest challenges, which Bryant boldly and bravely faced, his love and compassion for life and his love for others remained unfazed until his last breath on June 19, 2014.
Bryant graduated from Skyline High School and attended Westminster College. Bryant had a keen, intelligent mind, with a passion for science and medicine. He was the president of the Chemistry Club at Westminster and was involved in many school activities. Even though he was forced to withdraw from classes due to ongoing medical treatments, Westminster recognized Bryant's contributions to their institution by honoring him in allowing him to walk with his graduating class. Awarding him a special Academic Achievement Award, an honor for which he was proud of, grateful for and most deserving of. Click to view KSL News story.
Bryant had many passions, beyond his love for science and medicine, Bryant loved reading, travel, friendships, patriotism, and coffee. He was an Advanced EMT, for both the State of Utah and the National Registry for EMT's, and was an EMS instructor for the State of Utah. Bryant worked for the Wendover Ambulance Service and volunteered on community CERT teams, the Salt Lake Medical Reserve Corps, and as a Patient Liaison at Primary Children's Medical Center. Bryant was treated throughout his life at PCMC and had a unique and special relationship with everyone there. He always had a guarded anticipation when arriving for treatment on what the nurses, techs and volunteer coordinators would have planned for his prank room decorations. Thank you to all who cared for and loved Bryant throughout the years including all of the staff at the Primary Children's Hematology/Oncology and ICS unit all of whom Bryant loved.
Special thanks to Dr. Thomas M. Metcalf, Dr. Robert O. Hoffman, Richard T. Caruso, Dr. R. Lor Randal, and a very special thanks to Dr. Richard S. Lemons with whom Bryant had a special bond and who Bryant look up to as a mentor.
Bryant is survived by his Mother (Scott Janney); Father; Grandmother Jeanine "Gram" Leone; Aunt; Uncle; cousins David, Shauna, Sarah and Michael Brugger, and Bailey Sheppard; numerous relatives; and many, many friends. Preceded in death by Lael, Frank Leone, Joseph L. Sheppard, M. Sherri Sheppard, Christine Sheppard and Jon Sheppard.
Please join us in a celebration of Bryant's life Thursday June 26, 2014 from 6:00 - 8:00PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Valet parking will be provided on the north side of the building. Come prepared to share memories and stories. A viewing will be held on Friday, June 27th at 10:00AM also at Starks Funeral Parlor. Burial services to follow at 11:30AM at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 1342 East 500 South, Salt Lake City.