Merrill A. Shepard

08/29/2007

Merrill A. Shepard, 81, of West Road died Wednesday at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield. Born in Great Barrington on April 30, 1926, son of Henry M. Shepard Sr. and Ruth Moore Shepard, he graduated from the former Searles High School there in 1944. Mr. Shepard was employed on the family farm in Alford with his father until 1958, when he began selling sawmills and lumber equipment for Morbark and Hosmer machine companies. In the 1970s, he formed Forestall Corp. with his brother, the late Henry M. Shepard Jr., and sold sawmill equipment throughout the Northeast. He retired in 1982. He was a member of Alford Village Church. A skilled hunter, he was a member of Enoch Brook Hunting Club in Washington County, Maine, and a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. He was also a member of the Alford Grange. He enjoyed animals and his Farmall Super C tractor. He and his wife, the former Beatrice Scholz, were married Nov. 22, 1947, at West Center Chapel in West Stockbridge. Besides his wife, he leaves a daughter, Lynn S. Fitzgerald of Bedford, N.H.; a son, Gary M. Shepard of Alford; and four grandchildren. FUNERAL NOTICE -- There will be no services for Merrill A. Shepard, who died Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2007. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to Alford Village Church through FINNERTY & STEVENS FUNERAL HOME, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. He enjoyed celebrating holidays with his family. He also leaves a son-in-law, Robert M. Fitzgerald of Bedford; a daughter-in-law, Roberta M. Shepard of Alford; grandchildren, Andrew R. Fitzgerald of Bedford, and Ruth M., David M. and Erin M. Shepard, all of Alford. He was predeceased by another brother, James M. Shepard. Remembrances, memories and reflections may be sent to the family through www.finnertyandstevens.com

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