Michael R. Shepard, 80, of Brownville passed away peacefully on Sunday December 4th at Samaritan Medical Center after a long battle with kidney disease. Mike was surrounded by his family that he loved so very much. Born October 5, 1936, the son of the late Ellsworth Shepard, Mike graduated from IHA in 1955 and immediately went into the marines where he spent a tour in Okinawa, Japan. After returning to Watertown, Mike was Watertown city fire fighter until he retired and later worked at a family golf course in Clayton, NY. Mike married the love of his life Sally Cean on April 20th, 1968. Surviving are his wife of 48 years Sally, Brownville and their two children, Michelle Closs (Jim Nunan), Albany, Bill Shepard (Ann), Dexter and his beloved grandsons, William and Brendon Closs, Michael and Sean Shepard and his two grandsons in heaven, Ryan and Braden Shepard, his sisters Sally Girard (Minneapolis) and Julie Peltier (Florida) and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his sister Mary Jane Stokes and brothers Bobby, John and Peter. Mike was an avid NY Yankees, NY Giants and Syracuse sports fan and former Red and Black football alumni. He was a lifelong member of the Sylvan Falls Hunting club, Hopkinton. Mike was a member of the Brownville American Legion Post 588 and a past Commander. In his pastime he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing. He always enjoyed watching his children and grandsons play hockey and baseball. Calling hours will be from 4-7 at the Johnson Funeral Home in Dexter, NY Wednesday. A funeral mass at the Immaculate Conception in Brownville, NY at 11 am on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Children's Miracle Network of Jefferson County 830 WSHINGTON St. Watertown, NY 13601 or Renal Care of Northern New York 19320 US Rte 11, Watertown,NY 13601. Online condolences may be sent to dexterfuneralhome.com