Robert Ward Shepherd

An age of intense commercial activity calls forth the powers of men who can grapple with new conditions and utilize the opportunities that come with successive changes. Adequate to the demands of the hour, Robert Ward Shepherd occupied a central place on the stage of business activity at Montreal for more than a half century. The high ideals which he cherished found embodiment in practical effort for their adoption. He was no dreamer, for his theories were such as could be put into successful execution and his business record balanced up with the principles of truth and honor. As the president of the Ottawa River Navigation Company, he was known to thousands of people in Ottawa valley and he also figured in financial circles as vice president of the Molson Bank.

Of English birth, Mr. Shepherd came to Montreal immediately after his arrival in Canada and soon entered into active connection with the Ottawa River Navigation Company, then under the presidency of Sir George Simpson. For some years he was captain of one of the boats of the line but was called into the office to fill a position demanding executive force and keen discrimination. He was made manager and from that post rose to the position of president, in which connection he continued until his demise. Under his guidance the business of the Ottawa River Navigation Company continuously developed along substantial lines, and progressiveness was as manifest in the care of its patrons and the equipment of its vessels as in any other line or field of business. Those who met Mr. Shepherd found him genial, courteous and obliging, and at the same time he possessed the keen sagacity and clear reasoning so indispensable to the successful conduct of any enterprise. Becoming interested in Molson’s Bank, he was elected vice president and director, filling the former position for more than twenty years. In all business affairs he was clear-headed, farsighted, and the record which he left behind him for integrity and sterling worth is one which might be envied by all.

Mr. Shepherd was married to Miss Mary C. de Les Derniers of the province of Quebec, and they became the parents of nine children: Robert W., who died in 1912; Miss F. A. R.; Dr. Francis J.; Sherringham A.; A. Maude M., who is the widow of Haldane Haswell; Esther E., who married Dr. W. A. Molson and is now deceased; Beatrice H., who married Arthur Henshaw; Mary R., the widow of George R. Robertson; and de Les Derniers. The mother passed away in 1902, having for seven years survived Mr. Shepherd, whose death occurred August 29, 1895, when he was seventy-six years of age.

Mr. Shepherd was a member and one of the founders of St. George’s church and in his Christian faith was found the root of his activities in behalf of his fellowmen and of the principles which governed his life. He belonged to the St. James Club and was greatly interested in art, acting as vice president of the Art Gallery of the city. He was one of the committee of management of the Montreal General Hospital; was a member of the committee of management of the Mackay Institution, and a generous supporter of the Protestant Hospital for the Insane. He gave freely of his means to various charitable institutions which seek to ameliorate the hard conditions of life for the unfortunate. Duty and honor were his watchwords and justice one of his strong characteristics.