Fred Shepard died Dec. 17, 2013, surrounded by family.

He was born July 17, 1940, to Henry and Harriet Shepard. He married Shirley Warner in 1962 and enjoyed a 49-year career with State Farm Insurance, owning an agency in Oak Harbor, Wash., from 1983 until his retirement in 2009. He earned a pilot’s license, was a member of the Masons and the Lion’s Club, and a volunteer with his wife at the Whidbey Playhouse.

He is survived by children Tracey Shepard Brown and Brian Shepard, their spouses Kevin Brown and Marci (Vickery) and two grandchildren.

A family service took place Dec. 20. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the donor’s favorite children’s charity.