Everyday Obits: Frank Taylor’s Eulogy for Joe Shepherd

 

 

 

 

 

Joe Shepherd

 

28/05/1948 – 22/02/2009

 

28/02/2009

 

I would like to talk briefly about Joe.

 

I first met Joe on a job in about 1986 or `87 and the first thing that struck me was what a nice bloke he was. And, by the end of the job, I knew that I was going to see a lot more of him in the future because he was good, real bloody good.

 

Saw a lot of Joe over the next decade.

 

We all loved having Joe on-site not only was he a lovely bloke, but he was a top tradesman. Nothing beats peer respect among tradesmen and Joe had it.

 

He was a class act and we all knew it.

 

His attention to detail was unsurpassed, and he was a master in all aspects of plasterwork. Not only was he good, if you were interested, he was always passing on tips on how things could be done better or made easier. Owner builders also got the full service.

 

He never compromised. When Joe did the job, you got the best job, regardless of the job or situation. Big job, small job, they were always spot-on.

 

He was always on time, his word was his bond, Joe never let anyone down.

 

He was, in every way, a fabulous role model.

 

He always had others interests at heart – if he could help you out, fit a job in here, come then, he would if he could. He struggled at times to ‘fit everyone in’ as you can imagine, he was always in demand.

 

Builders build reputations on tradesmen, particularly finishing trades, and a lot of local builders can thank Joe in part – often a large part – for their reputation, so, on behalf of everyone, thanks Joe.

 

We will miss you.

 

And so will a lot of owner builders.

 

We all loved him. I can say that unequivocally.

 

His spirit of generosity and empathy is what got him and his beloved son Danny in the end – they were helping others. Absolutely true to form – you just couldn’t see them behaving in any other way. It was, tragically, perfectly understandable.

 

When this climate change disaster [the shocking February 2009 fires] happened, I would talk to colleagues and friends – there’d be shocked silence, disbelief, sometimes tears and then always – always – somewhere the comment: “Joe was the nicest bloke.”

 

The word ‘nice’ in today’s language is a bit of a loose one and is thrown about quite a lot so I thought I would look it up.

 

For the record it means:

 

Precise, scrupulous, particular.

Requiring care, tact or discrimination.

Subtle.

Agreeable.

Attractive.

Delightful.

Satisfactory.

Kind.

Friendly.

Considerate and,

Generally commendable.

 

In my mind, the ‘fuller’ meaning of ‘nice’ also includes these words and meanings as well:

 

Honesty.

Integrity.

Warmth.

Generosity.

Empathy.

Loyalty.

Humanity.

Compassion.

Dignity and,

Character.

 

So, I can say for myself and for so many others, in the very, very fullest sense of the word, that Joe was the nicest person I have ever met.

 

It really goes without saying, but it is an absolute truism, that if more people were like Joe, this world would be a better place.

 

Dini and Luke, from the big, extended tradie and owner-builder family of ours, we have lost a mentor, brother and mate and we all share with you your sorrow and grief, but also the privilege to have known such a man.

 

He will always live in our hearts.

 

Thank you.