David Shepherd was Collingwood Collegiate Institute’s (CCI) beautiful mind.
Not only was he astoundingly adept at mathematics, he was a humble teacher who encouraged students of all abilities to ask questions and find the answers. At the upcoming CCI reunion, it’s Shepherd’s dedication to athletics he will be remembered for as he is inducted into the Black and Gold Society as a builder.
The Black and Gold Society started in 1998 as a way to recognize graduates who had exceptional high school athletic careers and went on to achieve great things in sports after high school. The society also honours those who have worked to pioneer and build CCI athletics in their careers as athletes, coaches, and teachers at CCI.
Shepherd was known as a consummate coach and true builder of sport at CCI. He started teaching and coaching at CCI in 1975 and kept going for 40 years. Known as “Shep,” he was the driving force behind the cross-country running and track and field programs for more than three decades. Eventually, he became events coordinator for the region and serves as an Ontario Federation of Schools Athletic Association (OFSAA) convenor. He coached numerous Georgian Bay Secondary School Association (GBSSA) championships and pioneered the computerization of athletics competitions. He received the OFSAA leadership in sports award and the Pete Beach Award (given to coaches who show exceptional dedication to school athletics). There is a GBSSA award created in Shepherd’s name and meant to recognize future builders in GBSSA sport. Shepherd died January 16, 2016, six months after suffering a stroke. His legacy lives on through his work for CCI, GBSSA, and OFSAA athletics.
Shepherd, two other builders, and 11 athletes will be inducted into the Black and Gold Society during a ceremony on Sept. 21 as part of the CCI 160th anniversary reunion.
