Herbert Ross Shepard

Herbert Ross Shepard was born in San Angelo, Texas, on December 13, 1952, and passed away on September 27, 2026, in Seattle, Washington.

He is survived by his wife, Mary, his brother Adrian Weisman, his brother Tom Weisman and wife Catherine, his sister Lois Dimmig and husband Rex, his brother-in-law Peter Cutrera and wife Mary Kay Cutrera, his sister-in-law Suzanne Reed and husband Tom Reed. He was greatly loved by his many nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and grand-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Mary Weisman, his brothers James F. Shepard and John L. Weisman, his sister-in-law Kaye Weisman, and his brother-in-law Steven Cutrera.

As a military dependent, Herbert spent his early years in Texas and England, before the family moved to Chicago. It was there that he met Mary when he was just 15 years old. Their friendship grew into a lifelong love, and they were married for 39 years.

In 1989, Herbert and Mary moved to Seattle, where Herbert began a sport fishing operation, and later, a touring business. He was an entrepreneur at heart, always curious and ready for his next adventure.

From an early age, Herbert had a fascination for rocks, gems, and fossils. His remarkable knowledge and enthusiasm turned that passion into a very successful business beginning in about 2009. Herbert had a strong desire to share the many blessings he believed the rock business brought to him, and he welcomed friends and family to participate in the business with him. He delighted in the many, many friends he made from around the world. He felt very blessed that he became part of a community he truly loved. He especially enjoyed traveling to rock shows, sharing his knowledge, and working alongside people who became cherished friends.

Herbert was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2025. Throughout his illness, he remained remarkably hopeful and upbeat about his treatment and his future. He faced his illness with the same courage and optimism that characterized so much of his life.

In his final days, Herbert became increasingly weak and tired. While Mary was working in their shop, preparing for the next show, Herbert quietly slipped away peacefully in his sleep at home.

Herbert will be deeply missed by Mary, his brothers and sister, his loving in-laws, his extended family, as well as the countless friends he made throughout his remarkable life.

He will be remembered for his courage, his wonderful stories, his generosity, his curiosity, his friendships around the world, and above all, his tremendous love of life.

Herbert lived a life filled with adventure, discovery, friendship, and love. He leaves behind not only the people who loved him, but also the many lives he touched along the way.

Celebration of life is planned in 2027--TBA

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Please share your condolences and memories of Herbert on his guestbook below.

- Care Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home -