Kenneth “Joe” Shepp: “Local bush pilot, a motorcycle racer, an ocean sailor, and a cold water surfer”
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Joe Shepp May 16, 1950 – November 4, 2024
Kenneth “Joe” Shepp, 74, passed away on November 4, 2024, in Lakeport, California. Born on May 16, 1950, in Bay City, Michigan, Joe was a dedicated husband, a steadfast father, and a cherished member of the Southern Humboldt community. He will be remembered for his bold spirit, self-made success, and unique sense of humor.
Joe spent much of his life as a heavy equipment operator with Shepp’s Equipment, as a master cannabis farmer, and as a skilled carpenter and mechanic. He was an early homesteader in Ettersberg, a local bush pilot, a motorcycle racer, an ocean sailor, and a cold water surfer, embodying a love for the outdoors and fearless pursuits.
He shared 47 devoted years with his late wife, Mary Shepp, who passed away on June 16, 2013, and later found companionship with Jessica Duran, his partner of 10 years. Joe is survived by his three sons, their families, and grandchildren: Joey, Stacie, and Devin Shepp; Jason, his former wife Amber, and their children Makoa, Alana, Ikaika, and Mahina Shepp; and Jerrell, his former wife Rakhia, and their children Jacoby, Omarie, and Khyrie Shepp. He is also survived by his siblings Carol Shepp Johnson, Edward Shepp, David Shepp, Patrick Shepp, and Paula Shepp Bassett. He was preceded in death by his siblings Richard Shepp and John Shepp
Joe’s contributions extended beyond his family and work. He was a skilled pilot that helped young pilots obtain their wings. He served as the president of Southern Humboldt Little League, mentored young motorcycle racers, and was a familiar voice on KMUD Radio, demonstrating his commitment to the local community.
A memorial service celebrating Joe’s life will be held in June 2025 – further details coming in early 2025. For further information and to reach out to the family, please visit joe.shepp.com or leave a voice message or text at (707) 413-7526.
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RIP Joe. Always a good neighbor.
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Rest in peace Joe you were a huge influence on my life growing up, baseball getting into flying racing at p ville
Gonna miss Joe He was co host of “Ridin on the Mud” for many years, and he was a riding buddy for lots of cool rides. He always had a grin on his face and enjoyed telling his stories of racing for Yamaha motor cycles in his younger days. He was a great pilot and helped with getting things done for Humboldt County Aviation. His “Pilots Lounge” radio show had many listeners and he was an asset to KMUD. He would end the show with “remember to support our underwriters” He will be missed Ride on Joe!
Rest in peace.
Had Joe ‘dive bomb’ the Redwood Run once. Guy was doing loops to a cheering crowd! God speed.
Rest in peace, Joe.
prayers ??
I only knew Joe by his voice on Riding on the Mud and the Pilots Lounge. I miss Riding and I will really miss Joe on the Pilots Lounge. My love to his family and all the friends who miss him too.