Pete Shepherd, a proud former Corporal, now a resident at Heanton Nursing Home, has lived a life marked by service, hard work, and love for his family. As we honour the 80th anniversary of VE Day, his story serves as an inspiring reminder of the sacrifices made by servicemen and women, and the impact of their contributions.
From the Front Lines to Family Life
Pete joined the Royal Corps of Transport on 14th September 1965, at the age of 20. Over his 12 years of service, he completed five tours of duty in Northern Ireland, with one of them involving working in a bomb disposal during The Troubles. It was an extremely dangerous and psychologically intense role. Servicemen like Pete demonstrated great courage, particularly during the solitary and intimidating “long walk” to suspected bombs. Despite the risks, highlighted by the loss of many, their pioneering efforts helped shape modern bomb disposal techniques used worldwide today.
Beyond his service in Northern Ireland, Pete was also stationed in Germany and Bahrain, further contributing to operations in critical locations.
Later in life,44 years after leaving the Army, Pete was sadly diagnosed with PTSD, which his daughter Claire believes stems from his bomb disposal work. This highlights the vital need for organisations like Pete’s Army emblem, Felix the Cat (Felix Fund). This UK charity plays a critical role in supporting the mental health and welfare of bomb disposal and search personnel, offering financial assistance, mindfulness training, and recovery programs to those who serve or have served in high-risk, high-stress environments.
Despite the hardships, Pete still found moments of fun during his 12 years in the Army, like babysitting his sergeant’s rabbit (called peter!) and regularly calling to check on him. Often joking he never made it up the ranks because he was too busy having a good time at the bar! One night, he and his mates even buried another battalion’s regimental drums in someone’s garden!
Pete in the Army
Pete’s red book reflects his exemplary character and dedication during his service: “Corporal Shepherd is a robust and hardworking junior NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer). He is loyal and trustworthy, has fulfilled duties with complete satisfaction, plans well, and is reliable. I believe he will do well in civilian life.”
For his dedication and service in the Army, he was awarded the General Service Medal with the Northern Ireland clasp. His wife, Sally recalls how happy he was, a true reflection of his courage and commitment.
Pete met Sally in a pub on 17th September 1971, their connection was instant, and they wasted no time, just over two months later, on 27th November 1971, they tied the knot. Married for 53 years, you could say theirs is a story of love at first sight. A bond that sparked instantly and has grown stronger with each passing year.
Claire shared, “Dad was always getting in trouble with mum, never made it home on time for his tea, (Pete being at the pub!) One night, she finally had enough and went to the pub with his dinner on a plate. Dad, unfazed, simply sat and ate it there”, a perfect glimpse of his cheeky charm and their dynamic.
Sally and Pete
After being discharged as a Corporal on 4th October 1977, Pete began working at the Spam board factory, where he dedicated 30 years of hard work to provide for his family. In the eyes of Claire, her dad’s dedication shone brightly. Claire shared “Dad would think nothing of walking miles to work when the car broke down, braving all kinds of weather to ensure his family was supported.”
More Than a Grandad
Throughout his daughter’s pregnancy, Pete stood by her side, attended every scan, and offered unwavering support Even before Corey was born, the bond between grandfather and grandson was unmistakable – Corey would only respond to Pete’s voice, and it was Pete who held him first when he entered the world. The cherished medal was passed down to Corey, knowing he would honour the Shepherd name and carry forward his legacy.
Pete wasn’t just a grandfather to Corey, he was a constant, caring presence who was “basically a dad” to him. Corey shared “to keep me from running upstairs or going into his room he would always shout “SPIDER SPIDER” and pretend he kept a massive spider in his wardrobe. Every time I’d come sprinting back down the stairs and run into my grandads’ arms.”
He was always there when Corey needed him, from school pick-ups with soft mints to racing across town after an accident, never hesitating to put Corey first. Their days were filled with bike rides, music, and simple moments that meant everything.
Pete and Corey
Living with a Dementia
Pete’s strength has been a remarkable asset over the years, helping him face and recover from both non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and a quadruple heart bypass which makes his dementia diagnosis even more cruel
The diagnoses eight years ago was a life-changing moment for him and his family. As he adjusted to living with the condition, his priority was always Sally, doing everything he could to care for her and keep things in order, right up until the day came when he no longer could.
Claire shared “the realisation that I couldn’t meet his needs anymore and the necessity to place him in a care home has devastated me profoundly and affected my mental health. I feel like I’ve failed him. Initially he’d keep asking me to take him home or fix it for him because I used to fix everything else. The constant grieving each time the dementia progresses is very hard to manage. It is heart breaking to not be able to make him better. I can’t go to my parents’ house because Dad isn’t there, Sat on the settee in his spot. “
Claire and Pete
Life at Heanton
Since moving into Heanton on 11th April 2025, the team has taken every step to ensure his environment feels safe and familiar, surrounding him with treasured military memorabilia in his room that reflects his remarkable service, supporting his identity through war movies and discussions with team members who share a military background.
The team have great respect for Pete and continue to call him Sergeant Shepherd as a proud reminder of his service. He takes great pride in upholding his military discipline, often seen offering salutes to everyone in the home. This deeply ingrained routine not only reflects the values established during his Army service but also offers a glimpse into how his dementia affects him; while his memory may fade, the structure, identity, and pride tied to his military past remain powerfully intact, providing him with a continued sense of purpose and connection.
Pete saluting in front of a war memorial
Pete in the Army
As we celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, Pete’s legacy stands as a powerful tribute to the sacrifices and dedication of those who fought for freedom. Surrounded by love and care, he continues to embrace life with the same dignity and pride that defined his service. His journey continues to inspire, and Heanton Nursing Home will be sharing his incredible story, so it remains a source of inspiration for years to come
Dementia and Complex Care, Shaped by Identity
Heanton Nursing Home, based in North Devon, specialises in supporting adults living on complex journeys, including Dementia, mental health conditions and other long-term needs requiring compassionate and consistent care. Focusing on truly understanding each person, their history, identity and what matters to them – enabling the right support without restraint or sedation. At Heanton, we believe no one is “challenging” when their needs are met with compassion, understanding and their independence is encouraged. At Heanton Nursing Home, life continues with dignity, choice and purpose.
