Venice resident Roger Thomas Deuring, better known in his adult years as Dylan T. Shephard, passed away Dec. 14. He was 60.
Deuring was born Feb. 16, 1952 to Thomas Walter Deuring and Helen Isabelle Reed Deuring, in Cleveland, OH.
Deuring grew up in Valparaiso, Ind., where he graduated from Valparaiso High School in 1970. He graduated from Indiana University in 1974 and assumed the name Dylan Shephard, as he worked in the California film industry as a grip and in other off-camera capacities.
Deuring was known in his early years for a sense of adventure and humor, his family said. He appreciated films, alternative music, sailing and a love for California, which he never left.
In later years, his mental health declined, keeping him from fulfilling the promise of his earlier talents and vitality, his family said.
Deuring was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his daughter, Danielle Isabelle Deuring Shephard, and her mother, Brenda-Jean Shephard, of Rancho Palos Verdes; brother Stuart R. Deuring of Minnetonka, Minn.; sister Janice P. Dudley of Silverthorne, Colo.; and nephews Scott T. Dudley, Elliott J. Dudley, Thomas S. Deuring and William B. Deuring.
Memorial contributions may be sent to a charity of choice.
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Love of my life. Will hold you always close to my heart. My golden boy!
Just found a box with old letters from Dylan. This has upset me finding out about his passing…loved him.
So sad to see this. Some of the most adventurous times we’re with Dylan in our twenties. He was a good and creative person and so much fun. I’m so sorry he had difficult times..
tomorrow is his birthday. some of us will take a sunset walk at point vicente, where his memorial service was two years ago, and think beautiful thoughts.
Roger was the first boy I adored, Valparaiso, Indiana 1968. We went to different high schools, but our families attended the same Methodist Church. This is where I initiated what was a short but memorable romance.
He was the first person to ever take me sailing on a small sunfish in Lake Michigan. I attended swim meets at Valpo University to watch him compete in diving. He was an amazing athlete. His sparkling brown eyes, easy laugh and golden curly hair drew me in. I was 17, he was 16.
He pitched a tent one night in the snow under the stars so we could be warm and cuddle. I’ll never forget that. He was resourceful, kind and beautiful.
I am very sad to learn of his passing and send my love and condolences to all his family members.