Oregon farrier Mike Shepherd passed away March 6, 2026.

Shepherd grew up in California and the Great Basin, where he developed the skills and work ethic that defined his life. He had a gift for bringing people together with humor, wisdom and appreciation for those around him. Throughout his life, he worked as a jigger boss, farrier and in background roles in the western film industry.

For the past 27 years, Shepherd lived in Sisters, Ore., where he became a valued member of the Sisters Rodeo Community. He was named the Sisters Rodeo Volunteer of the Year in 2017 and served as the 2025 Grand Marshal for the Sisters Rodeo. Outside of rodeo and ranch work, Shepherd loved fly fishing and tying flies and was a blacksmith and leatherworker.

Shepherd will be remembered as a kind, generous man who valued hard work, friendship and community. He was deeply respected and beloved by those who knew him. Read Shepherd's full obituary here.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 3 p.m. at the Sisters Rodeo Clubhouse.