Wayne Shepphard, 44, of Waiblingen Way, Devizes, died on July 8 in hospital after being assaulted in the New Park Street area on the evening of July 2.
Wayne was known as Burt to many, according to his parents, Sandy and Pete, and was always smiling and helping others.
“We have no idea why everyone called him Burt, but we went along with it, and he became Burt to us as well.” In Devizes, he was well-known and well-liked. He was always out and about, so everyone knew who he was and that he was willing to help anyone. “He was such a nice guy,” Sandy said.
Since his death, we’ve received numerous messages of support, and people have shared their memories of Wayne, which has been extremely beneficial to us.” I keep reaching for my phone to message him, only to realise he’s not there. He was our only child, and we miss him terribly.
“He was a cheeky and sweet little boy with lovely blonde hair and blue eyes who loved his tractors.” He’d sneak off down the farm when he was six, and his father would take him for tractor rides, which he loved. He, like his father, disliked being cooped up inside. He was always drawn to the outdoors, and when he graduated from high school, he began working on the farm.”
Dad “Many years ago, we used to inspect the potato lines together on the farm, and he loved it,” Pete explained. He simply enjoyed working alongside others. He learned to repair tractor engines as he grew older. He worked as a welder, then as a greenhouse builder before becoming an engineer. He’d frequently come down the shed with me, and I’d show him how to fix things, and he’d tell me I was doing everything wrong. He liked being in charge of the shed. He’d return home and jokingly tell his mother, ‘dad doesn’t know what he’s doing.’
“He was always making us laugh. He used to come around, sit in the armchair, give us a smile, and say, ‘Actually Dad, can you make it twenty?’ He was cheeky and funny, and he was always smiling. He would assist anyone in any way he could.”
“Good night sweetheart, I’m missing you so much,” they added. Mum and Dad, we love you with all our hearts and will always remember you.
Wayne’s daughter Jessie said the family is devastated. “My dad was a wonderful dad, he was very loved by his family and true friends,” she said in her own tribute. He is survived by two heartbroken daughters and our lovely grandparents, who adored their only child. Relax, dad, you’re safe from this harsh world now; enjoy the fields in heaven. “I adore you.”
“Dad, this world is harsh, and you were taken from us far too soon – you didn’t deserve what happened to you,” Wayne’s daughter Chloe added. I swear I’ll make you proud for the rest of my life! I’m sure you’ll be watching over us every day. Dad, shine brightly and relax. “I will always love you, Chloe.”
