Obituary of Fred Stevens

Peacefully on March 3rd, 2005 at the age of 92, Fred Stevens passed away in Strathroy, Ontario. Born in Carmen, Manitoba in 1912, Fred was the youngest soun of the Rev. Dr. Fred G. and Frances Stevens. His childhood years were divided between Winnipeg's Banning St. and the family home at the United Church mission, Fisher River Cree Nation in Manitoba's Interlake region. A student of the Cree language, Dad spent much of his early adult life in Northern Manitoba, at various timesa freight driver, school teacher and lay minister in communities including Oxford House, God's Lake and Cross Lake. He married his beloved Helen in 1939 and they settled in Cross Lake, he as a lay minister and she as the community field Nurse. In 1942, Mom and Dad left the bush, Dad joined the Canadian Army and served here and abroad resettling Canadian Soldiers into civilian life. With skills developed in the army and a young family to support, Dad joined the Abitibi Pulp and Paper company as a personnel manager and labour negotiator. His 30 year career with Abitibi took him to Sault Ste. Marie and Toronto, where he retired in 1977. Son, Charlie was born in 1942, followed by a daughter, Danielle, in 1945. With two children almost grown, Dad embarked upon a second round of fatherhood with the birth of another daughter, Noreen, in 1962. In their senior years Mom and Dad settled in the SW Ontario community of Strathroy where they enjoyed many happy years of retirement. Dad was a gentle man; smart, kind, funny, a man of integrity and unshakable faith; a good husband, father and worker; a good man. His was a long life, well lived. Dad is survived by his wife of 65 years, Helen, children, Charlie (Nancy), Danielle (Don) and Noreen (Jill), grandchildren, Mike (Pilar), Eric (Crystal), Ashley, Savannah and Dillon. He was predeceased by his parents and six siblings. A memorial service will be held at the Denning Bros. Funeral Home, 32 Metcalfe St. W. in Strathroy on Monday, March 7th at 2pm with Rev. Geraldene Pfaff officiating. Tea to follow.