Robert William STEVENS

With 92 years well lived and in very good health, Dad was predeceased by his loving wife, Jane and is survived by his two children Jane Westlake and John Stevens, grandchildren John Westlake (Sebastian Cosgrove), Diane Faulkner (Mac), Cole Stevens and two adored great-granddaughters, Mae and Lauren. "Gramps" was also the loving step-father of Mary Parkinson (Brian), Peter Richardson (Sheila) and the late Carol Richardson, step-grandfather of Katie, Erin and Luke. Dad is survived by his sister in law and friend of over 80 years, Nancy Arnoldi of Halifax. 

Dad was born in Guildford, England on February 27, 1926, but a visit to family in Toronto in 1939 coincided with the outbreak of WWII so he and his mother remained in Canada. A graduate of UCC, Dad was a lover of life, connoisseur of classical music, fine woodwork, an aficionado of WWII history and aviation who also nurtured exquisitely perfect rose blossoms. Always a gentleman, he exuded a bright, positive, creative spirit, the years never deterring a tremendous zest for life even when it came to zip-lining upside down in Costa Rica at age 80 or even later at 90 crawling through the cottage attic for the source of a ceiling leak! Dad’s vision and cherished place, our cottage on 12 Mile Bay, remains his blessing, our family treasure of sunshine, sunsets, his memory and great legacy.

A private family memorial will be held in mid November. There will be a celebration of Dad’s life at the Toronto Cricket Skating and Curling Club for family and friends on Saturday, November 17 from 4 - 6 pm. If desired, donations in his memory may be made to Forward House (supporting adults with mental health challenges), Parksville, BC or the Canadian Cancer Society.

Lives Cherished and Celebrated