Richard Patrick Stevenson

The sun rose for Richard on August 18, 1931, and the sun set for him on February 28, 2012. He was born in Tecumseh, Ontario, and grew up in Bristol, England until immigrating to Canada as a teenager, retiring from Canadian Blower and Forge in his early sixties.

He was the beloved and devoted husband to Betty Porkrywka (Porter) for 58 wonderful years, loving father of Gary, Kelly (Sam) and Julie, and wonderful grandfather to Ryan, Jessie and Jacob of California. Adored uncle of an endless list of nieces and nephews who affectionately referred to him as ‘Tricky Dicky.’

Predeceased by his parents, Rose (Brady) and John Stevenson, his brother Gordon and sister, Vera. Survived by his brother John (Beatrice), Alice, and Margaret of California.

Richard was a world-class athlete in England, both as a soccer goalie (Bristol Boys Club) and in track and field. He retired from playing A-Division soccer, as the goalie for the Concordia Club Team (Kitchener), in his fifties. Soccer was his passion – and he instilled this love with his nieces, nephews, and the entire family.

A memorial service to celebrate Richard’s life will take place at Schreiter- Sandrock Funeral Home (51 Benton Street, Kitchener) on Friday, March 2, 2012 at 11:30 a.m. with Fr. Kuzma officiating.

In lieu of flowers donations to the Juravinski Cancer Centre, Hamilton would be appreciated by the family and may be arranged by contacting the funeral home at 519-742-4481. Online condolences may be made at www.schreitersandrockfuneralhome.com.

A special thank you to our family and friends who provided so much support during the last six months of this long journey. We’re gracious to Dr. Wells, neurosurgeon at Hamilton General Hospital, the nurses and staff on floors five and seven of St. Mary’s Hospital (Kitchener), especially Dr. Fielder and Dr. Kelly, plus Dr. MacMillan and his team at the Juravinsky Cancer Centre in Hamilton. Thank you for helping our dad to fight with dignity, for as long as he could. To the sixth floor Oncology staff at Grand River Hospital – his time with you was short but your care was invaluable.