It is with sadness in our hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Husband, Dad, Grandpa, brother, and friend, Walter Joseph Stevens, on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Born to the late Dan K. Stevens and Mary Jane (Gould), Walter was a devoted family man, education advocate, an avid guitar lover & hockey fan. Growing up in Eskasoni, he learned to love the game of hockey. Although his time as a player was cut short due to injury, he became a great coach and loved the opportunity coaching provided to help shape the lives of his players. He helped develop the Original Six Hockey League in Eskasoni and coached the juvenile Eskasoni Eagles. He was a die-hard Toronto Maple Leafs fan and loved watching his grandchildren play.
He was an active community member and a strong advocate for education in Eskasoni. He had numerous jobs throughout the years. He was a member of the Eskasoni School Board for many years and Director of UTEC, where he helped bring the GED program to his community. Additionally, Walter was an Employment Councillor with Indian Affairs, one of the original founders of Abamoweg Woodworks, and was a Councillor with Eskasoni Band & Native Alcohol Treatment Centre. Finally, he took pride in one of his latter jobs as the coordinator with Eskasoni Tourism where he took passion in the workmanship of his people at building canoes. Walter is loved and will be dearly missed by his beloved family, wife Mary Jane, Children Billy (Beverly), Mary E.-Tuii (Levi) & Alison-Pooh (Norman); Grandchildren Shanelle, William (Kirstin), Levi, Levia, Erin, Frank, Noreen & Kris; Great-Grandchildren Ameliyah, Sacred, Tanner, Dawson & Laken. He also leaves behind his siblings; Delores, Roger, Binchey (Suzan), Ralph, Bertram-Muin, Lloyd (Rhonda) & Gubble; Brother-in-laws Joe Paul, Alex & Gordon Christmas; Godchildren Carrie Paul, Doreen Poulette, Bert Stevens, Ivan Knockwood, Tyrone Bernard, Michael R. Denny, Adam Paul & Jacob Marshall Jr. In addition to his parents, Walter was also predeceased by his siblings Dorothy, Sharon & Allan; Father-in-law William M. Bernard, Mother-in-law Elizabeth Knockwood, Brother-in-Law’s Allison M. Bernard & Ian Brookes, Sister-in-law’s Annette, Belinda, & Marg; Nephew Danny Brookes; and lastly, Godchild Andalo Stevens.
The family would like to thank Dr. Marshall and homecare nurses at the Eskasoni Health Centre, as well as doctors, nurses and volunteers in unit 4A at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital for taking good care of our Dad throughout the years and during his last days.
A visitation will take place at the Elder's Centre in Eskasoni on Thursday, Feb. 1st at 7pm with a Funeral Mass taking place on Saturday, Feb. 3rd at 10am at the Holy Family Church in Eskasoni. Burial to follow in the parish cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.twcurry.com
