Mr. Carl Stefan Stephens

Carl Stefan Stephens

June 5, 1933 - March 8, 2011

Carl Stephens, former Keewatin resident, passed away suddenly in Kenora on Tuesday, March 8, 2011.

Carl was predeceased by his father Oscar Carl Stephens, mother Helen Sarah Stephens (nee Perron), sister Joan (Alex) McDonald and recently cousin Shirley Landry and Aunt Gertrude Burton (nee Perron) at age 100.

Carl is survived by sister Frances Stephens of Kenora, daughters Theresa Stephens and Telayne (Derek) Kobernyk of Kenora, son James Stephens of Whitehorse and grandchildren Theresa (Jordan) Boucher, Jeffrey (Amber) Baker, Jordan (Heather) Baker, Tanya (Brian) McNanney and Chase Stephens. Grandpa was blessed with great grandchildren Kira, Anaya, Cammilla, Noah, Gavin, Jackson and Gabrielle - all of whom brought Grandpa great joy.

Carl was proud of his Icelandic heritage. Dad was planning a family trip to Iceland to connect with relatives and had talked of changing his name back to Sigurdsson. We learned at an early age to say “Papa min er a fiska” . That was the extent of our Icelandic teachings and apparently all that was required - “Dad has gone fishing!”

Like his father, Carl had a deep love of the water - his playground the Winnipeg River. Family picnics on the beach especially at Big Sand are indelibly imprinted on our minds. He imparted a deep love and respect for nature and the water to his children, grandchildren and was starting to teach his great grandchildren.

In his youth Dad loved hockey and boxing. He played for the Keewatin Native Sons and was scouted by the Port Arthur Bruins at age 12. He chose to stay in Keewatin taking up boxing in his teens.

In 1950 Carl joined the 1st Batallion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, getting his wings in June, 1951. His regiment shipped out to Korea in December 1951 without him--he had joined at 17 years of age and was too young for active duty. Carl joined the First Battalion Airborne serving from 1953-1955.

Back in Kenora Carl took a job with Boise Cascade finishing his papermaking career as machinetender. Dad enjoyed his job and that as union president for the papermakers. Many an hour was spent listening to funny, poignant and interesting stories of the community that was the paper mill.

The allure of the mountains and rivers of coastal B.C. firmly took hold of Carl upon retirement. He spent many years traveling and enjoying the people, the wildlife, the salmon and the abundant offerings of the mountains and rivers. Carl’s favourite place was the Nass River, known as the River of Abundance in the Skeena Valley. His tales of encounters with grizzlies entertained and fascinated family and friends. All who knew and loved Carl will miss his wit, his steel-trap memory and his his heartfelt laugh. You couldn’t help but feel that you were in on his adventures and escapades.

Dad shared his time between the mountains of B.C., his home in Melville, Saskatchewan and his home where the heart is - Kenora. Cherished friends and loved ones all along the way.

We would be remiss not to mention special family Imba Phinney, cousins Alan (Maria) Perron, Butch (Judy) Stockham all of Kenora, Bobby (Julie) Cowie of Winnipeg and Lorraine Burton of Thunder Bay. There are many others too numerous to mention. You know who you are and the special regard Carl held for you - Ed, Doug and Irene, Jenny, Terry and Maureen, Dick and Betty and Chris, and Harris.

Dad, we will miss you. Grandpa , we will miss you. Friend, we will miss you.

Ever mindful of the needs of those less fortunate, Dad would be honoured to have memorial contributions made to the Kenora Fellowship Centre, 208 Water Street.

Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2011 @ 11:00 a.m. at Knox United Church.

Words unspoken, we didn’t say goodbye

Plans now broken, tears now flowing

As you take your place on high

We miss your laugh, we miss your smile

You reside within our hearts

Solice taken as you went that extra mile

Words regretfully unspoken

Words of gratitude, of pride, of praise

The string of memories live unbroken

Of cheerfulness, of wonderment, of happiness

We’ll cherish ‘til the end of days

Though your body has left our sight

Your love, your light, your laughter lives on

Like an eagle, your spirit soars above in majestic flight.

Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com

BROWN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE ENTRUSTED WITH ARRANGEMENTS.