A Tribute to my Favorite Uncle
John (Jack) Stevenson
~ April 7, 1948 - June 29, 2012 ~
Obituary Notice
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Bench Dedication at the 4th Hole
of the Waskesiu Golf Course, Saskatchewan
John will always be remembered for his beautiful smile and positive attitude, even during his battle with cancer. John started coming to Waskesiu in 1954, for vacations at the family cottage. As a youth, golf at the Waskesiu Golf Course became his passion. Many days, he would golf 54 holes. Some days, he would play the full course with only 1 club - even, only the putter. In 1973, he married Gloria Nakamura and they spent their honeymoon at the Waskesiu cottage. Many vacations drew them back to Waskesiu. When John retired, in 2005, Waskesiu became their permanent residence. His love for golf continued as he became a "marshall" at the Waskesiu Golf Course and he developed many good friendships during this time. He served on the Waskesiu Council for 3 years and as President of the Waskesiu Seasonal Residents Association (WSRA), he was a true champion for Waskesiu and its residents.
This bench has been placed on the 4th hole, by his wife, Gloria, to celebrate John's proud achievement of a hole-in-one and to remind us all that, his smile will live on in our memories and hearts forever.
This bench has been placed on the 4th hole, by his wife, Gloria, to celebrate John's proud achievement of a hole-in-one and to remind us all that, his smile will live on in our memories and hearts forever.
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Remembering John Stevenson from Lisa McNulty on Vimeo. Lisa McNulty, producer of this video tribute, was a part of John’s Management team, when he was in Toronto. She has remained a close friend to John and Glo over these years and flew out to visit them last February. Lisa was great support to both of them throughout John’s illness.
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Tributes to celebrate the life of John Stevenson
were held in
Saskatoon, August 30, 2012 and Toronto on September 29, 2012
Opening Saskatoon Tribute by Mike Ryan, dear friend and neighbor of John and Glo.
I’d like to welcome everyone here today on behalf of Gloria, John's sisters and the entire family not only to say farewell but also to celebrate John’s life. My name is Mike Ryan, and I have the privilege of assisting in this program today.
There will be a number of selected friends and family who were asked to give their thoughts and remembrances of John’s time with us, followed by a video of tribute.
John Edwin Stevenson was named after his grandfather, Senator John Stevenson and his uncle Edwin Gardiner, who was killed while on a flying mission over Dieppe. His maternal grandfather was the Right Honorable Jimmy Gardiner, who had, in his honor the Saskatchewan Gardiner Dam named after him.
John was known throughout his youth and to his family as “Jack”, to his golf buddies on the course he was “Johnny” and was fondly referred to by all who met him as “Smilin John”
The first person to talk today is a Family member, Jean, sister to John. “Family” was something John held close to his heart. The love and devotion for his Mother - Florence; Father - Russ; sisters Jean and Joy and of course for Glo was a constant.
Over the times when John and I found ourselves leaning on our rakes, critiquing each other’s lawns, I soon came to understand that not only his family but Gloria’s family of, Vivian and Bruce, Shirley, Glo’s parents Mits and Kassie Nakamura, all had a special place in John’s heart.
His golf buddies will attest to the fact, that there wouldn’t be a round go by where John didn’t have a little story or an update to share regarding the travels and triumphs of his Nieces Kate, Laura, Kim, Jackie, Katie, Kelly and nephew Phil. He was one very proud uncle.
There will be a number of selected friends and family who were asked to give their thoughts and remembrances of John’s time with us, followed by a video of tribute.
John Edwin Stevenson was named after his grandfather, Senator John Stevenson and his uncle Edwin Gardiner, who was killed while on a flying mission over Dieppe. His maternal grandfather was the Right Honorable Jimmy Gardiner, who had, in his honor the Saskatchewan Gardiner Dam named after him.
John was known throughout his youth and to his family as “Jack”, to his golf buddies on the course he was “Johnny” and was fondly referred to by all who met him as “Smilin John”
The first person to talk today is a Family member, Jean, sister to John. “Family” was something John held close to his heart. The love and devotion for his Mother - Florence; Father - Russ; sisters Jean and Joy and of course for Glo was a constant.
Over the times when John and I found ourselves leaning on our rakes, critiquing each other’s lawns, I soon came to understand that not only his family but Gloria’s family of, Vivian and Bruce, Shirley, Glo’s parents Mits and Kassie Nakamura, all had a special place in John’s heart.
His golf buddies will attest to the fact, that there wouldn’t be a round go by where John didn’t have a little story or an update to share regarding the travels and triumphs of his Nieces Kate, Laura, Kim, Jackie, Katie, Kelly and nephew Phil. He was one very proud uncle.
Prayer of Thanksgiving from John's Sister, Joy Swan
Dear Heavenly Father:
Thanks for being with us today as we celebrate the life of John, your masterpiece,.... your child.
Thank you for creating in him such a strong spirit that his sense of humor, gentleness, thoughtfulness and love of others was victorious over pain and suffering.
I thank you for John and the wonderful way he touched the lives of so many people ~ many of whom are here today. Most people never know how or whose life they have influenced during their own lifetime; but Lord, you gave the gift of many visitors, emails, cards and phone calls during John’s final months of life that demonstrated to John how his life had affected others and how precious, respected and loved, he had been to them.
I thank you too for the opportunity to be with John at the end of his life. To share memories, to pass time together, and to make new memories.
Lord, I can close my eyes and still see those eyebrows lift, his eyes roll, and then his smile lighting up the room. And his laugh is unforgettable.
Thanks for this day of celebration. The opportunity to remember and honor John and to celebrate his life.
Thanks Lord. I pray all of this in the name of your son, Jesus.
Amen
Thanks for being with us today as we celebrate the life of John, your masterpiece,.... your child.
Thank you for creating in him such a strong spirit that his sense of humor, gentleness, thoughtfulness and love of others was victorious over pain and suffering.
I thank you for John and the wonderful way he touched the lives of so many people ~ many of whom are here today. Most people never know how or whose life they have influenced during their own lifetime; but Lord, you gave the gift of many visitors, emails, cards and phone calls during John’s final months of life that demonstrated to John how his life had affected others and how precious, respected and loved, he had been to them.
I thank you too for the opportunity to be with John at the end of his life. To share memories, to pass time together, and to make new memories.
Lord, I can close my eyes and still see those eyebrows lift, his eyes roll, and then his smile lighting up the room. And his laugh is unforgettable.
Thanks for this day of celebration. The opportunity to remember and honor John and to celebrate his life.
Thanks Lord. I pray all of this in the name of your son, Jesus.
Amen
Family Tribute by John's sister, Jean Davy
Jack (as he will be called during this portion of the memorial) was my big brother – the one who always got to do things first.
Jack was your typical boy, full of energy and mischief. As a toddler, he did not like to be confined; so when my mother put him in the fenced back yard; he dug a hole under the fence to get out. So my parents harnessed Jack to a rope that was attached to a newly installed post. But, he and his buddy discovered that if they took off all their clothes, they could easily slide out of the harness. So they escaped in their birthday suits and wandered off to the railroad tracks, waiting for a train to pass by. On another occasion when my mom's step-mother was taking care of Jack; she found him standing on the counter, opening all the kitchen cupboards and slamming them shut. As she had raised only two girls, Jack was just a little over whelming for her. When our mother arrived home from the hospital, having given birth to Joy, her step-mother had her bags packed and was at the door, ready to leave. Jack was always a free spirit!
Although Jack, Joy and I were born in Montreal, most of our childhood was spent in Sarnia, Ontario, on the shores of Lake Huron. It was a great place to grow up. My mother loved sports and passed this love onto Jack by enrolling him in bowling leagues, tennis lessons and swimming lessons. Then my dad joined a golf course. Jack joined him and the rest is history. He loved the sport! In high school, Jack joined the curling league and another lifelong passion was born.
Every summer, my father would pack us all up in the car and head for the cottage in Waskesiu – Jack’s most cherished place on earth. He would golf constantly; some days playing 54 holes and some days, he would play the full course with only 1 club. After golf, Jack would go swimming or enjoy building towns at the side of the cottage. Those were some of the best days of his life. So Jack convinced his best friends in Sarnia to take the trek with him in his spitfire. Now picture this – three young men, two over 6 feet tall and the third a little chubby stuffed into a red spitfire convertible for the 3000 kilometer “Great Waskesiu Road Trip” which included lots of stops along the highway to stretch their legs and play football; playing Jack's favourite songs loudly, and the waking of a judge in the middle of the night...something about a speeding ticket. One of the fellows refused to listen to JOHNNY ANGEL or ANY GENE PITNEY TUNES, after that trip. As he said, “It was not pretty, three guys, a case of beer, and a bucket of day old Kentucky Fried Chicken. "
Jack always loved to debate anything, especially with his mom, at the dinner table. It did not matter what the subject was, or, if he was really pro or con, he just loved to debate. As a young liberal in Sarnia, Jack and his friends spent a lot of time canvassing for various liberal candidates. The Young Liberals were given a ward to handle during one of the elections (this was because no one expected the Liberals had any chance of winning the ward). However, with lots of canvassing, meeting the candidate events, etc., the Liberal candidate won the ward and the riding. John and a friend "Norm" may have witnessed the mysterious disappearance of a large "Vote Conservative" sign during that particular campaign.
When Jack began attending the University of Western Ontario, in London, he decided he had had enough of being called Jack and thus began his life as John. That is to everyone but his family who had called him Jack for almost 20 years! His fun loving attitude continued. While in residence his first year, they had a HUGE water fight and ended up surfing in the hallway. I am sure John was one of the instigators. However, he did manage to graduate and spent his summers doing a variety of jobs, which included opening and maintaining cottages in Ontario. This proved to be most helpful with the Waskesiu cottage later on.
John continued his education and attended the London Teachers' College. As a student teacher, he met Gloria Nakamura, at Rosedale Public School in Sarnia, where she was teaching Grades 7 & 8. Her students were very determined to do a bit of match making and a group of female students approached John to tell him that Miss Nakamura must really like him, because she had worn a dress that day! As fate would have it, John and Gloria did become an item. One birthday, John wanted to buy Gloria a present; however, not believing in gifts, she declined. His smiling persistence continued and Gloria finally relented and gave him the task of finding a "blue rose". Always up for a challenge and wanting to do anything to please his "Glo", John drove all over Sarnia and with his determined nature, presented Gloria with her one and only "blue rose".
Jack was your typical boy, full of energy and mischief. As a toddler, he did not like to be confined; so when my mother put him in the fenced back yard; he dug a hole under the fence to get out. So my parents harnessed Jack to a rope that was attached to a newly installed post. But, he and his buddy discovered that if they took off all their clothes, they could easily slide out of the harness. So they escaped in their birthday suits and wandered off to the railroad tracks, waiting for a train to pass by. On another occasion when my mom's step-mother was taking care of Jack; she found him standing on the counter, opening all the kitchen cupboards and slamming them shut. As she had raised only two girls, Jack was just a little over whelming for her. When our mother arrived home from the hospital, having given birth to Joy, her step-mother had her bags packed and was at the door, ready to leave. Jack was always a free spirit!
Although Jack, Joy and I were born in Montreal, most of our childhood was spent in Sarnia, Ontario, on the shores of Lake Huron. It was a great place to grow up. My mother loved sports and passed this love onto Jack by enrolling him in bowling leagues, tennis lessons and swimming lessons. Then my dad joined a golf course. Jack joined him and the rest is history. He loved the sport! In high school, Jack joined the curling league and another lifelong passion was born.
Every summer, my father would pack us all up in the car and head for the cottage in Waskesiu – Jack’s most cherished place on earth. He would golf constantly; some days playing 54 holes and some days, he would play the full course with only 1 club. After golf, Jack would go swimming or enjoy building towns at the side of the cottage. Those were some of the best days of his life. So Jack convinced his best friends in Sarnia to take the trek with him in his spitfire. Now picture this – three young men, two over 6 feet tall and the third a little chubby stuffed into a red spitfire convertible for the 3000 kilometer “Great Waskesiu Road Trip” which included lots of stops along the highway to stretch their legs and play football; playing Jack's favourite songs loudly, and the waking of a judge in the middle of the night...something about a speeding ticket. One of the fellows refused to listen to JOHNNY ANGEL or ANY GENE PITNEY TUNES, after that trip. As he said, “It was not pretty, three guys, a case of beer, and a bucket of day old Kentucky Fried Chicken. "
Jack always loved to debate anything, especially with his mom, at the dinner table. It did not matter what the subject was, or, if he was really pro or con, he just loved to debate. As a young liberal in Sarnia, Jack and his friends spent a lot of time canvassing for various liberal candidates. The Young Liberals were given a ward to handle during one of the elections (this was because no one expected the Liberals had any chance of winning the ward). However, with lots of canvassing, meeting the candidate events, etc., the Liberal candidate won the ward and the riding. John and a friend "Norm" may have witnessed the mysterious disappearance of a large "Vote Conservative" sign during that particular campaign.
When Jack began attending the University of Western Ontario, in London, he decided he had had enough of being called Jack and thus began his life as John. That is to everyone but his family who had called him Jack for almost 20 years! His fun loving attitude continued. While in residence his first year, they had a HUGE water fight and ended up surfing in the hallway. I am sure John was one of the instigators. However, he did manage to graduate and spent his summers doing a variety of jobs, which included opening and maintaining cottages in Ontario. This proved to be most helpful with the Waskesiu cottage later on.
John continued his education and attended the London Teachers' College. As a student teacher, he met Gloria Nakamura, at Rosedale Public School in Sarnia, where she was teaching Grades 7 & 8. Her students were very determined to do a bit of match making and a group of female students approached John to tell him that Miss Nakamura must really like him, because she had worn a dress that day! As fate would have it, John and Gloria did become an item. One birthday, John wanted to buy Gloria a present; however, not believing in gifts, she declined. His smiling persistence continued and Gloria finally relented and gave him the task of finding a "blue rose". Always up for a challenge and wanting to do anything to please his "Glo", John drove all over Sarnia and with his determined nature, presented Gloria with her one and only "blue rose".
On June 30, 1973, John married Glo, the one and only love of his life. He would do anything for her (as evidenced by the blue rose); and she for him. Glo, thank you for taking such excellent care of John. He couldn’t have received more love and affection.
When John married Glo, he became a much loved member of the Nakamura family, learned to love sushi and although Waskesiu remained his number one place on earth, he also started to travel. However, for their honeymoon, there was only one place John would take Glo – to the cottage in Waskesiu.
Work Years at the Immigration and Refugee Board
by Elise-Ann Dealy, from the Toronto IRB Office
In 1970, John left the teaching profession and started his career with the Federal Government. His first position was as a customs officer at the Sarnia border. His peers marveled at how the new kid could send cars to the "secondary check" while still keeping a broad smile on his face. John’s career successes were many and came often, he moved from customs to Immigration taking on the position as an officer there, soon after becoming a Supervisor at the Immigration office in London. Keeping on the upward trend, he then was on to manage the Immigration office, in Regina.
John changed departments in 1989 and became Manager of the Immigration & Refugee Board, in Winnipeg. He made such an impact in Winnipeg, that, Ottawa asked him to head up the creation of a second board office in Toronto, and once there he continued his climb, becoming the Regional Director.
Having watched every home renovation and construction show possible, he was delighted to take on this project and flew to Toronto to hire his managers and oversee the construction. Setting up the office, initially took John to Toronto by himself, leaving his "Glo" behind to wrap up their personal affairs in Winnipeg. While setting up this office, these managers became his family. Lisa NcNulty and Mark Perlman, who were the youngest managers, often referred to John as "dad".
The new office, Toronto 2, opened in the late fall of 1990 on University Avenue. For government digs, it was sumptuous. There were lovely patios, bright offices and lots of big windows. Compared to the sub ground windowless digs around the corner at Toronto 1 on Front Street, we were in heaven. This is when I met John for the first time, being one of many public servants hired as a Refugee Hearing Officers or RHOs. I remember great team building days on the Toronto Islands with lots of games, a barbecue and even a dunk tank in which John cheerfully volunteered to be dunked!
John changed departments in 1989 and became Manager of the Immigration & Refugee Board, in Winnipeg. He made such an impact in Winnipeg, that, Ottawa asked him to head up the creation of a second board office in Toronto, and once there he continued his climb, becoming the Regional Director.
Having watched every home renovation and construction show possible, he was delighted to take on this project and flew to Toronto to hire his managers and oversee the construction. Setting up the office, initially took John to Toronto by himself, leaving his "Glo" behind to wrap up their personal affairs in Winnipeg. While setting up this office, these managers became his family. Lisa NcNulty and Mark Perlman, who were the youngest managers, often referred to John as "dad".
The new office, Toronto 2, opened in the late fall of 1990 on University Avenue. For government digs, it was sumptuous. There were lovely patios, bright offices and lots of big windows. Compared to the sub ground windowless digs around the corner at Toronto 1 on Front Street, we were in heaven. This is when I met John for the first time, being one of many public servants hired as a Refugee Hearing Officers or RHOs. I remember great team building days on the Toronto Islands with lots of games, a barbecue and even a dunk tank in which John cheerfully volunteered to be dunked!
When several years later, the two Toronto IRB offices were amalgamated and moved to the current location on Victoria Street, John undertook the leadership of the amalgamated office. For Public Service Week one year, John suggested that each employee be given a coupon for two hours off. Originally it was going to be called John Dough (D-O-U-G-H) and on it was a picture of John’s smiling face. We all thought it was a great idea; however Ottawa's eyes rolled back in their heads when they thought of the coupon making it into the Toronto Star newspaper. So, the final coupon was much tamer looking - but boy did the employees ever love the idea! There has never been a management initiative welcomed with such open arms by staff. I am very sad to report that this past June, the coupon was discontinued.
John knew that it wasn’t possible to interact with all staff in the office but he was a big believer in making sure that staff knew that they were valued and that they knew what was going on in the office. He would have frequent all staff meetings so that he was both visible and available to all staff. He also wanted his management team to sit at the head table with him signifying both the unity of the management team and that John had confidence in his team. John also showed his confidence in his middle managers by giving them autonomy but also the understanding that he was available to help with any issues.
Reading the emails and letters of loyalty and love from his staff that came John’s way over the past while, it was quite evident, that not only did John believe in mentorship of his team but also they would be empowered with all the tools and wisdom he possessed. Many of these emails are posted around the room for you to read. John believed in his managers and so they believed in themselves. He nudged his managers to push themselves and made sure opportunities were there in assignments or working groups. He was a terrific mentor. His managers would be and are the best.
John was very collaborative in his dealings with colleagues and his managers. He was great to bounce ideas off of and was always open to new ideas. His attitude was very pragmatic. With his great sense of humour and his 1000 watt smile he would charm anyone in his path.
Another thing that John loved was statistics. A meeting whether for managers or all staff was not complete without stats and graphs. Maureen Lalla-Khan, and then me, spent many an hour running and distributing reports!
Just because he was in Toronto doesn’t mean that golf was forgotten! One of his managers, Konrad Smeltzer and John were instrumental in holding an annual IRB golf tournament every year. Golfers good and bad were welcomed and a great time was had by all.
From Work to Retirement
When John announced he was planning to retire in 2004, head office Ottawa, requested that he take a last assignment there, as Director General for Operations Branch. John retired from the Director General’s position in April, 2005. Being the good frugal Scotsman he was, he saw a financial opportunity; in immediately taking on a post retirement position that forced him to have to relocate his wife and family possessions across Canada, tax deductable of course, to work as a golf marshal on this little Western Canadian course called Waskesiu.
John & Gloria had a second location other then Waskesiu to fill the winter portion of their retirement life. They purchased a condo in 2004 at the Alta Mesa Resort Village, in Mesa. John embraced his retirement in sunny Arizona and many new friendships were made in this community over a short period of time. He golfed as often as he could and when not on the links he was organizing a bridge game or pursuing his revived love of bowling.
John served on the condo board and held the position of Treasurer for four years. He was always there to help a neighbor in need. When there was work to be done around the village, John’s name was always first on the volunteers list. During his time in the hospital, emails were constant from his Southern friends and were very much cherished.
While living south he developed a hobby of making DVDs of the cruises and golf holidays he, Gloria and their friends went on. Many hours were spent editing music and pictures so that everyone would have a memento of their times together.
John & Gloria had a second location other then Waskesiu to fill the winter portion of their retirement life. They purchased a condo in 2004 at the Alta Mesa Resort Village, in Mesa. John embraced his retirement in sunny Arizona and many new friendships were made in this community over a short period of time. He golfed as often as he could and when not on the links he was organizing a bridge game or pursuing his revived love of bowling.
John served on the condo board and held the position of Treasurer for four years. He was always there to help a neighbor in need. When there was work to be done around the village, John’s name was always first on the volunteers list. During his time in the hospital, emails were constant from his Southern friends and were very much cherished.
While living south he developed a hobby of making DVDs of the cruises and golf holidays he, Gloria and their friends went on. Many hours were spent editing music and pictures so that everyone would have a memento of their times together.
Retirement in Waskesiu
by Jim Kerby who served on the Waskesiu Council with John
Good afternoon everyone. Thank you once again for being here today to remember, and to celebrate, the life of John Stevenson.
My name is Jim Kerby, and I am truly honored to share a few thoughts with you today about John's retirement years in the beautiful resort community of Waskesiu, in Prince Albert National Park.
As you have heard already, following his retirement from the federal government, John was anxious to drive back to Waskesiu as quickly as he could, which he did in April (yes April) of 2005 – so he could get on with his new "life of leisure" at the beautiful Stevenson cottage - a cottage that has been in the Stevenson family since 1937.
However, John's "official retirement" did not last long, as he soon agreed to become a "marshal" on the Waskesiu Golf Course. This ended up generating many more friendships, as golfers and those working at the Golf Course grew to know him – and, in particular, that infectious smile of his. Speaking frankly, however, John was probably WAY too nice to be a "marshal" of any description, anywhere - let alone at Waskesiu.
When he wasn't out "marshaling", John could be found golfing (for free, by the way, thanks to his so called "marshaling" position) or tending to his second love (other than Gloria of course)… his lawn. This "lawn fetish" was, apparently, how John and Gloria ended up developing a very close friendship with their close Waskesiu neighbors, Diane and Mike Ryan. Gloria tells me that whenever John was missing, she always knew he was at Mike's, or in the yard. John and Mike even had an ongoing competition about whose lawn looked better - and it has been said that Mike directed many an elk over to John's lawn so it could do its "business" there and, pardon the pun, to give Mike a leg up. After all, all's fair in love, war and gardening competitions - right Mike?
So how did I come to meet John – or as I called him the "Big guy"? I remember being told by my mother, Doreen, around 2007 or so, about this very nice couple on Prospect Point she had grown to like so much - "sweet little Gloria"- the "spark-plug", and her husband - some big, smiley guy named John Stevenson. (Bear in mind that "big" around our house starts at about 5'7"...). Anyway, Mom said I really must meet them both and, like so many of you, that first meeting was the start of what turned into a wonderful friendship (and, yes, by Kerby standards John was, as my kids would say, phreaking huge!)
What I soon learned about John was that he truly loved and wanted the best for Waskesiu – a passion that we both shared. It had also become obvious to me that John was a very special person who generously shared his many talents, and his passion for Waskesiu, with our community. John Stevenson had, as I have said on previous occasions, a truly rare ability to combine a very positive attitude with leadership, vision, passion, intelligence, sincerity, patience and, above all, real human kindness.
So, when I thought my "best before date" was approaching as President of the Waskesiu Seasonal Residents Association, I approached John and asked him to consider taking on that role. Thankfully he did. And, in baseball parlance, he "hit it out of the park". The real winner was our community.
With wholehearted support and encouragement from me and many others in Waskesiu, John also agreed to run for, and serve on, the Waskesiu Community Council in July of 2009. After his election to Council, he subsequently agreed to sit as a Director on the Waskesiu Foundation - where he successfully served as the direct liaison between the Waskesiu Foundation and Community Council for the past 3 years.
So, in 2012 when he passed away, John was serving as a director on the Waskesiu Foundation, as a Councilor on the Waskesiu Community Council, and as President of the Waskesiu Seasonal Residents Association. He was a true champion for Waskesiu and its residents.
John's last wish - aside from wanting the elk to go back to Mike's lawn - was to ensure that the Waskesiu Foundation would continue to thrive over the long term and that - in the near term - it would have the monetary support needed to enable more camp kitchens to be renovated in the townsite - further enhancing "his" beautiful Waskesiu. As Chair of the Waskesiu Foundation, I want to personally thank you for the donations already made to the Foundation in memory of John. You have my word that we will put those funds to good use, and in accordance with his wishes.
A new John Stevenson memorial bench was installed this summer on the 4th hole of the Waskesiu Golf Course - where John once scored a hole in one. The plaque on that bench reads: "When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile". John lived that every day – but particularly so during his often painful battle with cancer. That beautiful, engaging smile of John's lives on in our memories and our hearts. Like many of you, I simply can't think of John without thinking of his smile. That is an amazing tribute in and of itself - to always be remembered for your smile.
John truly yearned to get to Waskesiu just one last time before he died. Sadly, he never got the chance. But today is not about sadness my friends – I guarantee that is not what John would want from us. Today should be all about a celebration of a life very well lived and, like John and Gloria, showing life that you have a thousand reasons to smile.
Above all – know this. This world we live in, and in particular the community of Waskesiu, is a much better place because of John Stevenson – and that, my friends, is a great reason to smile.
Thanks for that blessing John, and may God bless and keep you.
My name is Jim Kerby, and I am truly honored to share a few thoughts with you today about John's retirement years in the beautiful resort community of Waskesiu, in Prince Albert National Park.
As you have heard already, following his retirement from the federal government, John was anxious to drive back to Waskesiu as quickly as he could, which he did in April (yes April) of 2005 – so he could get on with his new "life of leisure" at the beautiful Stevenson cottage - a cottage that has been in the Stevenson family since 1937.
However, John's "official retirement" did not last long, as he soon agreed to become a "marshal" on the Waskesiu Golf Course. This ended up generating many more friendships, as golfers and those working at the Golf Course grew to know him – and, in particular, that infectious smile of his. Speaking frankly, however, John was probably WAY too nice to be a "marshal" of any description, anywhere - let alone at Waskesiu.
When he wasn't out "marshaling", John could be found golfing (for free, by the way, thanks to his so called "marshaling" position) or tending to his second love (other than Gloria of course)… his lawn. This "lawn fetish" was, apparently, how John and Gloria ended up developing a very close friendship with their close Waskesiu neighbors, Diane and Mike Ryan. Gloria tells me that whenever John was missing, she always knew he was at Mike's, or in the yard. John and Mike even had an ongoing competition about whose lawn looked better - and it has been said that Mike directed many an elk over to John's lawn so it could do its "business" there and, pardon the pun, to give Mike a leg up. After all, all's fair in love, war and gardening competitions - right Mike?
So how did I come to meet John – or as I called him the "Big guy"? I remember being told by my mother, Doreen, around 2007 or so, about this very nice couple on Prospect Point she had grown to like so much - "sweet little Gloria"- the "spark-plug", and her husband - some big, smiley guy named John Stevenson. (Bear in mind that "big" around our house starts at about 5'7"...). Anyway, Mom said I really must meet them both and, like so many of you, that first meeting was the start of what turned into a wonderful friendship (and, yes, by Kerby standards John was, as my kids would say, phreaking huge!)
What I soon learned about John was that he truly loved and wanted the best for Waskesiu – a passion that we both shared. It had also become obvious to me that John was a very special person who generously shared his many talents, and his passion for Waskesiu, with our community. John Stevenson had, as I have said on previous occasions, a truly rare ability to combine a very positive attitude with leadership, vision, passion, intelligence, sincerity, patience and, above all, real human kindness.
So, when I thought my "best before date" was approaching as President of the Waskesiu Seasonal Residents Association, I approached John and asked him to consider taking on that role. Thankfully he did. And, in baseball parlance, he "hit it out of the park". The real winner was our community.
With wholehearted support and encouragement from me and many others in Waskesiu, John also agreed to run for, and serve on, the Waskesiu Community Council in July of 2009. After his election to Council, he subsequently agreed to sit as a Director on the Waskesiu Foundation - where he successfully served as the direct liaison between the Waskesiu Foundation and Community Council for the past 3 years.
So, in 2012 when he passed away, John was serving as a director on the Waskesiu Foundation, as a Councilor on the Waskesiu Community Council, and as President of the Waskesiu Seasonal Residents Association. He was a true champion for Waskesiu and its residents.
John's last wish - aside from wanting the elk to go back to Mike's lawn - was to ensure that the Waskesiu Foundation would continue to thrive over the long term and that - in the near term - it would have the monetary support needed to enable more camp kitchens to be renovated in the townsite - further enhancing "his" beautiful Waskesiu. As Chair of the Waskesiu Foundation, I want to personally thank you for the donations already made to the Foundation in memory of John. You have my word that we will put those funds to good use, and in accordance with his wishes.
A new John Stevenson memorial bench was installed this summer on the 4th hole of the Waskesiu Golf Course - where John once scored a hole in one. The plaque on that bench reads: "When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile". John lived that every day – but particularly so during his often painful battle with cancer. That beautiful, engaging smile of John's lives on in our memories and our hearts. Like many of you, I simply can't think of John without thinking of his smile. That is an amazing tribute in and of itself - to always be remembered for your smile.
John truly yearned to get to Waskesiu just one last time before he died. Sadly, he never got the chance. But today is not about sadness my friends – I guarantee that is not what John would want from us. Today should be all about a celebration of a life very well lived and, like John and Gloria, showing life that you have a thousand reasons to smile.
Above all – know this. This world we live in, and in particular the community of Waskesiu, is a much better place because of John Stevenson – and that, my friends, is a great reason to smile.
Thanks for that blessing John, and may God bless and keep you.
Retirement in Phoenix
by Wayne Seiffert, a very good friend and neighbor
I’m Wayne Seiffert and I would like to introduce my wife Shirley. Shirley and I have been friends with John and Gloria for the past 12 years. From the first day that we met in Mesa, Arizona, and said “hi, we’re your next door neighbor!” we knew that we liked each other and would enjoy each other’s company. During these 12 years, we have done lots of things together…some work and some play. John and I have served our Alta Mesa Resort Village community by being on the HOA (Home Owners Association) Board. John has been the Treasurer and I was the Secretary. John also chaired the Maintenance Committee of the Board and volunteered to patch golf ball holes in our stucco buildings. We live on the 13th hole of Alta Mesa Golf course which is a relatively short par 4 and you can’t believe where people hit golf balls. We all live in 2 story four-plexes and we find balls that fly over these buildings and end up by our swimming pool which is in the center of the complex. John and I worked together on many Board projects which included things like: making sun screens for our clubhouse windows, cutting and trimming trees, painting curbs, and adjusting stair steps. John and I also played a lot of golf together! For a number of years, Shirley and I have organized and run a golf league during the winter months ( November through April) and John and Glo were some of our most faithful players. John was also the lowest handicap player during the last year that he played. I still have his name in the computer showing a 7 handicap. In addition to league play, “the guys” usually played at least one other day of the week at other golf courses in the area. On a few occasions, some of our golfers and community friends went bowling together. John and Gloria were usually the only ones that brought their own bowling balls and shoes and John was always one of the best bowlers.
Shirley and I have also enjoyed John and Glo’s company traveling together. We spent 2 and ½ weeks in Hawaii. Two of the high-lights of that trip were a helicopter ride with no doors on Kauai through the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, and on Hawaii, a submarine ride that took us down to the ocean floor at a depth of 100 feet to see the marine life. They have also accompanied us on 3 cruises: Australia/New Zealand, Mediterranean and Greek Isles, and the Caribbean. Always interested in seeing Mayan ruins, Glo & John went on many tours of this Indian culture, on all of our cruises and also on two other cruises they took to Mexico and South America. After each cruise, John would provide us with a DVD, complete with pictures and movies and set to music, as a memento of our great time together. Shirley and I have also been to John and Glo’s summer home in Waskesiu on two different occasions…one being my 70th birthday and played Waskesiu and Elk Ridge golf courses. They in turn, have been to our summer home on Big Thunder Lake in Minnesota. Through the years we have also had the pleasure of getting to know some of both John’s and Gloria’s family members.
I would like to say on behalf of all the people in Mesa that knew John, how much we appreciated the effort that he and Glo made to come down for a two week visit this last April. Every one enjoyed seeing his smiling face one last time. We shared several meals together and he soaked up some rays of sunshine by the pool, a couple of times. We will always cherish the memories of the times we’ve spent together and we will miss our smiling friend. Thank you.
Shirley and I have also enjoyed John and Glo’s company traveling together. We spent 2 and ½ weeks in Hawaii. Two of the high-lights of that trip were a helicopter ride with no doors on Kauai through the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, and on Hawaii, a submarine ride that took us down to the ocean floor at a depth of 100 feet to see the marine life. They have also accompanied us on 3 cruises: Australia/New Zealand, Mediterranean and Greek Isles, and the Caribbean. Always interested in seeing Mayan ruins, Glo & John went on many tours of this Indian culture, on all of our cruises and also on two other cruises they took to Mexico and South America. After each cruise, John would provide us with a DVD, complete with pictures and movies and set to music, as a memento of our great time together. Shirley and I have also been to John and Glo’s summer home in Waskesiu on two different occasions…one being my 70th birthday and played Waskesiu and Elk Ridge golf courses. They in turn, have been to our summer home on Big Thunder Lake in Minnesota. Through the years we have also had the pleasure of getting to know some of both John’s and Gloria’s family members.
I would like to say on behalf of all the people in Mesa that knew John, how much we appreciated the effort that he and Glo made to come down for a two week visit this last April. Every one enjoyed seeing his smiling face one last time. We shared several meals together and he soaked up some rays of sunshine by the pool, a couple of times. We will always cherish the memories of the times we’ve spent together and we will miss our smiling friend. Thank you.
Retirement and Family Tribute
by Bruce Ettinger, brother-in-law of Glo and John
Hi, my name is Bruce Ettinger and I am John's brother-in-law. My thanks to Gloria for giving me the opportunity to give you an idea of what his retirement life was like.
John, like so many Canadians, felt strong family ties. The focus of so many family get-togethers was the family cottage. The Stevenson cottage, in Prince Albert Park, Sakatchewan, was built by John’s grandfather and has been in the Stevenson family since 1937. The cottage was a very special place for John—growing up, he spent most every summer there with his family, he spent his honeymoon there, he spent his vacation time from work there--- and once free of work responsibilities, he and Gloria decided to live there.
My first visit to the cottage in Waskesiu was to celebrate Glo and John’s 10th anniversary. What a fantastic place! Built on a lovely hillside, with gorgeous Lake Waskesiu on one side and the Waskesiu Golf Course on the other side. John so enjoyed watching the Park’s wildlife come up to his front door! Elk, foxes, even bears meandered around to his great pleasure—except when the elks messed up his perfect lawn!
Family members came and went—this “humble cottage” had room for everyone and John had room in his heart for all comers. We sat on his immense couches and watched his immense high def TV— and felt so welcome by this fun-loving, happy guy--- and his hospitable and caring wife. If only those mosquitos would have quit, it would have been paradise!!
Vivian and I had a real good time meeting their dear friends at Waskesiu--- all this was a great lesson--- your roots matter---. John already had this great extended family there from his childhood and he and Glo garnered a bunch of new golfing , bridge-playing, drinking buddies.
Although John wished otherwise, Waskesiu is really only livable from April to October. So in 2004 they bought a condominium in Mesa, Arizona. There too, both Glo and John linked up with old friends and made new friends.
John was never a great traveler, but with encouragement from their friends, he and Gloria were introduced to the life of world cruising. Over the next 5 years, they cruised around Australia/New Zealand, the Mediterranean and Greek Islands, the Caribbean, Mexico, and South America. John became the historian for these cruises, making videos of each. He spent many hours editing these pictures, adding music and captions and giving everyone these DVDs as memento of their fun times together.
Always a community leader, John served on the Board of their Mesa condo complex. He was always there to help a neighbor in need. When there was work to be done around the village, John's name was always first on the volunteer's list. During his time in the hospital, emails were constant from his Mesa friends and were very much cherished.
John's served as a "marshal" on the Waskesiu Golf Course. This ended up generating many more friendships, as golfers and those working at the Golf Course grew to know him. John was perfectly suited to this work— his integrity and dedication to live life “by the rules” combined with his amazing diplomacy--- his infectious smile and tilt of his head reminded you that life can be fun too.
With encouragement from many in Waskesiu, John agreed to serve on the Waskesiu Community Council in July of 2009. Subsequently, he agreed to be one of the directors of the Waskesiu Foundation devoted to raising money to improve the town. For the past few years, he also served as President of the Waskesiu Seasonal Residents Association. In this past year, even though bed-ridden, he participated actively by phone in these various association meetings.
John's last wish was to ensure that the Waskesiu Foundation would continue to thrive over the long term and that - in the near term - it would have the monetary support needed to enable more camp kitchens to be renovated in the townsite - further enhancing "his" beautiful Waskesiu.
Like many of you, I admire John for the strength of his commitment to family, friends, and community. I will always remember the ease which with he moved in this world--- how he embraced us all and cared for us all.
This summer, The John Stevenson Memorial Bench was installed on the 4th hole of the Waskesiu Golf Course - where John once scored a hole in one. The plaque on that bench reads: "When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile". John lived that admonition every day. That engaging smile of John's will live on in our memories and our hearts.
John, like so many Canadians, felt strong family ties. The focus of so many family get-togethers was the family cottage. The Stevenson cottage, in Prince Albert Park, Sakatchewan, was built by John’s grandfather and has been in the Stevenson family since 1937. The cottage was a very special place for John—growing up, he spent most every summer there with his family, he spent his honeymoon there, he spent his vacation time from work there--- and once free of work responsibilities, he and Gloria decided to live there.
My first visit to the cottage in Waskesiu was to celebrate Glo and John’s 10th anniversary. What a fantastic place! Built on a lovely hillside, with gorgeous Lake Waskesiu on one side and the Waskesiu Golf Course on the other side. John so enjoyed watching the Park’s wildlife come up to his front door! Elk, foxes, even bears meandered around to his great pleasure—except when the elks messed up his perfect lawn!
Family members came and went—this “humble cottage” had room for everyone and John had room in his heart for all comers. We sat on his immense couches and watched his immense high def TV— and felt so welcome by this fun-loving, happy guy--- and his hospitable and caring wife. If only those mosquitos would have quit, it would have been paradise!!
Vivian and I had a real good time meeting their dear friends at Waskesiu--- all this was a great lesson--- your roots matter---. John already had this great extended family there from his childhood and he and Glo garnered a bunch of new golfing , bridge-playing, drinking buddies.
Although John wished otherwise, Waskesiu is really only livable from April to October. So in 2004 they bought a condominium in Mesa, Arizona. There too, both Glo and John linked up with old friends and made new friends.
John was never a great traveler, but with encouragement from their friends, he and Gloria were introduced to the life of world cruising. Over the next 5 years, they cruised around Australia/New Zealand, the Mediterranean and Greek Islands, the Caribbean, Mexico, and South America. John became the historian for these cruises, making videos of each. He spent many hours editing these pictures, adding music and captions and giving everyone these DVDs as memento of their fun times together.
Always a community leader, John served on the Board of their Mesa condo complex. He was always there to help a neighbor in need. When there was work to be done around the village, John's name was always first on the volunteer's list. During his time in the hospital, emails were constant from his Mesa friends and were very much cherished.
John's served as a "marshal" on the Waskesiu Golf Course. This ended up generating many more friendships, as golfers and those working at the Golf Course grew to know him. John was perfectly suited to this work— his integrity and dedication to live life “by the rules” combined with his amazing diplomacy--- his infectious smile and tilt of his head reminded you that life can be fun too.
With encouragement from many in Waskesiu, John agreed to serve on the Waskesiu Community Council in July of 2009. Subsequently, he agreed to be one of the directors of the Waskesiu Foundation devoted to raising money to improve the town. For the past few years, he also served as President of the Waskesiu Seasonal Residents Association. In this past year, even though bed-ridden, he participated actively by phone in these various association meetings.
John's last wish was to ensure that the Waskesiu Foundation would continue to thrive over the long term and that - in the near term - it would have the monetary support needed to enable more camp kitchens to be renovated in the townsite - further enhancing "his" beautiful Waskesiu.
Like many of you, I admire John for the strength of his commitment to family, friends, and community. I will always remember the ease which with he moved in this world--- how he embraced us all and cared for us all.
This summer, The John Stevenson Memorial Bench was installed on the 4th hole of the Waskesiu Golf Course - where John once scored a hole in one. The plaque on that bench reads: "When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile". John lived that admonition every day. That engaging smile of John's will live on in our memories and our hearts.
Closing Comments Saskatoon Tribute by Mike Ryan
I would just like to take this opportunity to thank John and Glo’s family, Jean and Phil, Viv and Bruce, Joy and Bob, Shirley and of course our Kassie who opened their lives and allowed my wife Diane and I in, while we went through the process of losing a close and dear friend.
This smile my friend had every time I visited him in the hospital had been born neither from self satisfaction nor self indulgence but from his need and passion to make others around him appreciate and enjoy life as much as he did.
I believe remembering his smile is not the task he left for us. The task that was left to us by John is to emulate it……………now that would make John SMILE.
This smile my friend had every time I visited him in the hospital had been born neither from self satisfaction nor self indulgence but from his need and passion to make others around him appreciate and enjoy life as much as he did.
I believe remembering his smile is not the task he left for us. The task that was left to us by John is to emulate it……………now that would make John SMILE.
Closing Comments Toronto Tribute by Phil Davy, Brother-in-law to John
Glo would like to thank all who supported her and John over the past year and would especially like to thank everyone for their generous contributions to the Waskesiu Foundation on John’s behalf. The Camp kitchen renovation program was very important to John and I am happy to say that with the donations thus far we are coming close to having an entire camp kitchen renovation being dedicated to John. The Camp kitchen renovation program was very important to John and I am happy to say that the donations thus far are very close to the $10,000 needed to complete the renovation. It just shows how many lives John has touched. An entire camp kitchen renovation is being dedicated to John, and a plaque will be placed on it in his memory.
On a personal note I would just like to take this opportunity to thank everyone in the family for all the support they provided throughout John’s illness. This includes Jean, Joy and Bob, Viv and Bruce, Shirley and of course the matriarch of the Nakamura family, Kassie. In addition I would like to recognize Diane and Mike Ryan who are close friends of John and Glo and were very instrumental in organizing the 1st memorial in Saskatoon. Diane and Mike have the cottage beside John and Glo in Waskesiu and a condo in the same complex as John and Glo in Mesa.
Lastly, I know how much John wanted to see his Waskesiu one more time this spring but once it was evident that this was not possible his smile did not diminish nor was it lost. He was able however make one last trip to Mesa in April where he was able to spend some time around the pool and visit with many of his friends one last time. Jean and I had the privilege of visiting with John and Glo during their stay.
I will always remember John as a fun loving happy individual with a need and passion to make others around him appreciate and enjoy life as much as he did. I do believe John is looking down on us today with that wonderful broad smile-we’ll miss you John but we have great memories.
This concludes the program of celebration and farewell to John.
On a personal note I would just like to take this opportunity to thank everyone in the family for all the support they provided throughout John’s illness. This includes Jean, Joy and Bob, Viv and Bruce, Shirley and of course the matriarch of the Nakamura family, Kassie. In addition I would like to recognize Diane and Mike Ryan who are close friends of John and Glo and were very instrumental in organizing the 1st memorial in Saskatoon. Diane and Mike have the cottage beside John and Glo in Waskesiu and a condo in the same complex as John and Glo in Mesa.
Lastly, I know how much John wanted to see his Waskesiu one more time this spring but once it was evident that this was not possible his smile did not diminish nor was it lost. He was able however make one last trip to Mesa in April where he was able to spend some time around the pool and visit with many of his friends one last time. Jean and I had the privilege of visiting with John and Glo during their stay.
I will always remember John as a fun loving happy individual with a need and passion to make others around him appreciate and enjoy life as much as he did. I do believe John is looking down on us today with that wonderful broad smile-we’ll miss you John but we have great memories.
This concludes the program of celebration and farewell to John.
~
In one of the stars I shall be living.
In one of them I shall be laughing.
And so it will be as if all the stars were laughing when you look at the sky at night.
~
In one of the stars I shall be living.
In one of them I shall be laughing.
And so it will be as if all the stars were laughing when you look at the sky at night.
~
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