Peacefully on March 3, 2005 at the age of 92, Fred Stevens passed away in Strathroy, Ontario. Born in Carman, Manitoba, Fred was the youngest son of Rev. Dr. Fred G. and Frances Stevens. His childhood years were divided between Winnipeg's Banning Street and the family home at the United Church mission, Fisher River Cree Nation in Manitoba's Interlake region. A student of the Cree language, Dad spent much of his early adult life in Northern Manitoba, at various times a freight driver, school teacher and lay minister in communities including Oxford House, God's Lake and Cross Lake. He married his beloved Helen in 1939 and they settled in Cross Lake, he as a minister and she as the community's field nurse. In 1942, Mom and Dad left the bush; Dad joined the Canadian Army and served here and abroad resettling Canadian soldiers into civilian life. With skills developed in the army and a young family to support, Dad joined the Abitibi Pulp and Paper Company as a personnel manager and labour negotiator. His 31-year career with Abitibi took him to Sault Ste. Marie and Toronto, where he retired in 1977. Son Charlie was born in 1942, followed by a daughter, Danielle, in 1945. With two children almost grown, Dad embarked upon a second round of fatherhood with the birth of another daughter, Noreen, in 1962. In 1966 Dad was admitted as an Officer of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem for his volunteer work with St. John's Ambulance in and around the Soo. In their senior years, Mom and Dad settled in the SW Ontario community of Strathroy, where they enjoyed many happy years of retirement. Dad was a gentle man; wise, kind, funny, a man of integrity and unshakable faith; a good husband, father and worker; a good man. His was a long life, well lived. Dad is survived by his wife of 65 years, Helen, children Charlie (Nancy), Danielle (Don) and Noreen (Jill); grandchildren Mike (Pilar), Eric (Crystal), Ashley, Savannah and Dillon. He was predeceased by his parents and six siblings. A memorial service was held in Strathroy on March 7 with Rev. Geraldene (Eaid) Pfaff officiating.
