Stevenson, John
John Stevenson passed away on Saturday, April 5th at age 88. For well over 50 years the fortunate husband of Ann. Brother to Judy and Jane and Father of four remarkable children – son, Ashley and daughters, Nicola, Julia and Philippa. As well as ‘Taid’ to grandchildren – Dana, Cameron, Dylan, Cayley, Nathan, Grady, Avery and Addison. A longtime educator with the Wentworth County Board of Education (Teacher, Principal, Superintendent) he was also a longtime member of the Rotary Club of Dundas (Paul Harris Fellow as well as Past-President).
John will be fondly remembered for his sharp wit and inquisitive nature, his passion for travel, chocolate, and his cherished family. He fought a long and hard battle to extend his time with loved ones for as long as he could.
We would also like to thank all of John’s caregivers, especially Veronica (Vee), Kanmi, and Tanya who treated John like their own father. We are eternally grateful.
A Celebration of Life will take place at the Dundas Valley Golf & Curling Club on Saturday, April 12th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm with speeches and readings (speakers and stories welcome!). For those that can’t attend the celebration there will also be a Visitation at the Turner Family Funeral Home (53 Main St. Dundas) on Friday, April 11th from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
If desired, donations may be made to the Parkinson Society of Canada.
We love you, John. You were always a second father to me and I will miss you.
My condolences to all of the family. Although we didn’t know John well directly we certainly knew him indirectly through Ann and the Book Club.
Thinking of you,
Stella Bester
I knew him years ago as a teacher and mentor at Parkside. He inspired me.
Enjoyed Mr. Stevenson as my teacher 1964-68.
RIP
John created one of the local Dundas families that I will always remember most. I have many fond memories of John and his family. Whether it was Ashley blasting my favorite Billy Joel tunes out on the piano, with me looking up, inspiring me to start playing myself. Or, trying to guess which one of the triplets were coming to babysit. I simply cannot drive by John’s old house on Cayley without thinking of those days.
My heart goes out to you all.
Huge hugs from Vermont,
Jordan Buntain
Jim and I have so many fond memories of John and Ann. They were really soul mates of ours with their lively wit, love of words and sense of adventure. We treasure the memories of the times we spent with them in Mexico, Florida, and in Portugal where we enjoyed exploring together, sharing meals and cheap wine, and wrestling with Cryptic Crosswords. They were our best friends for so many years going back to my first year of teaching at Parkside when John was my mentor. We still do Cryptic crosswords and think of them every time we come across an “intrusive R”, which is often.
John will be sadly missed by many. Such a lovely, kind and cheery presence.
I have many memories of Chris and me partying and dancing with John and Ann – when we were young and energetic. I have stories that I will take with me!
Love and condolences to you all at this very sad time.
Ann Bangham …. and family.
Dear Stevenson family: Mr. Stevenson was a significant figure in my life. He was my History teacher at Parkside and his classes were always so intense and invigorating. I remember the heated debates at the time of the FLQ crisis and his even handling of the emotional reactions in our class. He was part of an innovative team at Parkside which to this day I respect and admire. Later in my teaching career I met rather inadvertently, Mr. Stevenson on Cross street in Dundas and he asked me if I was interested in teaching at Waterdown High. I said yes and for the next 28 years I taught high school English and other subjects at Waterdown, Ancaster, and Highland. I owe him an immense debt of gratitude for this opportunity. He was always friendly and interested in what I was teaching and how I was teaching the subject at hand. I am very sorry for your loss and hope you take comfort in the memories you have of your dynamic and loving father. I note too the generous comments by my former teacher Mr. Buntain and salute him across the years and wish him well. Sincerely John Allum
As a former Parkside student (1968-1973) I recall John Stevenson as one of my favourite and most impactful teachers. He blended a serious demeanour with a wonderfully wry sense of humour. He challenged, he encouraged and he rewarded excellence. We should all have an instructor that we recall with affection and respect more than 50 years after we graduated.
Sending love and hugs to a wonderful family. I remember being an honorary triplet on a trip to Florida. I have always pictured him smiling and I always will.
As another Parkside High School alumnus, I too remember Mr. Stevenson as one of the greats of the teaching staff. When I first arrived at Parkside, Highland was only in the building stages. Our school was overpopulated, on shifts and likely understaffed. Despite these stresses, Mr. Stevenson’s history class was one that I, and I think the majority of my classmates, enjoyed. Challenging yes, but he always listened and encouraged his students. I will always remember his sensitive handling of WW2.
I am sorry for your loss but please know that there are many of us who hold Mr. Stevenson in high regard and remember him with affection.
Tribute to Mr John Stevenson.
I started caring for John almost 3 years ago,
John, who I fondly call Jonny boy was a man whose presence lit up the lives of those around him. Knowing him was indeed loving him, and his infectious personality drew people to his warmth and kindness. A Man of Discipline and Delight. In his daily life, John prioritized his exercise routine, showcasing his discipline and commitment to wellbeing. His sweet tooth was legendary, with a passion for all things chocolate. A Devoted Father and Family Man, John’s love for his children was palpable. He cherished their advice and valued their opinions, His closeness to his children was a testament to his dedication as a father. John’s willingness to share stories about his life made him an open book, offering insights into his experiences and wisdom. His vulnerability inspired trust and connection with those who knew him. One of John’s biggest dreams was to walk again, a testament to his resilience and determination. Though this dream remained unfulfilled, his spirit remained unbroken. He found solace in reminiscing through his family album, reliving cherished memories. John’s love for games brought him joy, whether playing bingo or cards on his iPad. These simple pleasures brings him happiness. John’s strength and character earned him the respect and admiration of those who knew him. His legacy lives on through the memories and love he shared with his family, friends and caregiver. May he rest in peace, his spirit continuing to inspire and uplift those who knows him.
From Veronica Ajayi
Mr John Stevenson, he’s a very lovely Father, whenever he heard his children’s voice or you told him Ashley or Julia is coming to see him, he always in good mood, even if he he’s doing his daily routine like Exercises , Mr John will stop it and attend his children, don’t forget immediately the children leave he must continue his Exercise and he has a memory. Mr John Love love eating chocolate and ice cream and he love to go out whenever the weather is good… One thing I in him is he doesn’t play with his Documents at all and he love to check his wallet every week. May your soul rest in perfect peace, I love you but God love you most…..
Nicky, Pippa and Julia — Sorry to hear this news. I remember your dad’s quick and dry wit. Thinking of you all.
Marnie (McCann)
I owe my teaching career to John. When I first came to the Wentworth Board he mentored and encouraged me to go beyond my job description and inspire young learners.
My heartfelt condolences to his many friends and family. John was one in a million and I was so lucky to have known him.