July 8, 1946 - May 29, 2023
In Loving Memory ~
Allan Rodger Stevenson, 76, passed away peacefully on May 29th, 2023 in Parksville B.C shortly after being diagnosed with advanced cancer. He took his diagnosis with an unwavering strength, grace, and rich appreciation for the blessed life he has lived. This enabled many loved ones to celebrate his life with him to the very end.
Allan was born on July 8th, 1946 in Windsor ON to Grace (nee Rodger) and Clayton Stevenson. His sister Bev Bone describes him as a fun loving, mischievous young boy. Fortunately, these traits never left him.
He met the love of his life, and wife of 52 years Lajla (nee Beck) while studying at Waterloo Lutheran (now Wilfred Laurier). They were married in ThunderBay, ON in 1971, spent a few years in Northern Ontario before building their life together in Barrie ON, then beautiful British Columbia.
Having felt "a gap" after losing his father at a very young age, Allan made it his mission to fill the gap he felt, and help others, and boy did he ever. After receiving a history degree, he completed his teaching certificate at Lakehead University.
Through his teaching, coaching, and volunteer work, Allan touched the lives of countless people over his 30 year career and continued to do so, well into retirement.
Allan was a community leader coaching a myriad of youth sports teams, organizing the first ever Terry Fox run in Barrie in 1980, being one of the first Presidents of the Barrie Royals Basketball Organization, and passionately volunteering with The Special Olympics, ALS Canada, and the Parksville AM Rotary Club.
Allan will be remembered for his devotion to family, fun loving, mischievous sense of humour, passion for sports, love of nature, and above all else, helping others.
He is survived by his loving wife Lajla, sons Brad (Kirsti) and Andrew (Leanne)and five loving grandchildren, Skye, River, Ridge, Preston, and Shea.
Allan was known for having a saying or inspirational quote for any given situation. One of his favourites (ironically, for as a teacher, he was a stickler for good grammar) was You Done Good. Anyone who had the privilege of having this feedback bestowed on them, was immediately lifted by the power of his words.
Well Allan/Dad/Popsi, You Done Real Real Good! We will love and remember you always.
As per his wishes, a private family gathering will be held. In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to one of his most passionate causes. Neurofibromatosis (NF) Foundation, (www.stollerykids.com) or Operation Smile Canada (https://operationsmile.ca/)
Our family would like to thank Dr. C. Sulz, Dr.Hunter, and the staff at Trillium Hospice Palliative Care, Ambulance Services Parksville, and Palliative Care Oceanside, for their outstanding care.
Yates Memorial Services
250-248-5859
"Lives Cherished and Celebrated"