Thomas Stevens

In the beauty of the changing seasons, he will be remembered.

Tom passed away October 19, 2024 at the Lake of the Woods Hospital.

Born February 2, 1942 in Fort Frances, Ontario, his parents were Allen and Elsie Stevens.

In 1949, the family moved to Terrace Bay, Ontario where, as a teen, Tom roamed the forest in search of trout fishing spots. He also had his first job while there, experiencing the building of the bridge over the Steel River.

The family returned to Fort Frances in 1957. Tom graduated from Fort Frances High School and continued his education at Ryerson Institute of Technology, graduating in 1963. As an adult, he also completed a Bachelor of Arts university degree at Lakehead University.

In 1963, he began his lifetime career at the Fort Frances paper mill, moving on to the Kenora paper mill in 1967. During his working years he became a respected leader.

Tom was a good hockey player, loved skiing and often reminisced about Thursday skating in Kenora with a live band. Tom was a talented artist. In his retirement, he loved sketching and painting. He also enjoyed music, learning to play the guitar and the banjo. Perhaps his greatest achievement was building. Starting small, he built several garages and a camp addition down on Footprint Lake. Upon his retirement in 1996, he designed and built a beautiful home on the shores of Lake of the Woods. He always built with great precision and care.

He is survived by his loving wife, June Stevens, step-son, Jim Mahon (Kim Mahon) and step-daughter, Janice Robertson (David Robertson) and three granddaughters; Sarah Mahon (Ryan Skene), Becca Mahon and Katie Mahon (Matt Grandbois), all of Kenora.

He was predeceased by his parents and his beloved sister, Barbara Jean (Hill) Stevens of Winnipeg. She is survived by her daughter, Karen Hill Ashbury (Doug Ashbury) of Winnipeg and son David Hill (Lisa Hill) of Calgary.

Tom is survived by his brother, Ken Stevens (Betty Anne Stevens) of Edmonton, Alberta and their children; Sherill Anne Hynes (Darryl Hynes) of Fort McMurray, Ian Stevens (Mirela Stevens) of Edmonton, Bradley Stevens (Nina Stevens) of Edmonton and Coleen Hougen (Shawn Hougen) of Kamloops.

Also surviving are his sister in law, Joan Gropp and her children; Linda McIntosh (Tim McIntosh) of Costa Rica, Debbie Williams (Greg Williams) of Orangeville and Anita Gropp (Peter Oettlin) of Orangeville. He was predeceased by his brother in law, Alvin Gropp of Orangeville.

He is also survived by brother in law, Bob Clark (Carolyn Clark) of Huntsville and his children; Jennifer Clark (Tim Bastedo) of Niagara-on-the-Lake and Jon Clark (Fran Clark) of Cambridge.

Tom leaves behind 18 great nieces and nephews.

Treasured friends include Phil and Pat Burke, Kenora and Kim Koivukoski, Thunder Bay.

Tom adored his Yorkie, Cooper, who was always a great companion to him.

A Celebration of the Life of Tom will be held at a later date at Riverview Cemetery in Fort Frances where he will be put to rest with his father, mother and sister. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Lake of the Woods Hospital, The Alzheimer’s Society, or The Muse would be appreciated.