Dennis Stevenson

Dennis was born at sea on September 17th, 1933, on the Llandovery Castle (2) as it steamed its way to Kenya, where he spent his youth. In between semesters at the Prince of Wales School, Dennis enjoyed swimming with pals and sailing with his older brother Jack. Once on a school break his father gave him an open account with the local ice cream parlour; thankfully, Dennis was back at school when his father received the bill, as he had innocently treated his friends to ice cream all summer.

At the age of 22, Dennis boarded a boat for Canada, quickly downgrading his 1st class passage when he realized where the party was onboard. Settling in Canada, he married Margaret Delay and had two sons, Victor and David. In 1972, he married Jennifer Cornish, who was with him until his passing. Jennifer and Dennis had two daughters, Diana and Elizabeth. All of his children were able to visit with Dennis during his final days.

Upon arriving in Canada in 1955, Dennis did a short stint working in forestry on North Vancouver Island. After one semester at UBC, he moved into the finance business – ignoring an employment assessment suggesting he would excel in sales of women's clothing. After spending 10 years in finance, Dennis joined the Federal Government as a Manager and then Regional Director with the income security programs. His down-to-earth leadership approach, warmth and humour was treasured by colleagues.

Following heart complications in the early 2000s, his doctor predicted Dennis would live for another 2 to 7 years. Given his positive outlook on life, it did not surprise his family when he went onto to have another 17 years, defying the expectations of all of his doctors. He credited his resilience to the large portions (including those of his older siblings) of tough East-African lettuce he was made to eat as a young boy.

Dennis was known by all as a true English Gentleman. He loved tennis, golf, fishing, opera, working out with friends at the gym and spending time with loved ones. He passed in peace and comfort, listening to Pavarotti with his son at his side.

His ashes will be scattered near his favorite fishing location on the Juan da Fuca Strait, returning Dennis to the sea on which he was born.

Dennis is predeceased by his father, Algernon, mother, Dorothy, and older brother, Jack.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Jennifer, his older sister, Jill, and his 4 children and 7 grandchildren, along with his much-loved nieces and nephews in Australia, Canada and England.