ALBERT GORDON STEVENS

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ALBERT GORDON STEVENS August 25, 1923 - June 14, 2018 A Soldier died today. Bert was released from his last battle, with cancer, to everlasting peace. He was weary and heard the voice of his Lord, whom he loved dearly, calling him home to rest. Bert soldiered through war and strife, with a loving heart, just soul, a wise mind, and a positive attitude. He consistently put the needs of others before himself and was admired and respected by many. Bert and his twin sister Edna were born and raised on a farm at Calf Mountain near Darlingford, Manitoba. He was the eldest son, worked hard, and never shirked his duties; especially at age 17 after the death of his father. Bert worked their farm for the next two years. After losing the crop to an early frost he rented the land and settled his mother and siblings in Darlingford. Bert joined the military in December 1941, serving with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles as a signaler at the front lines so he could send a pay cheque home for his family. In October 1944 Bert was severely wounded in action at the Leopold Canal in Belgium. After discharge in June 1946, Bert headed to Flin Flon to find employment as an electrician at Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting, later becoming an electrical foreman. Bert met Gwen (Lund), his 'Svenska Flicka', the love of his life. They married in 1951 and spent the next 35 years raising their family in Flin Flon. After building an amazing log cabin at Whitefish Lake, his family spent every summer there. Bert always said, "The happiest days of my life were spent at that cabin with my family." In 1986 Bert and Gwen retired to Vernon, BC until Gwen's death in 2008, after 57 years of marriage, when Bert moved back to Manitoba to be closer to family. He lived near Portage la Prairie until 2015 when he moved to Winnipeg. Kibitzing was Bert's favourite pastime. He was a grand story teller and could remember details from many decades ago. His family encouraged him to put his stories to paper for future generations, so at age 87 he wrote and published his book, "No Feather Beds". It includes short personal stories of his life before, during and after the Second World War. Bert will be lovingly remembered by his sister Lois Beck of Cochenour, ON; daughters, Diane Dyck (Henry) of Portage la Prairie, Sandy Gauthier-Huyghebaert (Mitch) of Winnipeg and Janice Rempel (Keith) of Oakville, MB; son Gordon W. Stevens (Alana) of Winnipeg; 12 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grand-daughter. He was predeceased by his father Gordon William Stevens; mother Ada May Shewfelt/Stevens/Pearce; beloved wife Gwen, twin sister Edna (Compton), brother Jack, sister Doreen (Laing-Baker), and granddaughter Christie Ann Gauthier. In accordance with Bert's wishes cremation has taken place. A private family Celebration of Life will be held. We, Bert's family, send special thanks to Kildonan Personal Care Home, CancerCare Manitoba, Palliative Care, and his doctors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation Inc., Room ON1160 - 675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3E 9Z9; or a charity of your choice.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 23, 2018