ALFRED LESLIE STEVENS

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ALFRED LESLIE STEVENS February 5, 1920 - March 14, 2004 After a long battle with Alzheimers disease, Alfred Stevens died peacefully on Sunday evening. Alfred was born at the St. Boniface Hospital. His parents, Alfred Stevens and Grace Rayner were both from England. His childhood was difficult as his father worked as a cook with the CNR and was often away from home. Als mother died when he was 13 years of age. Even as a child, he was a hard working, bright boy and the Rutherford family invited Al to stay with them on their family farm in Rosser, MB. He completed school in Rosser and qualified for a scholarship to attend Normal School (Teachers College) 1939 to 1940. His first teaching job was at Island Lake School followed by Decker, MB. In December 1941, Al was called into the Royal Canadian Air Force. On his ninth mission, the plane he was navigating was shot down over Nazi occupied Denmark on February 15, 1944. He became a Prisoner of War, in Stalag Luft 3, well known for the movie, "The Great Escape". He was liberated by the British army May 8, 1945. Alfreds father died while he was overseas. He returned to Winnipeg and married Marjorie Rutherford. Marj and Al adopted a baby boy in 1956, William Lorne, whom they both cherished. Alfred graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Arts. He taught in the River East School Division and then became a Fort Garry School Division principal; which included Vincent Massey and Viscount Alexander. He later became superintendent of schools in Portage la Prairie and eventually Department of Education consultant to special education. He served on the Public Schools Finance Board and was a principal for a short term at the Manitoba School for the Deaf before retiring at age 63. He greatly enjoyed the family cottage which he built at Victoria Beach. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and his many friends and associates. When health permitted, he and Marj travelled extensively. Al was made an honorary citizen of Denmark by the Monarchy and attended the 700th anniversary of the town of Faaborg. Al belonged to many service clubs and was a long standing member of the Charleswood United Church. Marjorie, Alfreds wife of 58 years, sadly also suffers from Alzheimers and is well looked after by the staff of T3 at Deer Lodge Centre. He is also survived by his son Lorne and his family, wife Lorna; grandsons, Lindsey and Lee. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Bob Rutherford, his wife Mona and their family and Lornes mother-in-law Merle Brown and family. The family wishes to express appreciation to the staff at Deer Lodge Centre, notably T3 and T4, as well as the Behaviour Treatment Unit at the Bethania Mennonite Personal Care Home, for their excellent care throughout his five years with both facilities. A service to celebrate the life of Alfred Stevens will be held on Saturday, March 20 at 10:00 a.m. in the Deer Lodge Centre Chapel, 2109 Portage Ave., officiated by Rev. Michael Wilson of the Charleswood United Church. In lieu of flowers, please support in his memory The Deer Lodge Foundation or a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CEMETERY AND CREMATORIUM 885-9715 Family and friends are invited to sign the Book of Condolences at www.chapellawn.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 19, 2004