Henry STEVENSON

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STEVENSON: Henry “Harry” Stevenson. Harry passed away quietly and joined his loving wife Jean on Thursday, January 10, 2013 at 77 years of age. Harry is survived by his daughters; Connie (Tim) Rey and Kim (Kevin) Shamanski, as well as his cherished grandchildren; Nathan and Carli Rey, Madison and Piper Shamanski whom he loved very much. He will be lovingly remembered and missed by his brother Jack (Gretta), numerous nieces, nephews, many “adopted” nieces and nephews, and other family and friends. Harry was born December 12, 1935 in Portadown, Northern Ireland to parents Grace and John Stevenson. He started his horticultural career at the age of 14 working for McGredys Nursery. When Harry was 20 years old he left Portadown for Canada, landing in Morden where he worked as a lifeguard and at the Experimental Farm. He met many wonderful people during his early years in Canada – many who became lifelong friends. He spoke of them often, with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, and he always cherished time spent with them. Harry went back to Ireland when he was 24 with the intent to steal away the girl of his dreams and asked Jean to marry him. Jean later followed Harry to Canada and they were married for 48 years. Harry and Jean loved socializing with their friends, going to the Legion, house parties, social functions and dancing - they loved to dance – jiving being their specialty. It wasn’t unusual for people to stop and watch them jive and twist. Harry worked for the City of Brandon for 35 years, initially in the greenhouses - ending his career with the City of Brandon as the Manager for Parks & Recreation. Harry loved plants and flowers and always had a house full of plants and a beautiful, meticulously cared for yard - a yard which was always the envy of the block. He spent many hours outside in his flower gardens – weeding and watering – just enjoying being outside. He also loved to go hunting and spending time at Clear Lake with Jean and his children, sharing meals at the cook shack, fishing, swimming, going for walks with the dog and kids in tow, card games with family and friends, as well as sneaking away from Jean for a wee nip. Harry and Jean made several trips over the years back to Ireland to visit family and friends, taking their children a couple of times for family weddings. Harry was a devoted husband and father, caring grandfather and friend who had a wonderful way with children – always enjoying spending his work lunch hour at home with Jean’s day care children. He is predeceased by his loving wife Jean; mother Grace; father John and sister Minnie. A Come and Go Reception to celebrate Harry’s life will be held at Memories Chapel, 330 18th Street North, on Wednesday, February 13, 2013 from 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. Private Family Interment will be held in the Brandon Cemetery with Rev. Shannon McCarthy officiating. The urn bearer will be Carli Rey (granddaughter). The family would like to extend a special thank you to all those special friends and family who spent time with dad whether it was just to talk and visit, drop off some baking, or play a game of shuffleboard. Donations made to the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation-Murray House Cancer Treatment Centre, 150 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, MB R7A 2B3 would be greatly appreciated.Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com.Arrangements withMemories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 204-727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on Feb 09, 2013