H.L. (LEN) STEVENS

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H.L. (LEN) STEVENS Hugh Leonard Stevens passed away peacefully on August 21, 2001 at the Riverview Health Centre in Winnipeg at the age of 79 years. Len has now joined his wife and lifelong sweetheart, Margaret (nee Tyler) who passed away in October 1998. He will continue to live through the memories of his children, Mark (Carla), Randy (Linda), Lea-Ann (Dennis) Stevens-Malthouse and Patti (Ian) Allan; grandchildren, Lennon, Amanda, Melanie, Steven, Michelle and Meghan; brothers, George and Terry (Barb) brother-in-law Harry (Jean) Tyler; and his nieces and nephews. Len was born in Winnipeg on July 25, 1922 to Margaret and Hugh (Curly) Stevens. He attended Cecil Rhodes School where he met his wife-to-be, Margaret Tyler. They were married October 12, 1946 at St. Thomas Anglican Church, beginning their life together which lasted 52 years until Margs passing in 1998. Len began work at Manitoba Bridge and Engineering Works as an apprentice machinist. After serving overseas in the Second World War, Len returned to work at Manitoba Bridge and became active in the union movement. He joined the CIO drive sweeping Canada in the early 50s and was instrumental in organizing his home local 4087, the first steelworker local organized in Winnipeg. He was involved in local union activities and became a full time staff representative for the United Steelworkers of America in 1952. Len was a longtime believer in political action to further the interests of workers and for many years served on the federal and provincial executives of the CCF and NDP. Notable among the positions that Len held are terms as a school trustee as well as two terms as a city alderman, both under the CCF slate. He orchestrated the planning, construction and operation of the first Winnipeg Union Centre on Portage Avenue. From 1968 to 1977 he served as President of the Manitoba Federation of Labour and was a member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Labour Congress. In 1969 Len marshalled full support of Manitoba Labour behind Ed Schreyer to lead the New Democrats to government. In 1976 Len became the first Director of the United Steelworkers of America, District 3, consisting of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon and the Northwest Territories. He won successive elections until his retirement in 1990. In February of 1994 Len was the first recipient of the Stanley Knowles Humanitarian Award for his commitment and dedication towards the principles of social democracy. To many Len Stevens will be remembered as a passionate, dynamic pioneer in labour history and as Manitobas "Mr. Labour", but to his family there was so much more. Although the family shared Len with the Labour Movement, there is no shortage of warm memories from their homes on College Avenue in Winnipegs North End and Browning Place in North Vancouver, and the cabin at Lakeshore Heights. Lens solid values and spirit of perseverance combined with his unquestionable love and pride of his family have provided the family with a wealth of warm thoughts to be cherished forever. From the family Christmas dinners with both sets of grandparents, to winter weekends snowmobiling at the lake, to the boat trips to Gibsons for fish and chips in British Columbia, these memories will be carried onward. His urging to "never forget where you came from" underscored his ideology of unswerving commitment to everything he believed in. Len suffered a disabling stroke in 1988, and in 1989, Len and Marg moved back to Winnipeg where they had been so deeply rooted. Despite the effects of the stroke, Lens genuine love of people and warm smile shone through, allowing him to make many new friends at Centennial Pool, as well as Middlechurch Care Home where he looked forward to a beer with his buddies every week. Thanks to those special people who provided the care and support necessary for Len to maintain his independence and continue living at home, especially Ida and Ed. We extend our deepest appreciation to the compassionate staff of the Riverview Health Centre. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service to celebrate Lens life will be held on Saturday, August 25 at 1:00 p.m. at the Union Centre, 275 Broadway and Smith, Second Floor Auditorium. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lens memory to Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Middlechurch Day Program.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 24, 2001