HARVEY LEWIS STEVENS

A funeral service honouring Harvey’s life will be held on: Friday, Sept 23, 2022 at 1:30 PM at Young United Church, 222 Furby Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba.

As seating is limited, to register for the funeral please sign up by clicking here or contact Young United Church at 204-783-0128.

His story began when he was born and raised on September 18, 1944 in Port Colborne, ON to Erie and Harvey Stevens. He reminisced often about a childhood filled with adventures, time outside and freedom to roam whether it be at the quarry, fishing or time at Uncle Ted’s cabin with his sisters Barbara and Shelley.

Harvey lived a full and very active life and was an amazing and energetic man. True to his statistical loving mind, he reminded us on his last day that he had lived to 77.9506 years of life.

Upon graduating with his B.A. from University of Victoria, he joined the Company of Young Canadians in 1966 as part of the first group of volunteers in a bold experiment in tackling poverty in Canada in the Logan area in Winnipeg. He furthered his application of knowledge with a Masters Degree from University of Toronto in 1972.

And with that so began a lifelong commitment to social and policy change as it applied to poverty and the climate as a Researcher with Manitoba Guaranteed Income Experiment, then with the Social Planning Council of Winnipeg and later as a Senior Policy Analyst with the Department of Families. Even into retirement he continued to tirelessly contribute to the body of knowledge as he published articles on welfare, basic income programs, affordable licensed care fee system and climate change. He also consulted on many different projects and papers. This year, his recommendations were accepted by the Special Committee on Poverty in PEI and was personally recognized and thanked by Hon. Dennis King. He vigorously worked for these causes, which were a reflection of his values and beliefs.

He also loved his family deeply. He was married in 1972 to Sarah Bowen and together they had four children. After their separation, he was fortunate enough to meet and marry his second wife Sue, with whom he just celebrated 22 years of marriage.

His passion for learning and problem solving also extended into his rich personal life. His love of adventure, travel, the love of puns, language, music, fitness, and carpentry was reflected in his many interests and leisure pursuits.

After a trip to Cuba in 2004, he took up Spanish classes and continued until two months before he passed. This is a man who built his own speedboat, took up sailing, hang gliding and scuba diving. He would build his own furniture, build rickshaws and Halloween costumes, tree forts and cradles for his grandchild. He sang with gusto in choral groups from the late 1980’s until 2020. Running and fitness were also a life long passion, evidenced by his participation in different marathon races. He was an avid walker and could be seen and walking from his home in downtown Winnipeg to Birds Hill Park regularly. One of his greatest adventures that he spoke of with great fondness was his completion of the 500km stretch of the French Camino route in 15 days in October 2016. This was a highlight of his life.

If you were lucky enough to meet him, you would also find him volunteering on various committees, gathering with friends for weekly coffee, entertaining anyone and everyone with groan worthy puns, helping his youngest son with his organic farm projects, and travelling often to visit his other children in St. Albert, Vancouver and the Pas.

In addition to his loving wife Sue Cowan; his life and legacy will continue to be celebrated by his children Bronwen (Mark) Samuel, David (Hui Mei), Aaron (Linda) and Jonathan, his step children Lesley and Ian and 3 beautiful grandchildren Sadie, Courtney and Wasayah, his sisters Shelley Stevens, Barbara (Don) Gray and extended family and many, many friends.

Although you are deeply missed, we are relieved that you were able to pass in the way you so desired and are no longer in pain after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

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Again, true to your style and sense of humour, your final words to all of us was in the form of a pun. Yes, dear father, we wish you well on your Maid-En Voyage.

We will be reminded of your constant presence and gifts in our life every time we hear a pun or see a Tilley hat or a plaid shirt out on a walk. Via Con Dios. We love you.

In lieu of flowers, we welcome donations to the Green Action Centre or Eco Justice.

A heartfelt thanks to his palliative care team, the palliative team at Riverview Palliative Care Centre of 3 East, and his Minister Tim Crouch for your care.

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Harvey's family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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