WILLIAM "BILL" JOHN STEVENSON

March 2, 1951 - March 6, 2023

We are saddened to announce that on March 6, with his loving wife of 44+ years by his side, Bill passed away peacefully.

 

He is survived by his wife Sue; son Jeff (Delia); siblings Betty (Kim) and Wayne (Susan); step granddaughter Kendra and expectant granddaughter due in April. He was predeceased by his son Scott in 2019.

 

Bill grew up in Winnipeg, the youngest son of Jack and Alberta Stevenson. After graduating from the University of Manitoba he went on to be a teacher for St. James School Division for 37 years.

 

He loved teaching and made a lasting impact on many of his students often running into them years later being recognized by his trademark hair. He was also heavily involved in coaching, having coached many teams over the years in a multitude of sports, notably Volleyball, Basketball, Track and Field, Badminton, Soccer and Hockey.

 

Bill loved mentoring and helped many of the next generation become coaches or officials and could always be relied on when help was needed. He is remembered fondly by friends and colleagues for being supportive and encouraging them to do things the right way and to most importantly ensure that the kids always had fun first.

 

Bill taught at Robert Browning between 1975-1982 and at Hedges Junior High/Middle School from 1982 until his retirement in 2011. He was proud to have taught several generations of students, making the joke at his own expense that he had not only taught some students parents, but their grandparents as well.

 

Post retirement Bill became heavily involved with officiating Volleyball enjoying the chance to stay involved in sport and get a chance to interact with former students and mentor fellow officials. He became involved in various dog activities like agility, herding, disc dogs and dog shows with his two dogs Spirit and Triton where he met many new friends.

 

Bill tried to stay active in sports throughout his life, having played many sports through his school years and in his adult years joined and formed numerous teams. He especially enjoyed golfing with his family, curling with his friends and running a slo-pitch team where he got to play with friends, wife and both sons. Bill also loved watching both his boys playing a variety of sports growing up, sometimes getting the opportunity to coach them as well. If he wasn’t coaching them he was often seen with a video camera in hand recording the games to be able to rewatch later.

 

While Bill loved teaching and coaching, his other love was his family which always came first and he was very proud of how both his sons enjoyed a variety of sports while growing up. He was very proud that Scott would choose to follow his footsteps and become a teacher and a coach before his untimely death. He was also very proud of Jeff and the man he became and was very excited to welcome Delia, Kendra and his new granddaughter into the family.

 

Most of all Bill loved his wife Sue, the two met thru sports while Sue was in high school. They would be married on July 8, 1978 and would buy their forever home soon after in Charleswood. Mom and Dad taught me many things throughout the years, but the lesson I will remember most is that true love is a beautiful thing and when you find that person you cherish them, you help them grow, and they will reward you with more than you could ever want in life.

 

This was Dad, and this is why I know he lived a full life and a life that he wouldn’t change, nor was he upset that it could be cut short. He knew he was loved by his family and cherished by his friends. He knew that once he was gone that his love and lessons would carry on and remain and although he may not be here in body, he is always here in spirit and we can hear his lessons, we can still feel his love and do exactly what he wanted for any of his students to just find our own piece of happiness and love and get the most out of life we can.

 

The family would like to thank Dr. Pamela Skrabek, and the nurses at Cancer Care Manitoba, the doctors and nurses at Grace Hospital.

 

In Accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place and no formal service will be held.

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Bill's family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by watching the photo-biography above. Please, also consider sharing your own photos, memories, and stories by making use of the comment section on this page.