STEPHENS, Arthur
April 28, 1921 ~ June 24, 2015
Arthur passed peacefully at the Shorncliffe Care Home in Sechelt B.C. at the age of 94. He chose a quiet moment on a warm and sunny afternoon to be reunited with his beloved wife of almost 60 years.
Arthur was predeceased by his wife Mona (Scholey), son Donald and his 4 brothers Charlie, Lewis, Percy and Bud. Left to mourn his passing are daughter Dianne Clement (Mike), Grandchildren Bryan Fitchell and Debbie Starling (Richard), Great-grandchildren Landon, Rhys and Emma, his sister Rose Lambert (Dennis), numerous nieces and nephews and Mike’s family Patti, Kelly, Ron and Moira.
Born in Nanaimo in 1921 Arthur left school early during those difficult pre war years to work any job he could find to help support his family. He eventually joined the Navy in 1943. After the war Arthur returned to British Columbia, married the love of his life and once again began a varied career in Nanaimo. Arthur was a very social man and found work where he could meet and interact with many people. Over the years he drove bus and taxi, worked for the Post Office delivering mail, spent time at Spear & Jackson and McGavin’s Bakery. He was a partner in Peter’s Ice Cream, worked at Harmac Pulp and Paper and finally worked at the Petroleum Division of the Co-Op in Nanaimo where he retired in 1981 at the assistant managers position.
Like many of his generation Arthur loved hunting and fishing, bowling and playing cards but mostly just enjoyed the wonder and beauty of the west coast and the people who live here.
After retiring Arthur and Mona bought a motor home and travelled as much as was possible, taking their grandchildren on many trips. Arthur loved gatherings with family and friends. He would often engage in conversation with total strangers. Arthur had a smile and a greeting for everyone he encountered.
In 1999 Arthur and Mona moved to the Sunshine Coast to be closer to their daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren.
Always polite, always happy, always the gentleman and generous to a fault. They don’t make them like that any more.
A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Mundy for taking such great care of Arthur over the last 16 years and to the Shorncliffe and St. Mary’s Hospital staff for their excellent care over the past two years.
Cremation at Devlin’s Funeral Home will be followed by interment at Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens in Nanaimo where he will be reunited with his wife Mona and other members of the Stephens and Lewis pioneer families.
No service by request.