Obituary of John Edward Stevens

Died on his 84th birthday, July 17, 2012 John “Jack” E. Stevens, much loved by his wife Theresa (nee Collings) and his daughter Mary Ann (Geoff Harding), will be sorrowfully missed by his sister Ann Melvin, brother-in-law Leo Collings (Audrey), sister-in-law Colletta Woodruff, sister-in-law, Gertrude McNulty (Peter), grandsons Christopher and Mark Harding, his extended family, and his great many friends. Predeceased by his older brother James (Francis) and his parents, James J. Stevens and Mary Irene (Trainor) Stevens. Jack was known as an entrepreneur. At 21 years of age he became the youngest Canadian Tire dealer in that company’s history. He operated franchises in Chatham, Moncton and Saint John, and served as president of the National Dealers Association in the 1990’s, providing business leadership at a pivotal time in the company’s development. Wherever Jack lived, he was always active in his community. In Chatham, he was a player and lifetime member of the Chatham Ironmen senior baseball team, and a volunteer manager of the St. Thomas hockey and football teams, and was made an honorary alumnus. Jack was a founding member of the Chatham Recreation Council. In Moncton, he was the director of the Kiwanis Club and Chamber of Commerce, and in Saint John he was chairman of the United Way and member of the Saint John Regional Hospital Board of Directors for 8 years. Renforth community rowing development was a passion he shared with good friends in the 1980’s and was made an honorary oarsman. He also volunteered for the Liberal Party, serving as President of the provincial party from 1981 - 1990. Jack was a founding member of the David Stephen Foundation, an organization that raises awareness of child abuse and its effects, and he continued to volunteer with that organization into 2012. He was a recipient of a Silver Jubilee Medal of Honor 2002 for volunteerism. A very proud man of his Irish heritage, and enjoyed chairing the 150th Anniversary Celebrations of the Irish Potato Famine with his lifelong friend Danny Britt. Born in Boston Massachusetts, brought up in Saint John, Jack was a committed Red Sox fan and, despite his many other commitments, helped coach the team from his favourite armchair each season. Jack graduated from St. Vincent’s Boys School in 1945. He captained the Holy Trinity Junior Baseball Maritime Champion Team. Faith and community service guided Jack in his life. Jack was a member of the Knights of Columbus for more than 60 years. He was a wonderful role model to his grandsons, and to his nieces and nephews: Sandra McNeill (Ernie); Robert Melvin(Trudy); Margaret Flewelling (Peter); Jim Melvin (Michelle);Terri Pridham; Louise Ressor (Ron); Jim Stevens (Donna); Kathy Rodger (John); Louise McCarville (Gary); Maura Butko; Dr. James Collings (Brenda); Peter Collings (Colleen); Elizabeth Collings (Chris); Susan Rourke (Brent); Peggy McCharles (Don); Mary Arsenault (Michel); Wayne McNulty (Lynn); Maria Arsenault;Terry Tuck(Steve); and Joan Lowney (Kevin). Resting at Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home, 152 Pettingill Road, Quispamsis, (506) 849-2119, with visitation on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. A celebration of life and Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 31 Gondola Point Road, Rothesay, on Saturday, July 21, 2012, at 11:00 AM. A reception will immediately follow the Mass, at the church hall. Interment in St. Joseph’s Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online donations and condolences may be made at: www.kennebecasisfh.com