Percy Stevenson

Percy William Stevenson

July 15, 1938 – May 21, 2019

Our heads are happy he is no longer suffering, but our hearts are sad to announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, Godfather, friend.

Percy was predeceased by much-loved grandparents who raised him, Percy and Clara Williams; mother Victoria, Mom-in-Law Annie Lefteruk (who insisted he was the best driver in the whole world), a baby brother, as well as brothers Hughie, Jack and Jack’s wife Veronica.

He is survived by his devoted wife Caroline; children Les (Tracy), Kathy (Ed), Shelley (Norm), and Bill. As well, many others call(ed) him Dad: Diane’s children Frankie and Carol, and Muriel’s children Laverne, Laura (Frank), Cheryl (Dwayne), Frank, Carol (Harold); step-children David (Diane) and Sarah and Mae accepted him whole-heartedly. Together Percy and Caroline adopted their youngest son, Braydon (Cassie). We dearly love all our kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, nieces, and nephews and rarely said “his” or “hers” except for clarification when asked.  You are all “ours.”

Also surviving are his siblings: Steve (Verna), Emeline, Marlene (Heinz), Brian (Glenda), Doug (Mary Jane), Ellie, and Donna (George). He also treasured his Kipling family. Several years ago he did his own version of adoption ceremony when he invited special friend Phyllis to be his sister.

Percy left home as a young teen and worked hard all his life. His philosophy was simple, “If it’s not working, move on to something else.” With his charming ways and fantastic work ethic, he was always able to find a job: fishing in the NWT, working on the railway in Northern MB/ON, farm hand, and driving, driving, driving. As a Watkins representative, he enjoyed visiting his friends (whether he got a sale or not), making new friends as colleagues or customers, and you got it, driving.

Percy enjoyed working at Kateri Catholic Church, played a huge part in the restoration of St. Peter’s Old Stone Church (Anglican), made his mark at the Selkirk Aboriginal Redemption Centre Church, and after we moved to St. Georges he spent countless evenings in the communities of Sagkeeng and Little Black River singing at wakes or hosting gospel sing-alongs at our home. As he became less mobile, he played  his gospel CDs and videos 24/7, except when he was making phone calls to stay connected with family and friends. Percy always had an encouraging word and often shared a joke and much laughter to brighten others’ days.

One of Percy’s special talents was re-purposing other people’s junk, He also wrote encouraging notes or scriptures on small scraps and handed them out as he felt led. Of his many good friends, he recently received great comfort from long-time buddy Tom from their old hockey days, as well as Peter and Dale who shared many hours providing spiritual encouragement. Of course there was much laughter. Thanks, guys!

We are very grateful to the medical staff at both Pine Falls and Selkirk, as well as Home Care nurses and “washer women” as he called them. EMTs gave him quite a few “bumpy” rides along with good care. Maintenance, kitchen staff, security, and anyone involved with his care will remain in our hearts forever. You are awesome!

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 25, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. in the Gilbart Funeral Chapel in Selkirk, Manitoba with a viewing held prior to. Cremation will follow and a luncheon will take place after the service in the Gilbart Reception Centre.

Honorary pallbearers will be his all his grandchildren.

Rest in Peace, my beloved.

Sing with the angels.

Til we meet again..

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