John Eric Stevens
Born In: Glace Bay
Passed on: October 27th, 2014
John Eric Stevens passed away peacefully on Monday, Oct. 27, 2014, surrounded by his wife, Mary, his family and friends, and the fading colours of Cape Breton in the fall.
Born and bred in Glace Bay, Jack was the son of the late Elmer and Alice (McGillivray) Stevens.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary (McKinnon); his daughters, Audrey (Terry) Ferrier, Cynthia Marie, Jacqueline (Robert) Pitcher; son, Tony (Carol) and his grandchildren, Jonathan, Alexander, Andrew, Taylor, Sara and Scott.
Jack was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Ronald Stevens.
A lifelong member of St. Anne’s parish, Jack served as an altar boy in his youth with his brother, Ronnie, as well as a tenor in the choir. As a young man, Jack was employed as a coal miner, a millwright, and a machinist. He capped his career with a managerial position at Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd.
Jack was passionately loyal, a quality that characterized his relationships with his friends and his loved ones. His raucous humour and generous spirit ensured that the people who found their way to his doorstep kept coming back. He loved golf and working in the garage on the many projects given to him by his wife. His middle age and retirement were spent happily in the house he built for his family, playing cards, watching hockey (especially Sidney Crosby), and singing along to old favourites as Mary played the piano.
At Jack’s request, there will be no visitation. Cremation will take place under the direction of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, Glace Bay. The funeral mass will be officiated by Fr. Leo Boone and Jack’s childhood friend, Fr. William Rankin, at St. Anne’s Church with the time to be announced. There will be a reception in the church foyer following the mass. Interment will take place at a later date.
The family would like to thank the people and the organizations whose caring comfort and professional courtesy helped Jack endure his last months with dignity.
Accordingly, memorial donations in Jack’s memory may be made to the VON, Respite Care, and the Palliative Care Unit of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.
Online condolences to the family can be expressed at www.vjmcgillivray.ca.
