SAM STEPHENSON

It is with profound sadness that the family announces the passing of our beloved father, Sam Stephenson, at Riverview Health Center Winnipeg, on July 7th 2025 at the age of 96.

Sam was predeceased by his wife, Reta, parents Emma and Sam, brother William and sister Lois. He is survived by his sister Jean, children Marg (Mike) Doyle, Betty (Pierre) Lebel, Sam (Jackie), Robert (late Karen), 13 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren.

Sam was born in 1928, in Toronto. He spent his early years in Tionaga as his father Sam, was stationmaster there with the CNR. The family later moved to Barrie, where Sam attended high school, excelling on the rifle team and the football field.

Sam achieved the rank of Sergeant while serving in the Reserve Force of the Canadian Army between 1950 and 1953

Sam was the eldest of 4 children. Married to Reta Sadick in1951, Sam and Reta raised their children in North Bay, Timmins and Thunder Bay.

Sam was always a gentle man and a gentleman.

Family was important to Sam, and he amazed family by sending a typed letter - original, not copied - to each of his children once a week from the time they left home until Sam was well into his 90's.

Sam worked in the insurance industry for over 60 years, ultimately entering full retirement in 2018. Companies that benefited from his heartfelt efforts included Prudential, Dominion Life and Manulife. Over the years, Sam received numerous awards for his achievements, and 'made conference' many times, allowing him to travel to such places as New York, Chicago, New Orleans, Washington D.C., Miami, Boston, and, a favourite, Makinac Island. However, Sam is best remembered by all for his kind and caring approach to others.

Sam taught the Life Underwriters Training courses for many years, and it was not unusual for former students who met him years later to express their gratitude for his help.

Sam was very involved with the Salvation Army in Thunder Bay, often manning a kettle during their fundraising drives, or distributing food for those less fortunate. Sam was passionate about the recently opened Journey to Life Centre. He always believed that he was lucky, and therefore, dedicated himself to service with the auxiliary board, and was ultimately given the distinction of being appointed a lifetime member of the organization.

An avid church goer, Sam belonged to the Anglican Church, and was part of the congregation at both Saint Luke's and Saint Paul's, where he often did the readings during services.

As a young man, he saved his best friend from drowning. Sam and Ralph remained good friends for life, and Ralph became godfather to one of Sam's daughters. Sam was an avid gardener, with roses becoming his area of expertise, going to great efforts to grow and maintain quite a variety. In keeping with his generous nature, Sam enjoyed giving the results of his labours to neighbours and work associates.

Sam's other hobby was reading. It was not unusual for him to have several books and magazines on the go at any time, whether it be the Bible, a biography, The Economist, or a best seller.

A private burial will take place at Barrie Union Cemetery. In light of Sam supporting an array of worthy needs, donations may be directed to the Charity of Your Choice.

Sam's family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives honour his memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section of his obituary at Ethical Death Care, Winnipeg, found at https://www.ethicaldeathcare.com/obits.