John Daniel STEVENSON

1929 - 2023

JOHN D. STEVENSON, K.C. John Daniel Stevenson, March 26, 1929 - August 12, 2023 It is with heavy hearts that we announce that John passed away peacefully on August 12, 2023. Predeceased by the love of his life, his wife, Joan (2005); his parents, Carl Stanton Stevenson and Norma Hambrick Stevenson (née Cassady); his sister, Jean van der Tak; his brother, Stanton; and so many dear friends. Beloved father to John (Sher Bovay), Louise (Paul Stock) and Sarah (David Schorr). Adored Papa to his grandchildren, Ryan, Fraser, Lindsay and Katie. Proud uncle and great-uncle to many nieces and nephews. Born in Cobalt and raised in Toronto, John was educated at Allenby Public School and Upper Canada College. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Trinity College, University of Toronto in 1950, after which he went on to study law at the University of Toronto (1953) and Osgoode Hall Law School. John was called to the bar in 1955. John articled with and worked as an associate at Borden Elliot until 1962, until he left to become a founding partner of Smith, Lyons, Torrence, Stevenson, and Mayer, which merged into Gowlings LLP (2001).
John's loves were the family, his many friends, law, education and the outdoors. He was known for innovative problem solving for corporations and mentorship in the legal profession. His passion for law was matched with that for education, exemplified by his leadership role in the creation of the Canadian Education Standards Institute, providing standards of excellence for independent and private schools nationally. He was equally comfortable sitting at a boardroom table as he was riding his tractor at the family farm in Mulmur. He was passionate about the outdoors and found ways to be active in nature year-round, skiing at Osler Bluff Ski Club, golfing at the Toronto Golf Club, and hiking on the Bruce Trail (into his 90s). He also loved nothing more than a glass of scotch at his side, a great book in his hand and the Jays game on the TV, while surrounded by family and friends. He valued strong family bonds across generations and borders, graciously welcoming relatives to Toronto, Point Ideal and Mulmur. He valued long-lasting relationships, including weekends away with his grade 5 Allenby school friends into his 90s, parties, fun trips and 'canoe weekends' with friends he met at both Upper Canada College and the University of Toronto. Until the end, he remained the kind, charming, funny gentleman he was his whole life.
He was a Director of George Weston Limited, Wittington Investments, Holt Renfew, Canada Trust, Hayes Dana and Dana, Fireman's Fund Insurance Company and American Express. He was Chairman of Upper Canada College and Founder and Honorary Counsel of Canadian Education Standards Institute and Chairman, Conference of Independent Schools and Canadian Standards Association. He was a member of the Badminton and Racquet Club, Toronto Club, Toronto Golf, Mulmur Hills Tennis Club and Osler Bluff Ski Club.
We owe a special thank you to the caring staff of Victor and the wonderful caregivers of Maloria Care, Manuela, who after more than 30 years of helping our family is just that - family, and the incredible Dr. Margaret Bennett, who supported our Dad's care with wisdom, patience and compassion.

A private funeral service will be held, followed by an open celebration of life on September 29th at 4:30 p.m. EST in the Upper School Student Centre, at Upper Canada College, 200 Lonsdale Ave., Toronto. Campus parking will be available on the Avenue and in the West Lot, accessible from Forest Hill Road, where there is an elevator for those who may need it. Please consider optionally RSVP'ing your attendance or sending condolences to: RememberingJDS2023@gmail.com
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the following organisations or a Charity of Your Choice:
Bruce Trail Conservancy: https://brucetrail.org/
Canadian Hard of Hearing Association: https://www.chha.ca/
Project Canoe: https://canoe.org/
Upper Canada College Foundation: https://www.ucc.on.ca/giving/ways-to-give#