STEVENSON, WILLIAM GRIFFITH March 11, 1933 - February 3, 2022 With profound sadness our family announces the passing of cherished husband and father, William G. Stevenson (Bill) in his 89th year. Beloved husband of Elizabeth Ann (Stevenson) of 64 years and loving father of Jane (Jim) Bruce of Collingwood, Ontario, James (Taylor) Stevenson of Tulsa, OK and Jennifer (Scott) Lecky of Corwnall, Ontario. Bill died peacefully on February 3, 2022 at his Leaside home of 57 years. Born on March 11, 1933 in Toronto, Ontario to Alexander and Cecilia Stevenson who had recently emigrated from Scotland to Toronto. Bill is predeceased by his sister Patricia Axworthy and his brother Alastair Stevenson. Bill attended Hodgson Public School and North Toronto Collegiate. After graduating from the University of Toronto he attended Osgoode Hall Law School. Bill had an illustrious football career with The Toronto Varsity Blues (highlighted in 1954 with a Yates Cup Championship) and then with The Calgary Stampeders. After being Called to the Bar in 1959 he worked in the law department of Imperial Oil for a brief period before launching a long career in real estate development in the mid '60s. Bill loved the thrill that came with a "great site" or a vacant piece of land. He originally built and owned Dairy Queens and Holiday Inns, before pioneering the Collingwood Resort Market with his business partner Harry Wilson, where they built and developed Cranberry Village. Subsequently, they discovered an opportunity for hotel and business development in Cornwall, Ontario that lead to many trips east. In later years, Bill loved being a grandparent and great-grandparent with Ann, his loving wife. A devoted Papa, he was actively involved in the lives of his grandchildren Sarah (Gravelle), Michael and Laura Bruce, Taylor (Chandler), Brooks and Grace Stevenson and William and Ally Lecky. They will remember him with love, respect and gratitude. Bill loved his annual Wyoming hiking trips, with his longtime friend Eric Nesterenko, family time at The Lake of Bays cottage, weekends at their hobby farm in Roslin, numerous trips to their home in Stowe and later, winter months in Banff and Florida. Always ready for a late day glass of Chardonnay with family or friends. He will be greatly missed but forever in our thoughts. Due to Covid-19 protocols, a private family service will be held at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to Parkinson Canada would be greatly appreciated. A special thanks to Florence G. for her endless care and kindness and to the LHIN and Temmy Latner Centre. Online condolences may be offered at
www.etouch.ca
Published by Toronto Star on Feb. 9, 2022.
