Lorne Douglas “Bud” Stevens
July 9, 1929 - December 18, 2013 - Passed away peacefully at NRGH.
Born in Sackville, N.B. Bud always regarded himself a Nova Scotian (“Bluenoser”) as his family moved to Halifax when he was very young.
After graduating from Queen Elizabeth High School he enrolled in Pre-Med. at Dalhousie University in 1946 where, in his own words, he majored in table tennis and basketball. As a featherweight on the boxing team he represented Dal. in Intercollegiate tournaments and, with his friend middleweight Jim Furlong competed in a number of pro. bouts.
During the war years he was an Air Cadet and also served as a volunteer for the Civil Defense of Canada, for which Prime Minister McKenzie King recognized him.
In 1947 he joined the Bank of Nova Scotia and was moved in 1950 to Toronto where he joined BA Oil (later Gulf Canada). Over his 32-year career he was transferred to Halifax, Montreal, Toronto (twice) and Calgary. When he took early retirement in 1982 he was Manager, Wholesale Credit, Western Canada.
Bud and his long-time sweetheart Wilma moved to Qualicum Beach where they joined Legion Branch 76. He served on many Executive positions in both Branch and Zone, and for two terms was B/C Yukon Command Correspondent for the Legion Magazine.
He was also active in the Community, serving on COPs, Community Policing, Air Cadet Parents’ Liaison and twice on the Parks and Recreation Committee. He refereed hockey and umpired fastball, during which time he formed District 69 Softball Umpires Association. In 1988 he received the Top Official Medal from the Olympic “Flame” Committee during their stop in Qualicum Beach.
Bud displayed an artistic talent as reflected in his cartoons, Legion posters and landscape paintings. He wrote books on the histories of Branch 76, NCVI Zone, and submitted Legion articles to local newspapers.
He is survived by sons Gregory ( Jan) and Andrew, step-son Mark Cullen (Heather), step-daughter Amanda Living. Grand-daughters Amy and Desiree, grand-sons Joshua ( Kim) and Lucas, great-grandson Oliver. Step Grandsons, Dylan, Cole, Brett & Scott. Also by many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces/nephews and good friends locally and across Canada.
Bud will be forever remembered by his beloved wife Wilma.
He would like to extend thanks to Dr. Clair Biglow for the care and attention he provided over many years. The staff in the Palliative Care Unit in NRGH.
Friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at RCL Qualicum Beach Legion Branch 76 on Sunday January 12, 2014 2 pm
No flowers at Bud’s request, but donations in his name may be made to the local SPCA, Errrington Wildlife Rescue Centre or to the B/C Yukon Legion Command Foundation.