Obituary of Leo Wellington Stevens

Leo Wellington Stevens (age 85) of Saint John, NB passed peacefully at St. Joseph's Hospital on Wednesday, September 28, 2016. Leo was the first of five children born at Canal (just north of St. George, NB) to Louis Frederick and Mary Emily Stevens (nee Oliver) on May 8, 1931. After his father's death in 1947 the family moved to West Saint John where Leo began working with his many cousins for the Canadian Pacific Railway. During his younger years, he also worked as a stoker on the Irving ships, drove trucks and buses before eventually starting full-time with CP Rail. He worked over 40 years as a brakeman and conductor and ended his career in 1989 as a locomotive engineer. In the 1970s, with all his cousins and uncles combined, the group constituted the single largest family of railway men in Canada. Leo had an innate understanding of all things mechanical and could fix anything from a small outboard motor to an aircraft engine. He was an avid pilot and had owned a few different light aircraft, which he flew for many hours of enjoyment. After their retirement, Leo and Muriel (married Nov. 1, 1958) travelled the world on tours of all sorts, often to the advantage of Leo's interest in war history. They explored the globe together gathering stories and mementos in what was, in many ways, an ideal retirement. In recent years Alzheimer's diminished this hard-working, supremely witty and humble man. He built a good life for his family and was ever an interesting, strong and caring figure. He will be missed by all who knew him. Leo is survived by his wife, Muriel (nee Groom) and children, Richard Stevens and Andrea Stevens-Blackmore (Lonnie); siblings, Isabel Martin (Lloyd), Mary Stevens, Fred Stevens and Elizabeth Stevens; brothers-in-law, Carmen Groom (deceased) and wife, (Jean) and Wesley Groom (Mabel); as well as sister-in-law, Donna Hawkins (Russ). Leo will be cremated as per his wishes and there will be no visitation by request. A celebration of Leo's life will take place on a future date after which he will be interred at the St. George Rural Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424). The family would like to thank the CAM Unit staff at St. Joseph's Hospital for their outstanding care and support. Please make any donations to the Cognitive Assessment and Management Unit - c/o St. Joseph's Hospital.