It is with sad hearts that we announce the passing of our brother (in many ways) Allan Craig Stephens on June 10, 2012. Allan had a long and difficult battle with cancer and yet he managed to stare down the disease, laugh at himself and take joy in whatever he was able to do until the battle became too great. He passed peacefully at his sister’s home in Kamloops, with family and friends flowing in and out stopping for a visit.
Allan was born in Saskatchewan to Gerald and Lorraine Stephens (both deceased) but was raised by his maternal grandmother (Gladys Hammond, deceased) who still had much love to give her grandchildren who included Lois Stirmlinger (nee Hammond). Allan grew up surrounded by a large and very close immediate and extended family.
Allan enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force at the age of 21 and served in the forces for 20 years. He felt a sense of accomplishment through the trade of Avionics Systems Technician and he enjoyed the traveling afforded him in the forces. Allan retired from the forces with the rank of Warrant Officer. He travelled throughout BC and enjoyed his family and friends. Allan continued in civilian life applying his trade in Kelowna for a time. Allan said he had one regret that he did not travel more after his retirement from the Forces.
Projects such as building a new home or renewing an old one was a passion of Allan’s as was a good garage sale or a time spent with friends at the casino. But what he loved the most was being surrounded by good friends and family; meeting potential new friends; sharing a little Jack; the sunshine and little furry friends too. Allan will be missed most of all for his quick wit and sometimes slightly off, good humour. There was not a phrase or song he could not turn into a laugh.
Allan is survived by his adopted sister Lois (Walter) Stirmlinger; brothers Dean (Carol) and Wayne (Bonnie) Stephens; sister Debbie (Dale) Clark; cousins Hope LaRocque (Dennis); Aunties Joyce Wilcox; Roberta Hospederic; Edith (Len) Cowie; Trudy (Kerry) Miller; Uncle Albert (Gladys) Wymer and numerous other cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He will be missed by all of his family, friends and acquaintances be they human or furry.
A Celebration of Allan’s Life will be held at brother Wayne’s in Kamloops Saturday, June 23rd. Allan’s ashes will be laid to rest in Quesnel on July 21, 2012 at 1:30 p.m. at the Quesnel Municipal Cemetery on Quesnel-Hixon Road, where he will join his Mom and dad, brother, cousins and uncle who have preceded him.
The family would like to send a special thank you to Hope LaRocque (Dennis) who shared their home and cared for Allan for years and to Wayne (Bonnie) Stephens who did the same and took care of Allan’s mechanical needs.
We would also like to thank Dr. Proctor and the staff at the Kamloops Cancer Centre; the Community Care Nurses and Home Support; Hospice Volunteers; the Canadian Red Cross; Veteran Affairs, Dr. Farrell and his staff; Schoening Funeral Home who all helped Allan “Do It His Way” and allowed him to do it with dignity. We Love you Allan and we will Miss YOU!
Condolences may be expressed at www.schoenings.com