It is with profound sadness that we tell you of the passing of Alan Stevenson, at age 59, who faced a diagnosis of terminal cancer with tremendous courage. He died at home supported by his family.
Dearest friend to his wife of 33 years, Louise de la Haye, and much-loved dad to Simon de la Haye Stevenson.
Alan was the treasured brother to Grace Carver and Mary Jane Lee (David), and fun uncle to Geoff, Eric, and Ryan. Alan was predeceased by his parents, John and Elizabeth, and his brother, Ian.
He was cherished brother-in-law to Lorraine and Dickson (Sally) and delighted in hearing news of his nieces and nephews (Renee, Sean, Julie, and Evan).
Alan had great-nieces and great-nephews, in both Ontario and the United States. He had a community of cousins in Windsor who remained his life-long friends.
Alan began his professional career as a front-line social worker. He was dedicated to improving the lives of people with mental health challenges through advancing the quality of mental health care and support. Throughout his career, Alan had been recognized as an innovative health care leader and a champion of collaboration. He was passionate about his work. Alan held both Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Social Work from the University of Windsor, and a Masters Certificate in Health Care Leadership from York University, Schulich School of Business Executive Development Program.
Alan was CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association (Lambton-Kent Branch). He also served on CMHA’s Provincial Board. In recent years, he was also Vice President, Mental Health and Addictions, at the Chatham Kent Health Alliance. This dual role enabled both organizations to make decisions about mental health and addictions care in tandem. The unique arrangement provided patients and their families with a stronger network of programs and services.
Alan loved the outdoors, bicycling, skiing, gardening, and walking the dog along the Lake. He enjoyed the freedom of his Waverunner. He loved to cook and recreated recipes from his and Louise’s travels, particularly those from Greece. Travel was a great pleasure for him, and in his final months, he fulfilled a dream to experience an Alaskan cruise. Alan felt very grateful for the many friends who showed such caring during the last year of his life.
A special thank you to Dr. Julie Lebert, and the palliative care team, especially Dr. Allison Crombeen, and Alan’s wonderfully dedicated nurse, Theresa Thibert.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, December 11, 2023 at 11:00 am at Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia, ON. Friends and family will be received 2 hours prior to service from 9:00-11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations made to CMHA Lambton-Kent, or St. Joseph's Hospice (Palliative Care Clinic) would be appreciated (cheques only at the funeral home please).