John Arthur Dean Stevens

John Arthur Dean Stevens, of Strathroy Ontario, took his final cruise into the sunrise on Monday February 24^th 2025. He is survived by his adored wife, Kim Stevens, and his three daughters, Deanna Palberg (husband John), Bernadette Stevens, and Chesley Stone (husband Andrew) and his son, Chad Stevens (wife Courtney).   He will forever be Grandpa John to his granddaughters, Lauryn, Olivia, Spencer and Adaline, and grandsons Daniel, Alex, Colton, Grayson and Anderson. Deeply missed by mother-in-law, Ulila Robson (the late Glenn); brother-in-law, Kelly Robson; sister, Babs; many nieces, nephews, neighbours and friends.

John was the son of Chesley Cyril and Lorna B Stevens, born on July 23^rd 1948. He was the proud founder and owner of Stevens Sportswear and, most importantly of all, his 1953 mint green Chevy. John loved his cars and to tell a story. He will always be remembered for his green grass, beautiful backyard, antique finds and his huge garage. One, we will never understand how he got the permits to build. On a sunny summer day, the garage doors would be open, music blasting, and there you would find John. His home was his sanctuary. He shared his passions and knowledge with all of those who would listen to him there. He raised his family in that backyard, he rebuilt his precious 1953 Chevy out there, and then helped his son rebuilt his 1970 AMC Ambassador in that garage. John also, believe it or not, let his grandkids in that garage. After countless “be carefuls!” John spent hours of quality time with his grandkids running around those classic cars. He even started a collection of pedal cars so that the young ones could start their passion for the classics early. Grandpa John did a great job of ingraining his love of cars into his grandkids, with his grandsons having amassed an impressive car collection (dinky cars, for now) and his granddaughter, Spencer, winning a prize at the local car show for her flashy (electric ride-on) Audi she showed off alongside Grandpa’s Chevy.

Of course, we as a family wished we had more time with him but if you knew John, you would not have expected him to put up with people taking care of him for long. His trademark stubbornness will not be forgotten, as we are positive he had a hand in his quick departure.

At his request, in honor of John, the family will not be having a funeral but a celebration of life in his favorite place. At home, in his backyard, with the music blasting and the sun shining with family and friends. Until then, we know that John is now doing what he loves, cwoosin’ the slick black top in his mint green Chevy until we all can meet again.

Those wishing to make a donation in memory of John are asked to consider Community Over Cancer (https://casinostrathroyale.com/).