STEVENSON, Richard

     Richard Stevenson passed away in Victoria, BC, surrounded by his loved ones, while his favourite jazz albums played. Rick is survived by his devoted wife of 43 years, Gepke (nee Polet), his children: Christian, Marika, and Adrian (Amanda), his grandson, Remy, and his siblings: Larry (Sherry), Donna, and Debbie, as well as many adoring nieces, nephews, in-laws, and cousins.

     For the majority of his life, Rick was a dedicated and accomplished writer, publishing more than 40 works of poetry, haiku, and fiction, not to mention five forthcoming titles. Rick graduated with an Honours BA in English from the University of Victoria, and an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia. He was proud to become an educator himself. Throughout his 30-year career teaching English, Canadian Literature, and Creative Writing at the Lethbridge College he helped many new and established writers find their voice.

    Rick had a way of bringing people together. He collected friend groups and maintained friendships dating as far back as his elementary school days. His love of the arts, music, nature, and adventure were qualities Rick was proud to see reflected in his children, he was thrilled to have recently become a grandfather, and he was an adoring husband to Gepke.

    Given his enormous circle of friends two celebrations of Rick’s life will be held in Spring/Summer of 2024, one in Lethbridge, Alberta, and one on Vancouver Island.  For more information, visit the Pacific Coast Cremations website https://www.pacificcoastcremation.com/richard-william-stevenson/