Obituary of Murray Stephens

Livestream of the funeral service can be found here.

Murray Leonard Stephens, professional barbecuer, amazing yodeller, hammerer of nails, expert behind the wheel, champion of the underdog, wiley card player, foot massager par excellence and King of Good Food, died at Valleyview Home St. Thomas, on Wednesday, April 24/2024, in his 97th year. Born on June 13, 1927, in Aylmer, he was a devoted husband for 72 years of the late Jean (McAffer) until her death Nov 11/21. Twenty-nine months later, he sought to continue their travels as a couple.

Beloved Dad of Tim Stephens(Lynne), Tom Stephens(Jackie), Catherine Stephens and Nancy Wolfe. Loving Grampa of Beckie(Tanya), Josie(Jody), Angie(Iain), Brett(Navoda), George(Jenn), Alison(Dan), Robert, Trevor(Joanna), Geoff(Martha), Lauren(Mark) and Great-Grandfather Phoebe-Jean, Isola, Ioan, Faron, Cían, Ryder, Harlowe, Logan, Arthur-Murray, Oisin, Benjamin, Lewis, Jaxon and Mason. Special "Dad" to Joan Bradburn, Kent Wolfe, and Grandpa to Meghan. 

Murray enjoyed gardening and working around the house. The neighbourhood kids loved him. He encouraged his children to try different things and believed in their abilities. Patient, unless he was not- and that was arguably motivating. He taught mom, his children and others how to drive, encouraging us to expand our abilities but always ensuring we were safe and staying involved as we tried new things.

As a Deacon and member of the Aylmer Baptist Church (ABC) Hillbilly Band, he helped entertain with funny antics. He was part of the team that maintained the plumbing and heating of ABC, among other tasks. Dad played Santa Claus during the Aylmer Christmas Parade. As the past President, older Kinsman recall how he justifiably discouraged the traditional "imbibing" on parade day, since Christmas is for kids. His faith was an essential part of his life.

Dad built our family home, canoe, renovated our basement as family expanded, updated our kitchen and remedied the yard and gardens, removing our lot's old demolished canning factory bricks. He poured those skills, love, and talents into helping his children with their homes, hobby farm endeavours, and businesses, and he was always willing to help others and ABC.

He worked at Ontario Hydro for 38 years, enjoyed curling, dancing, fishing, boating, water skiing, and coaching minor hockey. He was a Shriner and Past Master of the Masonic Lodge.

Our Dad was a proud father and the rock of our family. He provided a firm foundation for his wife and children. A humble guy, he was usually quiet in public settings and a man of few words. He was deaf in one ear where the bullet was lodged and hard of hearing in the other but listened carefully until someone said: ”Have you got your ears in Murray?” (referring to his hearing aids). If pushed, he would stand up for others and himself and not be shy. Those who knew him found him to be a kind gentleman with a heart of gold. 

He climbed his last hydro pole long ago, built Tim's last horse corral and stables over two decades ago, and more recently scooted around in his wheelchair and sang his last song along with Grand Daughter Evangelina in semi-duet fashion on one of her recordings she made for his listening pleasure. He didn't recall any of the words and didn't hit the notes, but he tried. 

He especially enjoyed the many visits from the girls. Catherine and Nancy were very good with him in his frail days. His recollection of his son’s Tim and Tom was still there, however diminished, and seemingly relative to the amount of hair. But when they brought Jackie and Lynne he would brighten up. He very much enjoyed the monthly letters that were sent with love from Joan, reminiscing about past memories with the family.

Survived by sisters-in-law –  Orma (late Archie) McAffer and Lorraine (late Bob) McAffer. Predeceased by his parents Artley and Jessie (Brackenbury) Stephens, and sisters Phyllis (late Tony) Potenza, Marj (late Art) Miskelly and (late George McCord) and Marie (late Keith) Campbell, sister-in-law Marion (Kirk Perley,) brothers-in-law Archie McAffer, Bob McAffer and Bill (Judy McAffer).

Visitation will be held at the H.A. Kebbel Funeral Home, Aylmer on Sunday, May 5, 2024 from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM with a Masonic Lodge service at 4 PM. The funeral service will be held at the funeral home at 11 AM on Monday, May 6, 2024 with interment in the Aylmer Cemetery—a wee lunch at ABC after. 

Rest in peace, Dad, Grampa, Cousin, Brother, Uncle, Friend, Partner, Co-worker. Love you much. See ya later.

Donations to the Aylmer Baptist Church, Alzheimer Society or East Elgin Community Assistance Program(Aylmer Corner Cupboard) would be appreciated. Share memories or condolences at kebbelfuneralhome.com