Date de Décès: 2007-06-08
Date de Parution: 2007-06-08
Source: Telegraph Journal, St. John, NB
STEVENS, ROBERT J. (BOB) - If you are reading this I have passed away. All things considered I have won many battles along the way but have finally lost my five year war with cancer. I would not have survived this long were it not for the love of my family, the encouragement and kindness of friends and the professional and caring members of the medical community. I was born in 1948 in Fredericton to the late Walter and Joyce (Coombes) Stevens. I am survived by the love of my life for the last 36 years my wonderful wife Mary (nee Ryan) and our three terrific children Christie, Andrew and Paige. As well, I leave sister Dorothy, brother Barry (Joy), close cousin Richard Coyle, best friend Pierre Leblanc and too many relatives, friends and acquaintances to mention. I attended Fredericton schools and UNB Business Administration (1971). I qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1974 and have been with the firm KPMG Chartered Accountants for my entire professional career before retiring for health reasons in 2004 as Partner in Charge of the Fredericton office. I came to know many wonderful staff, clients and business associates over the years and don't think it too vain to expect those closest will be saddened at my passing. Cancer-the big "C" seems to affect just about every family either directly or indirectly. From my personal experience I offer the following advice to those who find themselves with a diagnosis of cancer or any life threatening illness. Trust in your medical advisors. At the end of the day they really do have your best interests at heart. But at the same time don't be hesitant to question them, insist on answers that you can understand, make suggestions based on your own research and ask for second opinions if you feel the need. Some have heard me say that you have to play the hand you're dealt. I have done so and have no regrets. At the risk of another cliché I have found that when one door closes another door opens. Even if you are not a church goer don't be afraid to put your faith in God - it can only help. Think positively even if it's sometimes extremely difficult. When they tell you the percentages are low for success of some treatment you may as well conclude that someone has to be in the low percentage success group so it may as well be you. If, like me your style is to be self reliant allow your family and friends to do whatever they can. Remember they are suffering too and are probably unsure of how to act or what to say or do. Realism and optimism are great but a little stubbornness can help too, so above all - Never Give Up. I would like to thank all of the medical community with whom I have been in contact in recent years. At the risk of leaving someone out this includes Dr's Scott Robertson, Donald MacQuarrie, Margot Burnell, Michael Morse, Brian Johnston and Lori Wood. I would like to acknowledge the many nurses at SJRH radiology intervention and oncology with whom I spent a huge amount of time and got to know personally as well as professionally. I can't imagine a finer or more dedicated group of people. Visitation will be held at McAdam's Select Community Funeral Home on Friday, June 8th, 2007 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. The funeral service will be held at the J. A. McAdam Memorial Chapel on Saturday, June 9th, 2007 at 11:00 am. Either at the visitation or at the service, the family would love if you could bring a written memory or a comment about their husband and father. The funeral service will be officiated by Rev. Gerald White with Rev. J. J. Dolan assisting. Interment will take place in the Hermitage Cemetery. No flowers by request, due to family allergies but for those who wish, memorial tributes in Bob's honor may be made to the IWK, the Children's Wish Foundation, the DECH Palliative Care Unit or to the SJRH Palliative Care Unit. www.mcadamsfh.com (458-9170) Friday, June 8, 2007