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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
STEVENS, Gerald Lawson - Age 91, passed away peacefully at home, doing what he loved, working on his boat.
Born to Perry and Rita Stevens on Tancook Island, Lunenburg Co.
Gerald grew up in Chester, where he went to school.
Leaving school, he worked in Halifax with the Scotia Stevedore Company before joining the R.C.N.V.R., spending four years with the navy until the end of the Second World War. Gerald was a P.O. Shipwright and assigned to Special Services and with Asdic Department until the end of the war. After he returned from naval service he joined his father, Perry and his brother, Emery forming the company, Chester Sea Craft Industries Ltd., where together they worked as a team building various types of craft. After father Perry retired, Gerald resigned Chester Sea Craft Industries and formed his own company, Gerald L. Stevens Marine Ltd. building commercial and pleasure craft for local area and throughout Canada, exporting to the United States and the Caribbean, Venezuela and England. He employed as many as 15 men whom were mostly veterans.
Gerald's great-grandfather, Amos, built schooners for Shearwater Naval Base. Gerald, like his great-grandfather, built schooners etc. for Shearwater Naval Base, Chester, Bridgewater and area, they won and all competed well in the Nova Schooner Association. Gerald also was a Fisheries Patrol Officer and besides his boat building career he took out fishing charters and sight seeing tours. He was an honorary member of the Chester Fire Department, he was a member of the Chester United Baptist Church, Chester Yacht Club, Chester Royal Canadian Legion, F.E. Butler Br. No. 44, and the Chester Rod & Gun Club.
For his contribution to his service to his country and Marine Industry, he was awarded the Queen's Jubilee Medal in 2002 presented to him by Lt. Gov. Myra Freeman at Government House.
Gerald enjoyed sailing, fishing, and a good card game with his friends. He also enjoyed travelling with his wife, Cavell and getting together with his children and grandchildren celebrating special occasions.
Gerald is survived by his loving wife, Cavell (Bezanson) Stevens of 70 years and their children, Terry Richard Stevens, Linda Stevens and Jocelyn (Steven) Swinamer. Gerald also leaves behind 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Besides his parents, his younger brothers, Peter, Emery, his infant twin sons, Rodger and Victor predeceased him.
Visitation will be held Monday, August 4, from 7-9 p.m. in Davis Funeral Home, Chester. Funeral to be held Tuesday, August 5, at 2 p.m. in United Baptist Church, Chester. Reception to follow in the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 44.
Well-known Boat Builder and Second World War Veteran (The Halifax Chronicle-Herald 02 Aug 2014)
Headstone in the Pine Hill Baptist Cemetery, Chester, Lunenburg Co., N.S.
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