Obituary of Wilbert Gregory Stephens

Wilbert Gregory Stephens (June 21, 1921- July14 2025)

After an exceptionally long and full life, Wilbert Stephens, at 104, has been called to God. This ‘energizer bunny’ wore down in his final weeks. Born in Walkerville in 1921 to Elmer Stephens and Estella Haslam, he became part of the Walkerville community as did his grandfather, an alderman for many years, by working in, and eventually owning ‘AJ Stephens & Son‘ an eclectic Good Year tire, bicycle, sporting good, and hunting store on Wyandotte and Kildare. Prior to  attending Assumption College School (’39) he went to St. Anne’s School in Walkerville where he met the love of his life, Bertha Perrault in Grade 5. They soon began dating and married in 1941. They were together until her death at 93 (2012). 

Wilbert is predeceased by two brothers, Murray and Homer, and a sister Gertrude (Trudi) Janisse.

In 1962 he closed the Walkerville store and began a rising career with the then-named Windsor Separate School Board where he moved steadily from Truant Officer to Manager of Plants and Operations. He was admired for his negotiation skills and peacemaking ability, always calm and with innate wisdom. Always a gentleman.

Wilbert is survived by two sons, Ronald Wilbert (Mattia Neri) and Kenneth Gordon; five grandchildren - Kelly Ridley (Matt). Sean (his caregiver the last two years), Deanne Shaw (Andrew), Melissa (John Farrell) and Lisa Patton (Jamie); and seven great grandchildren, Kyra, Evan, Brayden Shaw, Cameron Shaw, Caiden Farrell and Lexi Patton.

Wilbert was always a family man, and the relationships with his children extended to his siblings and their families. In return , great help and support came from his nieces and nephews in the last few years, especially from Donna Bart, Lynda Stephens, Terri Coutts, Faye Janisse, Murray Janisse, Joanne Winter, Deborah Demars, Darlene Langlois, Nancy Morgan, Robert Stone and Douglas Stephens. Although Wilbert outlived most of his friends, Bonnie and Nick Coutinho remained constant in his love.

Wilbert will always be remembered for his problem-solving ability, great wisdom, his sense of humour, his love of chocolate, his carvings (an after-retirement hobby), his John Deere lawn mower, his love of family, his Church, and his charity work.
“A righteous man walks in his integrity - blessed are his children after him. “(Proverbs 20/7).

Wilbert will be resting at Windsor Chapel (Banwell Chapel), 11677 Tecumseh Rd. E, Thursday July 17 from 2 - 4 pm and 6 - 8pm with a graveside service Friday July 18th at St. William’s cemetery in Emeryville at 10:30am.

Donations can be made to Hospice of Windsor in Wilbert’s memory.