Monday, January 14, 2019
Peter S. Stevens. On the title page of his �Out of the Willow Trees� Peter wrote � �For Linda and Barry ----- with thanks for bringing me to Delaware and back to Hillfield. November 2000� We enjoyed immensely Peter�s visits to our home in Delaware hearing many interesting anecdotes about �the old days�. Peter and I would then travel on to Dundas and spend a very enjoyable evening with more alumni re-calling fond memories of our days at Hillfield�and latterly Hillfield-Strathallan. Just last week he planned to join more Old Boys at a re-union on June 25th. Unfortunately, and sadly, this will not happen. Peter was, indeed, an excellent teacher. He challenged us and expected one�s best in return. His dry wit I came to appreciate more with time. He was a wonderful person. �Friendships that have stood the test of time and chance are surely best, Brows may wrinkle, hair grow gray, Friendship never knows decay�. Peter will always be with us. Barry Sanderson, Hillfield 1951-1963. COMMENTS from former students concerning Peter Stevens. �Thanks Barry -- one of the very finest and a great favourite of mine.� Peter Palmer �As I am sure he did for many others, Peter Stevens opened my eyes to the literature of contemporary writers - the world beyond Dickens and Shakespeare. He was my English teacher at Hillfield School in Hamilton, shortly after he arrived in Canada. As much for his teaching I remember him with great fondness because of his wit, his transparency, his joy in his subject. I also remember his tolerance of youthful exuberance while chaperoning 40 boisterous kids on a train and camping trip across western Canada with his beautiful young bride. Thank you, Peter, for all you have done for the making of others. Heartfelt condolences to June and the rest of his family.� Ross Connell �Thanks for letting me know, Barry. Although we had a few run-ins, I think that Peter was the best teacher that I had at Hillfield.� George Glover �That�s too bad Bazzer. I liked Peter Stevens. I�m sure other guys felt the same about him.� Bob Hall
