MR. JON LAWRENCE STEVENS, of Picture Butte, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at the age of 71 years. Jon is survived by three sons; Vincent (Alison), John (Kim), Dennis (Heather) Five grandchildren; Zachary, Jarrett, Carter, Connor, Peyton Brother; Barney (Deb) and a Sister; Linda Sontag (Earl) Jon was predeceased by his parents, (Lawrence and Runa) and his wife of 39 years, Shirley, who passed away in December 2002. Jon was born on September 24, 1940 in Gimli, Manitoba where he completed his elementary and high school education. In July, 1959, Jon joined the Bank of Nova Scotia in Winnipeg, and went on to complete assignments in Picture Butte, Calgary, Toronto & Halifax, returning to Calgary in 1974 where he was appointed to his first branch manager assignment. Following a number of senior managerial/supervisory positions, Jon and Shirley decided to move back to Picture Butte where he was appointed manager of the Scotiabank branch there in February 1989. This branch had the distinction of having the largest agricultural portfolio for the bank in Canada. Jon retired from the bank in September 2000 after 41 years of service. Looking for new challenges, Jon decided to let his name stand for the 2001 municipal election and was successfully elected as Mayor of Picture Butte, which he did proudly for two terms. He also acted as Vice Chair of the Mayors & Reeves Association of South-West Alberta.
In 2001, Jon was awarded the Murray/Kane Achievement Award by the Picture Butte & District Chamber of Commerce for his years of volunteer service to the Picture Butte community. Up until the time of his death, Jon served as a board member on several local associations including the Prairie Tractor Club, South Grow, Community Futures, Lions Club and the local Chamber of Commerce. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. CATHERINE’S CATHOLIC CHURCH,762 Crescent Avenue North, Picture Butte, on Saturday, March 17, 2012 at 10:00 A.M. with Reverend Tomy Manjaly, Celebrant. Inurnment to follow in the Iron Springs Cemetery. In lieu of flowers and in memory of Jon, donations may be made to Jack Ady Cancer Society, 2A #101, 960-19 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 1W5. Honoured to serve the family, CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1. Telephone 403-381-7777. E-mail: care@cornerstonefh.ca