Obituary: Colonel Alexander (Sam) Stevenson, Former Director General Security and Branch Advisor

Sam was born in Winnipeg, MB on 14 November 1933 and gently passed away on 3 May 2020 with loved ones at his side. Predeceased by his mother (Sylvia), father (Alexander), brother (Robert), nephew (Rob) and mother of his children Joan Berry. Survived by his children David (Pam), Ken, Len and Denise, his former wife Jean Donnachie, his granddaughters Mikaela, Courtney, Samantha and Danika, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

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With his father serving overseas during the Second World War, he spent his childhood between Vancouver College and St. Louis College in Victoria. He and his brother Bob grew up fast becoming the men of the house. He kept in touch with his college chums throughout his life. His working career started as a logging surveyor on Vancouver Island and as a cook on a fishing boat. In 1952 he joined the RCAF and became a Military Policeman. He was initially employment on varied unit duties at Stations in Goose Bay, NL, Sea Island and Holberg, BC and Lahr, Germany.

On returning to Canada in 1959, he had a brief tours at St Jean, QC, and Aylmer and Camp Borden, ON. In 1964 he was posted to Comox, BC and during this period he also graduated from the Canadian Police College at the RCMP Depot Division in Regina, SK. He rose through the ranks holding many senior staff positions in LaMacaza, QC, Ottawa, ON, Winnipeg, MB and Trenton, ON.

He was promoted to Colonel in 1985 and appointed as the Director of Security and Security Branch Advisor. In 1986 the Directorate was elevated to a Division and he remained as the Director General of Security in Ottawa until his retirement in 1988. He was truly admired by his colleagues, many of whom became great friends.

During retirement he remained active on the executive of the Canadian Intelligence and Security Association as the Pacific Region Representative. He was also made an Honorary Member of the Canadian Provost Corp Association. Sam was a true family man and gentleman who loved and adored his family and friends. He had a quick dry humour that would leave you laughing until it hurt. He had a passion for Dixieland and Jazz and became President and lifetime member of Vancouver Dixie Land Jazz Society. He said it was the beat of the music that followed him.

No words can explain the depths of this man, he will be forever missed.

A celebration of life will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation BC and/or the Cancer Society in memory of Alexander (Sam) Stevenson.

Online condolences for the family may be left at: 
​www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/vancouver-bc/alexander-stevenson-9171260