August 14, 1942 – March 31, 2025 

It’s with deep sadness that we announce that Erwin Stevens passed away peacefully on March 31 into the presence of Jesus at the age of 82. 

Erwin was born on August 14, 1942, to Harold and Vera Stevens in Comox, B.C. Not long after Erwin was born his Mother Vera moved Sandra his sister and him to Mayerthorpe, AB. Later on, Erwin’s younger sister Deanna was born. This is where Erwin grew up. Erwin as a child would be called out by neighbors to clean up their barns. He would bring home the bacon, the ham and a roast for his efforts. Erwin also brought home apples and plums to his mother. Erwin left school after Grade 8 but finished with B’s in English and Math. 

At the age of 14 Erwin was laying pipe for water and sewer in Mayerthorpe, AB. At 16 when he got his license to drive, he began transporting and hauling out of Mayerthorpe, White Court and Swan Hills. Erwin also worked in the oil fields up north. 

Erwin loved building and racing race cars. He always had the coolest car in town. Running tip top! 

Erwin got a really neat job in Alaska looking for oil deposits on the ocean floor using seismographic artificial waves. With this job he was able to acquire a license to handle and transport dynamite. After doing this for a few years he headed back to Edmonton. Erwin left Alberta on holidays and drove to B.C. with the love of his life Gudrun and they never looked back. Over the next few years Erwin and Gudrun had two children Kerry and Darren. This made Erwin and Gudrun’s life complete. 

Erwin met up with his father in Prince George and they both were given the opportunity to build a new sawmill in Heffley Creek, B.C. and both accepted. They both began construction of BALCO in 1966. Erwin worked for BALCO/Tolko Industries for over 30 plus years. Every Christmas Erwin played Santa for BALCO/Tolko for many years with his children as his Santa helpers. 

Erwin loved to fish and the company always put on fishing derbies whether on ice or water he was there. Erwin loved fishing at the Shuswap! Erwin loved fishing in lakes, rivers wherever he could fish! Many fishing derbies at Big Heffley, Knoff, East Barriere Lake with many memories had by all. 

Erwin loved playing softball for the Wranglers at the Heffley Creek Ball Park for many years. Many tournament weekends were spent there! 

Around 1977 Erwin bought the family a Blue Bird bus that was converted into a camper. Later he found out that his dad actually designed it. Erwin loved taking his family on holidays in the bus all over BC and Alberta. Even a rodeo or two. For many years Erwin and his family would meet up with his sister Sandra and her family at the Dutch Campground near Kalamalka Lake. There were many memories had by all including floating down the creek, playing with the same turtle every year, the crayfish and swimming in the lake, can’t forget the go-carts! 

Erwin found the Lord in 1983 where he asked Jesus to come into his heart! Erwin loved serving the Lord by the sound for the morning/evening service. He also made a mailbox for the church. Erwin and Darren began clearing the land for what would later be known as Eagle Bay Camp at Shuswap Lake. 

Erwin enjoyed becoming a Cub Leader and a Scout Leader where he had many memorable memories with his son, Darren. 

Erwin and Goodie built a house near Vernon, B.C. and they lived there happily for many years. Then they sold it. They began travelling to Palm Springs and other warm places in the USA which they really enjoyed for many years. 

Erwin loved being creative! He loved building! Erwin loved making urns out of expensive wood. He even built a shed out of only using recycled materials. 

Erwin loved gardening from a very young age until his last breath. Yes, the onions and tomatoes you planted will be planted shortly as the weather will permit! 

His creativity came out in creating pens out of bullets, antlers, and special woods. He also loved making airplanes out of beer and pop cans! He even loved to gold pan! 

You would always find Erwin in his shop creating and building. Always under a hood of a vehicle or under it. If you didn’t find him there he would be helping others with whatever they needed help doing. Erwin always had time for a coffee and a tale or two. Many people loved him calling him Dad or Uncle though they were not family they became family! 

Children always came to Erwin and loved him as their own Dad. No matter where Erwin went, he had friends or friend’s where made. 

Rest Easy Erwin until we meet again. 

Erwin is survived by his children Kerry (Evan) and Darren. His sister Sandra (Richard), Rick, Denis and family, Michelle (Jon) and family. His brother in-law Donald, Terry (Dana) and family, and Tina. Linda, Michael (Ruth). His sister in-law Susie (Jim), Tim and family, Christy, and Colleen (Bane) and family. brother in-law Harold (Lorraine) and family. Brother in-laws Rodney (Shirley) and family. Sister in-law Joanne and family. And many nieces and nephews. 

Erwin was predeceased by his parents Harold and Vera. His wife Gudrun’s parents Otto and Sigrid. His wife Gudrun. His sister Deanna and his nephew Gary. His brothers- in-law John, Einar, Knute, Brian and his sister In-law Evelyne. 

Erwin’s Celebration of Life will be on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Kamloops Alliance Church, 200 Leigh Rd. Kamloops, B.C. 

You may offer a message of condolence at First Memorial Funeral Services Kamloops for the Stevens family. 

• Date : 2025-03-31
• Location : Kamloops