Remembering Wilbert Stephens, 104

Wilbert Gregory Stephens (June 21, 1921- July 14, 2025)

After a long and fulfilling life, Wilbert Stephens has been called to God at the age of 104. This ‘energizer bunny’ slowed down in his last weeks. He was born in Walkerville in 1921 to Elmer Stephens and Estella Haslam. He became a vital part of the Walkerville community just like his grandfather, who served as an alderman for many years. Wilbert worked at, and eventually owned ‘AJ Stephens & Son‘, a unique store selling Goodyear tires, bicycles, sporting goods, and hunting supplies located on Wyandotte and Kildare. Before attending Assumption College School (’39), he went to St. Anne’s School in Walkerville where he met Bertha Perrault, the love of his life, in Grade 5. They started dating soon after and got married in 1941. Their union lasted until her passing at age 93 in 2012.

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

In 1962 he shut down the Walkerville store to pursue a rising career with what was then known as the Windsor Separate School Board. He steadily progressed from Truant Officer to Manager of Plants and Operations. He was respected for his negotiation skills and ability to mediate conflicts while remaining calm and wise-truly a gentleman.

Wilbert leaves behind two sons: Ronald Wilbert (Mattia Neri) and Kenneth Gordon; five grandchildren – Kelly Ridley (Matt), Sean (who cared for him over the last two years), Deanne Shaw (Andrew), Melissa (John Farrell), and Lisa Patton (Jamie); along with seven great-grandchildren: Kyra, Evan, Brayden Shaw, Cameron Shaw, Caiden Farrell, and Lexi Patton.

Family meant everything to Wilbert; he fostered strong relationships with his children as well as with his siblings’ families. In return for all that support throughout recent years came help from his nieces and nephews-especially Donna Bart, Lynda Stephens, Terri Coutts, Faye Janisse, Murray Janisse, Joanne Winter, Deborah Demars, Darlene Langlois, Nancy Morgan , Robert Stone , and Douglas Stephens. Even though most of his friends passed before him , Bonnie and Nick Coutinho remained steadfast by his side.

People will always remember Wilbert for his knack for solving problems wisely while having a great sense of humor , his fondness for chocolate , his carvings which became a hobby post-retirement , his John Deere lawn mower , his deep love for family , faithful attendance at Church , and generous 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), located at 11677 Tecumseh Rd. E., on Thursday July 17 from 2 -4 pm and again from 6 -8pm with a graveside service taking place Friday July 18th at St. William’s cemetery in Emeryville at10:30am.

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

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