Len Stevens (1920-2001)

Len Stevens, retired District 3 Director, died August 21 in Winnipeg at the age of 79. Stevens’ health had been delicate ever since he suffered a stroke in 1988. He was an active Steelworker for decades, first as an organizer and later member of Local 4087 (Manitoba Bridge and Engineering Works). He became a full-time staff representative in 1952 and went on to build the union in Manitoba, so much so that he was known as "Mr. Labour". He even took out a second mortgage on his home to help pay for the first union centre in Winnipeg, and helped Ed Schreyer become Manitoba’s first NDP premier. In addition to serving as president of the Manitoba Federation of Labour, Stevens served as a Winnipeg school trustee and city councillor.

In 1976, Len Stevens became the first Director of the Steelworkers’ newly-created District 3 (all of Western Canada and the Territories). After his retirement in 1990, he returned home to Winnipeg with his wife, Marg, who passed away two years ago. He was the first-ever recipient of the Stanley Knowles Humanitarian Award for his commitment and dedication to the principles of social democracy.

Stevens is survived by his four children and six grandchildren.