Obituary of John Stene

STENE, John Magne; P.Eng.Passed away peacefully at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre on Wednesday afternoon, December 17, 2008. Beloved husband, father, uncle and friend, and a gentleman to the end. He leaves behind his cherished wife of fifty years, Inger; his loving daughters Sheila Stene and Kristin Basso; son-in-law Guido Basso; and is fondly remembered by their half-sisters Vanessa Vansittart, Katharine Reeve and her husband Ted. He escaped occupied Norway and made his way around the world to Toronto where he was a flying instructor, training the Norwegian boys at Little Norway and in Bracebridge, Ontario. Later, while flying with the RAF in England, he completed 29 missions during which he was awarded the DFC with Bar, St. Olav's Medal and the King's Medal. John later settled in Toronto where he started the Furniture Design Award winning company Brunswick Manufacturing. John was an avid nature lover, fisherman, birdwatcher and photographer. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME - A.W. MILES CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Eglinton Avenue East) from 12 noon on Tuesday, December 30th followed by a service in the chapel at one o'clock. If desired, donations to Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto M4N 1R6 or a nature charity of your choice would be appreciated. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.