You can get a lot done in life if you don’t care who gets the credit.
We first heard this expressed by author Rachel Remen, M.D. and witnessed it first hand through the actions of our friend, colleague and supporter, John Stephure.
One of John’s many fine accomplishments was to co-found Wellspring Calgary in 2007. It is here that he poured out his formidable talent, energy, resources and heart to ensure there was a place for all those affected by cancer.
John believed that the head and the heart needed to work together. Everyone who knew him could count on his integrity, steadfastness, loyalty, and benevolence. As his minister and friend expressed at his “celebration of life,” his life was a covenant, exemplified by simple promises honourably kept, across the entire spectrum of his life. He never resisted the “generous impulse,” and used his guiding mantra: Faith, Family, Friends and Fun to steer his ship of living fully with a purpose.
We will never forget the exuberant laughter that bubbled up and out at the slightest provocation and his belief that to live a good life you need to make room for fun. “Blue skies, no clouds” was John’s code for let’s go golfing. May his beloved family accept our sincere condolences for their irreplaceable loss. And may we apply the spirit of his life to our lives.
“What I’d like to say is this.
Live fully every moment of your life.
Do not wait for everything to be
threatened before you realize
the value of all you have.”
-Dr. Jane Poulson, author of The Dr. Will Not See You Now.
Written in tribute by: Trudy Boyle
