With deep sorrow, we mourn the passing of Claude Stevens, DTM, Division Governor, Division C.  Members of the District Executive Committee (DEC) were privileged to spend the day with him, when he hosted our quarterly meeting at his office facilities on October 1st. Within 24 hours, he was taken to the Emergency Room, having suffered a stroke. 

Many of us followed his progress via a CaringBridge website, thanks to regular updates by family members. At times, there were encouraging reports with signs of hopefulness, but sadly he passed away on Sunday, January 8, 2012 at MCV Hospital.

Members across the Commonwealth were touched by his wit, his encouragement, and his exceedingly generous spirit. By all accounts, he was a giver, not a taker, and most definitely modeled the core values of our organization.

Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the members of his family who include his wife, Martha Denise Stevens (also a Toastmaster and a past Division Governor); and their daughter, Leslie; son, John W. Stevens IV (Kaila); daughter, Jessi D.C. Stevens; mother, Daisy S. Stevens; his siblings, Lynn B. Stevens, Lester B. Stevens Jr., Eric Stevens, Rene Marie (Jesse J. Johnson), Samuel T. Stevens (Laurie) and John W. Stevens III. He is also survived by numerous aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews. 

Anyone wishing to honor his memory may do so, by making a contribution to any of the following:
Boaz & Ruth
J. Sargent Reynolds Foundation/Claude Stevens Memorial Scholarship Fund
Caring Bridge
Enslowbrook Community Garden (a project under the guidance of Claude's son, John: 804.300.0090)
Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy Research Laboratory at Mass General