John Stephure - With Gratitude
Because we knew you, we have been changed “for good” …
Written by: Debbie Baylin

Growing up in New England, our home was a haven for song. My Dad always had some sort of music playing, regardless of the genre – regardless of whether anyone wanted to listen! Too young to appreciate the depths of the classics or rhythms of jazz my brother and I became especially well-versed in Broadway musicals. To this day, I’m known for pulling lyrics from a hat during times of great joy or sadness.

And so today I begin this tribute to John with lyrics to the song, “For Good” from the musical Wicked.

…I’ve heard it said

Because I knew you …

John “came into my life” nine years ago. At the time, we served on the steering committee for a Canadian Cancer Society public lecture series. I quickly saw from his introspective yet persuasive style that I was in the presence of a master who could teach me a great deal about the business of philanthropy. John had recently recovered from a stem cell transplant for stage four Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. As a lifelong learner, he explored many modalities for healing during his illness and was adamant about bringing many of his mentors to Calgary. Suddenly, new speakers for the lecture series began arriving from far and wide. The committee had a meagre budget, but the costs were always covered by a so-called “anonymous donor”, a term that would later become synonymous with John’s selfless philanthropy.

John was a passionate advocate and fearless when it came to following through with his convictions. Helping people to live compassionately with cancer became his raison d’etre and he would not let anything stand in his way.

John Stephure (Image by Gottfried Mitteregger)

I was feeling a bit discouraged regarding the development of Art à la Carte and decided to approach John for some guidance following a lecture series meeting. We must have stood in the parking lot for nearly an hour as he listened astutely to my lament. It was then that John first told me of his efforts to establish a Wellspring Calgary support centre for people living with cancer and their loved ones. He and his co-founders were five years into the initiative at the time of our conversation and knew only too well about the assorted bureaucratic obstacles I was facing. Perhaps there might be an opportunity for us to join forces and work together.

In the years that followed, John became an invaluable mentor and much loved friend. Never once did he stray from his commitment to me, Art à la Carte or the countless other humanitarian efforts he took on along the way. He was an authentic leader who provided resources and opportunities for others to grow. John always spoke his truth – at times harshly so, but always, always for the greater “good”.

Wellspring Calgary opened its doors in an exquisite, custom-designed home along the Bow River on June 10, 2009. The initial framing was completed in a day by hundreds of employees of Carma Developers who donated the structure in honour of their 50th year of business. Both the title, Carma House, and the gesture speak so appropriately of its co-founder, a man who himself was a master craftsman for what mattered most in life.

Without any notice, John was rushed into the hospital the night before the dedication with a full recurrence of lymphoma. He died less than three weeks later, without ever setting foot inside Carma House, where his legacy of generosity and love will live on.

… And now whatever way our stories end

(We) have been changed for good …

With endless gratitude and love,

John Stephure, November 11, 1950 – June 28, 2009

"More than was said here was written in the pages of his life."