Obituary: Rev. Brian Stevens at Hope United Church served with kindness, inclusion and music
Rev. Brian Francis Stevens, of Hope United Church in East Toronto, died on Tuesday, Feb. 3, after a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 65.
He was surrounded by love, faith and the deep sense of peace he so often imparted to others throughout his life and ministry with the United Church of Canada
Stevens was a devoted and loving partner to Martin for 23 years, and found his greatest joy at home, especially in the companionship of his beloved dogs, Oscar Pedro and Bruno, who were a constant source of comfort, laughter, and unconditional love. His home was a place of warmth, welcome, and gentle humour—values he carried into every aspect of his life.
Stevens was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia on Sept. 9, 1960 to Louise and William Stevens. He also had an older sister who predeceased him in 2006.
The younger years for the Stevens’ family were spent in Timberlea Nova Scotia. Stevens later studied at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia where he earned his degree in piano performance.
After a year of working as a pianist in Regina, Stevens moved to Prince Edward Island where he accepted a permanent position at the Confederation Centre of the Arts. There he created the Triple Threats Performing Arts School where he taught kids from across the island in music, dancing and acting.
He was also the Artist Director of a summer theatre festival at the Kings Playhouse in Georgetown, PEI.
After meeting his partner Hugo Martin, Stevens moved to Halifax where he was accepted at the Atlantic School of Theology. He later moved to Toronto and worked as a music director and youth minister at Faith United Church in Courtice ON.
Stevens became a member of Hope United Church in 2014, where his faith, compassion, and commitment to service quickly became evident. After years of discernment, study, and heartfelt dedication, he was ordained as a Minister in 2021, answering a call to ministry that he embraced with deep purpose.
His pastoral presence was marked by kindness, thoughtful listening, and a steadfast belief in radical love and inclusion. Through his ministry and music, Stevens touched countless lives, offering comfort in times of sorrow, joy in moments of celebration, and hope when it was most needed.
Even in illness, he met each day with courage, honesty, and grace, continuing to inspire those around him.
He will be deeply missed by his partner Martin, his church family at Hope United Church, dear friends, and all whose lives were blessed by his love and ministry. His legacy lives on in the compassion he shared, the faith he nurtured, and the love he gave so freely.
A visitation for Rev. Brian Stevens will be held at Hope United Church, 2550 Danforth Ave. on the northwest corner of Main Street and Danforth Avenue, on Wednesday, Feb. 11, from 2 to 8 p.m.; and on Thursday, Feb. 12, from 11 a.m. to noon.
The funeral service will be held at noon on Feb. 12 at Hope United Church.
For more information, please go to https://www.dignitymemorial.com/en-ca/obituaries/toronto-on/reverend-brian-stevens-12738047
