Tuesday, January 10, 2023
I never met Mr. Stenning however, I have the pleasure of owning some of his belongings- books, textiles, newspapers and treasures from Peru. I purchased these items in Barrie a few years ago and always wondered about the man to whom they had belonged and how, pieced together, they created someone's life story. His name was printed on a leather handbag, included in the many McGill records of alumni, and written on mementos held between the pages of mining and engineering books. It was clear that Mr. Stenning had led an incredibly rich, successful and interesting life.
I am saddened to read of his passing but feel enriched to learn more about the man he was, his accomplishments and the reasons behind the items that are now a part of my household. Now, they all make sense to me and I appreciate them even more.
Reading the condolences here, given by his acquaintances and by those who knew Mr. Stenning, confirms the feeling I got each time I picked up one of these items; I was sure he was someone that struck you with a great and lasting impression, someone with charisma and interest, someone that you were thankful to have known, listened to and learned from. And although, we never met, he has left an impression on me and my family too. The things we leave behind still hold our story, still have meaning and value even if we never know it. They live on and so too, the owner. The old adage, gone but not forgotten is ever so true and spans different sets of circumstances.
I offer my condolences and my sympathy for your loss but also my thanks for the insight into the life of your dear, loved one. Take good care.
Owned and operated by St. Paul's Cathedral, London, On