‘A real force of nature’: Funeral for Sun Youth co-founder Sid Stevens

Sid Stevens, co-founder of the Sun Youth Organization, died Sunday after a long battle with Parkinson’s at the age of 85.

In 1954, Sid Stevens started a handwritten newspaper to help disadvantaged youth. Over 70 years later, he is remembered as a pillar of his community.

The co-founder of the Sun Youth Organization died Sunday after a long battle with Parkinson’s at the age of 85.

A funeral was held for Stevens on Thursday.

“The way to describe Sid is that he was truly a real force of nature and wanted to make fundamental changes in the lives of so many,” said MNA Brigitte Garceau.

Stevens served Montrealers decades alongside his late co-founder Earl de la Perralle.

In 1954, the two began the Clark Street Sun, a paper they loaned to families at 2 cents a copy to finance programs for vulnerable youth.

“When you hear the determination he had at 13 years old [...] and then you see all these decades later what Sun Youth is. Whether it be the first food bank in Montreal, whether it be the sports programs, reaching out to the community [...] their legacy is going to live on,” MNA Elisabeth Prass said.

Today, the Sun Youth charity provides food, clothing, medical and financial assistance to families in need.

The organization also collaborates with police to increase neighbourhood security through crime prevention.

“He had a vision. He stuck to that vision and he fought so hard,” city councillor Mary Deros said upon exiting Paperman and Sons funeral home.

“We’re all in public office because we believe in serving our communities and he did it in his incredible way,” added MNA Désirée McGraw.