Lions Club honours Petawawa’s Vern Stresman for 50 years of service

Turning 102 is an achievement that few people can claim, but long-time resident of Petawawa Verner “Vern” Albert Stresman can.

On Feb. 8, the Pembroke Petawawa Lions Club hosted a celebration in his honour with well-wishes, cards and cake. The event, just shy of his 102nd birthday, marked his 50 years as a member of the club.

He was given a scroll and pin on behalf of Lions Club International president Douglas Alexander and a scrapbook from fellow Lion Gerry Haley, made for Stresman’s 100th birthday but unable to be presented until now.

Stresman’s legacy is long and storied.

Born on Feb. 23, 1920, he was married to Margaret Stresman for 50 years until her passing in 1999. He remarried in 2001 to Elsie Stencell. They spent 11 years together before she passed away at 93.

His love for the Lions Club has also endured.

He joined the Pembroke chapter on Jan. 24, 1972, becoming president two years later, a position he accepted for many years.

Throughout his time with the Lions, he became known for his recruiting powers and brought many new members into the pride. In 1977, Stresman changed the club charter to the Pembroke Petawawa Lions Club.

He was the first president of this newly expanded club and continued in this role until 1980.

He officially became a Life Member on May 24, 1991, an honour given to those who have at least 20 years of active membership in the Lions Club. From 2002 to 2003, he served as Zone Chair.

But he wasn’t happy to rest on his laurels and continued to better the club and the community it served.

This attitude granted him numerous Lions awards, including a Melvin Jones Fellowship in 1990, Helen Keller Fellow, Knights of the Blind, Sight First, Lions Foundation of Canada, President’s Award, International President’s Award and multiple Lion of the Year awards.

Stresman was Chairman of the Lions Community Hall and Seniors Recreation Building Committee from 1989 to the official opening on Sept. 18, 1992.

He was also a member and co-founder of the Non-Profit Housing Board, chairman of the North Renfrew Advisor Board of Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB), chairman of the 1990 Renfrew County Senior Games, a Canadian Cancer Society volunteer, Heart and Stroke Foundation volunteer, and member of the Silver Threads.

Stresman has received many other awards, including the Ontario Volunteer Service Award, Ontario Senior of the Year Award and the Pembroke Millennium Appreciation award.