Montreal, August 17 — It is with deep sadness that Sun Youth announces the passing of its cofounder, Sid Stevens, on August 17, surrounded by his loved ones. A towering figure in Montreal’s culture of solidarity, Sid dedicated more than 70 years to helping the most vulnerable, leaving behind an invaluable legacy.
Born in 1940 in Montreal’s Plateau-Mont-Royal neighborhood, Sid founded, along with Earl De La Perralle, a sports and recreation club in 1954 that would grow into Sun Youth. Under his leadership, the organization became a community pillar, providing food, clothing, financial assistance, and youth programs to some 30,000 Montrealers each year. A proud Montrealer who believed in an inclusive and dynamic city, he was elected to city council in 1978 and distinguished himself through his pragmatic and humane approach to community issues.