Ian Douglas Stevenson 1 October 1940 – 26 July 2025
CONTRIBUTE
TO MEMORY TIMELINE
When I think of Ian Stevenson, I become deeply humbled and grateful for having known such a wonderful man. Ian's influence in my life still radiates, and always will. Ian was a mentor, a role model, a kind and patient friend, and an absolute delight to work with at The Walkington Theatre. I joined the team at The Walkington Theatre in 1991 running the box office and administration, and was also involved with the community arts program and all the volunteers. Ian Ashton was Manager, with Dianne Stevenson (now McKenney) one of the technicians, along with Kylie Williams. When Ashton moved to Perth I became Manager and the theatre was run by all women, backed up by Ian Stevenson and a large team of volunteers, male and female. When I won the role as Manager, Ian backed me 100%. He made it very clear as a young women in my early 20's that he believed in my skills and character as a person. What Ian taught me as a professional in the arts sector, management and community engagement, has stayed with me as a guide, and confidence across the last three decades. His wisdom and way of seeing the world comes into my mind often. Ian was on the Board representing Woodside, providing leadership and governance on how The Walkington Theatre was run. He was on the committee for Friends of the Theatre, that led and guided a team of up to seventy volunteers. Forty were active every month, and every week. Ian led the technical training of volunteers on Tuesday nights, along with Ashton, Dianne and Kylie. The training including sound; and planning, plotting and rigging lighting for touring productions in the theatre, and outdoors in the amphitheatre. Shows included a community concert tour to Onslow, and dance performances at Roebourne. With kids and adults interviewed and recruited as volunteers from age 14 and upwards, Stevo taught all aspects of lighting, sound, projection, fly, and for the taller people, follow spot. The Walkington Theatre was at that time, one of the three major regional performing arts centres in regional WA. A professional venue that companies like the WA Symphony Orchestra knew when they toured, they would have quality operations and back up to make their performances a success. Stevo was instrumental in creating all that success, and The Walkington's thriving, caring community. We had volunteers from age 14, and if the young men needed some guidance in their life or work at the Theatre, I could call Ian privately for a chat. Within a few shifts I could see that young volunteer begin to change, to feel better about himself, and as months went by those young kids would begin to flourish into more confident teenagers. Ian had a quiet way of making people feel valued, that bred self-respect and self-esteem, and a belonging in that community. There are so many fun and funny memories of Ian, Dianne, Darren, Sandy, Craig, Vicki and Ruth. The time I had to step into the role Sandy usually filled, performing as Tarzan's Jane, dancing and lipsinking to the song Guitarzan in the community concert. Dianne dancing around in the stinking hot ape suit, Craig dressed as Tarzan, strung up in the air, flying across the stage air-guitaring a cardboard guitar. Darren and the volunteers swinging Craig from one side of the stage to the other! Ian Stevenson was on the sound desk, and on cans keeping all the crew calm and on track, with Kylie Williams as stage manager. Tommy Emmanuel toured to Karratha - the lighting rig was set up by the Tuesday night volunteers, the lighting plan by Dianne, Kylie and Ian, ready for a music gig; and the sound desk ready to go in the theatre. Tommy's tour manager arrived to discover it was Dianne and Kylie as technicians. He ummed and arghed saying nothing about what he needed for the concert that night. Kylie came to get me, thinking he needed to see the Manager to then get the set up finished ready for sound check. Nope, he ummed and arghed saying almost nothing. So I headed back to the office and called Ian. 'I think we might have a sexist one here Ian, he won't tell us what's needed to finish it off before Tommy arrives - can you come to the theatre please'. 'oh one of those' Ian said 'I'll be right there'. Stevo walks in and immediately the guy started talking through exactly what was needed. Ian explained the theatre technicians had set it up to go, making sure Dianne and Kylie got the credit. By the end of the show the tour manager had been 'educated' with Jude and the other volunteers teasing him on the cans. Ian always polite, professional and quietly very proud of his daughter and all the theatre team. Over the years I've bumped into some of our volunteers like Richard Scott who I saw in Sydney. Richard is an electronical engineer and was living in Korea at the time - he said what he learned from Ian at the Walkington helped him know what he wanted to do as a career. He was very grateful for the experiences he and his sister had at The Walkington Theatre. Ian and all the team gave them a safe place to learn about life and grow from teenagers into young adults. Like Richard - Ian, the Stevenson family and our Walkington Theatre crew are a foundation in who I am as a person. Ian has a very special place in my heart, and always will. To Ruth and all the Stevenson family and friends - I'm sorry I couldn't attend and be with you in person. I'm thinking of you all, sending my love and sincere condolences to each of you.
>read on
2/5 cont Ian was on the Board representing Woodside, providing leadership and governance on how The Walkington Theatre was run. He was on the committee for Friends of the Theatre, that led and guided a team of up to seventy volunteers. Forty were active every month, and every week. Ian led the technical training of volunteers on Tuesday nights, along with Ashton, Dianne and Kylie. The training including sound; and planning, plotting and rigging lighting for touring productions in the theatre, and outdoors in the amphitheatre. Shows included a community concert tour to Onslow, and dance performances at Roebourne. With kids and adults interviewed and recruited as volunteers from age 14 and upwards, Stevo taught all aspects of lighting, sound, projection, fly, and for the taller people, follow spot. The Walkington Theatre was at that time, one of the three major regional performing arts centres in regional WA. A professional venue that companies like the WA Symphony Orchestra knew when they toured, they would have quality operations and back up to make their performances a success. Stevo was instrumental in creating all that success, and The Walkington's thriving, caring community.
>read on
3/5 cont The Walkington had volunteers from age 14, and if the young men needed some guidance in their life or work at the Theatre, I could call Ian privately for a chat. Within a few shifts I could see that young volunteer begin to change, to feel better about himself, and as months went by those young kids would begin to flourish into more confident teenagers. Ian had a quiet way of making people feel valued, that bred self-respect and self-esteem, and a belonging in that community. There are so many fun and funny memories of Ian, Dianne, Darren, Sandy, Craig, Vicki and Ruth. The time I had to step into the role Sandy usually filled, performing as Tarzan's Jane, dancing and lipsinking to the song Guitarzan in the community concert. Dianne dancing around in the stinking hot ape suit, Craig dressed as Tarzan, strung up in the air, flying across the stage air-guitaring a cardboard guitar. Darren and the volunteers swinging Craig from one side of the stage to the other! Ian Stevenson was on the sound desk, and on cans keeping all the crew calm and on track, with Kylie Williams as stage manager.
>read on
4/5 cont Tommy Emmanuel toured to Karratha - the lighting rig was set up by the Tuesday night volunteers, the lighting plan by Dianne, Kylie and Ian, ready for a music gig; and the sound desk ready to go in the theatre. Tommy's tour manager arrived to discover it was Dianne and Kylie as technicians. He ummed and arghed saying nothing about what he needed for the concert that night. Kylie came to get me, thinking he needed to see the Manager to then get the set up finished ready for sound check. Nope, he ummed and arghed saying almost nothing. So I headed back to the office and called Ian. 'I think we might have a sexist one here Ian, he won't tell us what's needed to finish it off before Tommy arrives - can you come to the theatre please'. 'oh one of those' Ian said 'I'll be right there'. Stevo walks in and immediately the guy started talking through exactly what was needed. Ian explained the theatre technicians had set it up to go, making sure Dianne and Kylie got the credit. By the end of the show the tour manager had been 'educated' with Jude and the other volunteers teasing him on the cans. Ian always polite, professional and quietly very proud of his daughter and all the theatre team.
>read on
5/5Over the years I've bumped into some of our volunteers like Richard Scott who I saw in Sydney. Richard is an electronical engineer and was living in Korea at the time - he said what he learned from Ian at the Walkington helped him know what he wanted to do as a career. He was very grateful for the experiences he and his sister had at The Walkington Theatre. Ian and all the team gave them a safe place to learn about life and grow from teenagers into young adults. Like Richard - Ian, the Stevenson family and our Walkington Theatre crew are a foundation in who I am as a person. Ian has a very special place in my heart, and always will. To Ruth and all the Stevenson family and friends - I'm sorry I couldn't attend and be with you in person. I'm thinking of you all, sending my love and sincere condolences to each of you.
>read on
Ian was a wonderful neighbour with a quirky sense of humour and a cheeky smile. He always gave a cheery hello when he walked his dog Cooper and shared lots of colourful stories from his past. I will treasure my memories of time spent with Ian. My heart goes out to Ruth and family at this most difficult time. Our sincerest condolences . Karen and Family
>read on
To all the Steveson family and friends - with you I share the joy of knowing an incredibly ban who provided us with so much joy and guidance throughout his years. I also share in the grief that comes from knowing I won't see him again for a while - but the real loss is for those who never had the privilege of knowing him at all. Sending all my love and strength your way today and always. Rossco and Loki xxx
>read on
We are truly saddened that we couldn't get there for this sad time to see Ian off and to be with Ruthy and the family. He was a fantastic brother and i have many cherished memories with him and some day we will meet up again till then bye for now love you Graeme and Marg xoxox
Stevo's service was one of the most beautiful I've experienced. I learned so much more about him, and your family Thank you for the invitation. Ian, the Stevenson family and our Walkington Theatre crew from Karratha became a foundation in who I am as a person. Ian has a very special place in my heart, and always will. To Ruth and all the Stevenson family and friends - I'm sorry I couldn't attend and be with you in person. I'm thinking of you all, sending my love and sincere condolences to each of you. Such a sad time, yet so many joyful moments and memories to cherish. I've shared some of those under the memory timeline. I hope they bring a smile. Much love xx
>read on
When I think of Ian Stevenson, I become deeply humbled and grateful for having known such a wonderful man. Ian's influence in my life still radiates, and always will. Ian was a mentor, a role model, a kind and patient friend, and an absolute delight to work with at The Walkington Theatre. I joined the team at The Walkington Theatre in 1991 running the box office and administration, and was also involved with the community arts program and all the volunteers. Ian Ashton was Manager, with Dianne Stevenson (now McKenney) one of the technicians, along with Kylie Williams. When Ashton moved to Perth I became Manager and the theatre was run by all women, backed up by Ian Stevenson and a large team of volunteers, male and female. When I won the role as Manager, Ian backed me 100%. He made it very clear as a young women in my early 20's that he believed in my skills and character as a person. What Ian taught me as a professional in the arts sector, management and community engagement, has stayed with me as a guide, and confidence across the last three decades. His wisdom and way of seeing the world comes into my mind often. Ian was on the Board representing Woodside, providing leadership and governance on how The Walkington Theatre was run. He was on the committee for Friends of the Theatre, that led and guided a team of up to seventy volunteers. Forty were active every month, and every week. Ian led the technical training of volunteers on Tuesday nights, along with Ashton, Dianne and Kylie. The training including sound; and planning, plotting and rigging lighting for touring productions in the theatre, and outdoors in the amphitheatre. Shows included a community concert tour to Onslow, and dance performances at Roebourne. With kids and adults interviewed and recruited as volunteers from age 14 and upwards, Stevo taught all aspects of lighting, sound, projection, fly, and for the taller people, follow spot. The Walkington Theatre was at that time, one of the three major regional performing arts centres in regional WA. A professional venue that companies like the WA Symphony Orchestra knew when they toured, they would have quality operations and back up to make their performances a success. Stevo was instrumental in creating all that success, and The Walkington's thriving, caring community. We had volunteers from age 14, and if the young men needed some guidance in their life or work at the Theatre, I could call Ian privately for a chat. Within a few shifts I could see that young volunteer begin to change, to feel better about himself, and as months went by those young kids would begin to flourish into more confident teenagers. Ian had a quiet way of making people feel valued, that bred self-respect and self-esteem, and a belonging in that community. There are so many fun and funny memories of Ian, Dianne, Darren, Sandy, Craig, Vicki and Ruth. The time I had to step into the role Sandy usually filled, performing as Tarzan's Jane, dancing and lipsinking to the song Guitarzan in the community concert. Dianne dancing around in the stinking hot ape suit, Craig dressed as Tarzan, strung up in the air, flying across the stage air-guitaring a cardboard guitar. Darren and the volunteers swinging Craig from one side of the stage to the other! Ian Stevenson was on the sound desk, and on cans keeping all the crew calm and on track, with Kylie Williams as stage manager. Tommy Emmanuel toured to Karratha - the lighting rig was set up by the Tuesday night volunteers, the lighting plan by Dianne, Kylie and Ian, ready for a music gig; and the sound desk ready to go in the theatre. Tommy's tour manager arrived to discover it was Dianne and Kylie as technicians. He ummed and arghed saying nothing about what he needed for the concert that night. Kylie came to get me, thinking he needed to see the Manager to then get the set up finished ready for sound check. Nope, he ummed and arghed saying almost nothing. So I headed back to the office and called Ian. 'I think we might have a sexist one here Ian, he won't tell us what's needed to finish it off before Tommy arrives - can you come to the theatre please'. 'oh one of those' Ian said 'I'll be right there'. Stevo walks in and immediately the guy started talking through exactly what was needed. Ian explained the theatre technicians had set it up to go, making sure Dianne and Kylie got the credit. By the end of the show the tour manager had been 'educated' with Jude and the other volunteers teasing him on the cans. Ian always polite, professional and quietly very proud of his daughter and all the theatre team. Over the years I've bumped into some of our volunteers like Richard Scott who I saw in Sydney. Richard is an electronical engineer and was living in Korea at the time - he said what he learned from Ian at the Walkington helped him know what he wanted to do as a career. He was very grateful for the experiences he and his sister had at The Walkington Theatre. Ian and all the team gave them a safe place to learn about life and grow from teenagers into young adults. Like Richard - Ian, the Stevenson family and our Walkington Theatre crew are a foundation in who I am as a person. Ian has a very special place in my heart, and always will. To Ruth and all the Stevenson family and friends - I'm sorry I couldn't attend and be with you in person. I'm thinking of you all, sending my love and sincere condolences to each of you. View full message
Gwen Gaff
2/5 cont Ian was on the Board representing Woodside, providing leadership and governance on how The Walkington Theatre was run. He was on the committee for Friends of the Theatre, that led and guided a team of up to seventy volunteers. Forty were active every month, and every week. Ian led the technical training of volunteers on Tuesday nights, along with Ashton, Dianne and Kylie. The training including sound; and planning, plotting and rigging lighting for touring productions in the theatre, and outdoors in the amphitheatre. Shows included a community concert tour to Onslow, and dance performances at Roebourne. With kids and adults interviewed and recruited as volunteers from age 14 and upwards, Stevo taught all aspects of lighting, sound, projection, fly, and for the taller people, follow spot. The Walkington Theatre was at that time, one of the three major regional performing arts centres in regional WA. A professional venue that companies like the WA Symphony Orchestra knew when they toured, they would have quality operations and back up to make their performances a success. Stevo was instrumental in creating all that success, and The Walkington's thriving, caring community. View full message
Gwen Gaff
3/5 cont The Walkington had volunteers from age 14, and if the young men needed some guidance in their life or work at the Theatre, I could call Ian privately for a chat. Within a few shifts I could see that young volunteer begin to change, to feel better about himself, and as months went by those young kids would begin to flourish into more confident teenagers. Ian had a quiet way of making people feel valued, that bred self-respect and self-esteem, and a belonging in that community. There are so many fun and funny memories of Ian, Dianne, Darren, Sandy, Craig, Vicki and Ruth. The time I had to step into the role Sandy usually filled, performing as Tarzan's Jane, dancing and lipsinking to the song Guitarzan in the community concert. Dianne dancing around in the stinking hot ape suit, Craig dressed as Tarzan, strung up in the air, flying across the stage air-guitaring a cardboard guitar. Darren and the volunteers swinging Craig from one side of the stage to the other! Ian Stevenson was on the sound desk, and on cans keeping all the crew calm and on track, with Kylie Williams as stage manager. View full message
Gwen Gaff
4/5 cont Tommy Emmanuel toured to Karratha - the lighting rig was set up by the Tuesday night volunteers, the lighting plan by Dianne, Kylie and Ian, ready for a music gig; and the sound desk ready to go in the theatre. Tommy's tour manager arrived to discover it was Dianne and Kylie as technicians. He ummed and arghed saying nothing about what he needed for the concert that night. Kylie came to get me, thinking he needed to see the Manager to then get the set up finished ready for sound check. Nope, he ummed and arghed saying almost nothing. So I headed back to the office and called Ian. 'I think we might have a sexist one here Ian, he won't tell us what's needed to finish it off before Tommy arrives - can you come to the theatre please'. 'oh one of those' Ian said 'I'll be right there'. Stevo walks in and immediately the guy started talking through exactly what was needed. Ian explained the theatre technicians had set it up to go, making sure Dianne and Kylie got the credit. By the end of the show the tour manager had been 'educated' with Jude and the other volunteers teasing him on the cans. Ian always polite, professional and quietly very proud of his daughter and all the theatre team. View full message
Gwen Gaff
5/5Over the years I've bumped into some of our volunteers like Richard Scott who I saw in Sydney. Richard is an electronical engineer and was living in Korea at the time - he said what he learned from Ian at the Walkington helped him know what he wanted to do as a career. He was very grateful for the experiences he and his sister had at The Walkington Theatre. Ian and all the team gave them a safe place to learn about life and grow from teenagers into young adults. Like Richard - Ian, the Stevenson family and our Walkington Theatre crew are a foundation in who I am as a person. Ian has a very special place in my heart, and always will. To Ruth and all the Stevenson family and friends - I'm sorry I couldn't attend and be with you in person. I'm thinking of you all, sending my love and sincere condolences to each of you. View full message
Gwen Gaff
Ian was a wonderful neighbour with a quirky sense of humour and a cheeky smile. He always gave a cheery hello when he walked his dog Cooper and shared lots of colourful stories from his past. I will treasure my memories of time spent with Ian. My heart goes out to Ruth and family at this most difficult time. Our sincerest condolences . Karen and Family
To all the Steveson family and friends - with you I share the joy of knowing an incredibly ban who provided us with so much joy and guidance throughout his years. I also share in the grief that comes from knowing I won't see him again for a while - but the real loss is for those who never had the privilege of knowing him at all. Sending all my love and strength your way today and always. Rossco and Loki xxx
We are truly saddened that we couldn't get there for this sad time to see Ian off and to be with Ruthy and the family. He was a fantastic brother and i have many cherished memories with him and some day we will meet up again till then bye for now love you Graeme and Marg xoxox Read full message here.
Stevo's service was one of the most beautiful I've experienced. I learned so much more about him, and your family Thank you for the invitation. Ian, the Stevenson family and our Walkington Theatre crew from Karratha became a foundation in who I am as a person. Ian has a very special place in my heart, and always will. To Ruth and all the Stevenson family and friends - I'm sorry I couldn't attend and be with you in person. I'm thinking of you all, sending my love and sincere condolences to each of you. Such a sad time, yet so many joyful moments and memories to cherish. I've shared some of those under the memory timeline. I hope they bring a smile. Much love xx View full message
Gwen Gaff