WILLIAM Stevenson, known as Bill, was one of the pioneering members of the Scottish affiliation of the Junior Chamber International (JCI) – part of the worldwide Federation of Young Leaders Entrepreneurs – and to many this is what he will be best rem
embered for.
The organisation for people in their twenties and thirties has more than 200,000 members and is active all over the world and its success in Scotland is thanks, in no small part, to his efforts.
He was born in Peebles in 1921 and died earlier this year in Edinburgh, aged 87.
His education was at the Allermuir Kindergarten in Morningside and the Edinburgh Academy.
While he was hard working, he was not exceptional at school or in sports. But this did not hinder him later in life.
It was 1946 when he and a group of like-minded young people first met in a hotel in Edinburgh to hold the inaugural meeting of JCI Scotland.
The group's aim was to encourage young citizens to play a more active part in society and to help mould them into the future leaders of the country.
William was founding secretary and would go on to become president of Edinburgh Junior Chamber of Commerce in 1953. His brother Eric later succeeded him in this role.
His family ran a food business and William joined the family firm and was trained by his father as an engineer.
In his profession, he carved out an impressive career, becoming chairman of Scottish Transport, master of the Company of Merchants of the City of Edinburgh and sitting on the board of the Scottish Council (Development and Industry).
He was also active in the Rotary Club and the Scout movement.
He was made a CBE in 1985 for services to industry and the community.
Though not a sportsman he enjoyed curling and held a pilot's licence.
Indeed, flying was his main passion.
Those who knew him said he had true entrepreneurial spirit and natural networking abilities.
He went about his career and community work with energy and enthusiasm and encouraged the same qualities in others.
As a glaucoma sufferer he also took a keen interest in the Royal Blind Asylum.
William was committed to JCI Scotland and his energy typifies the character of the JCI today.
Right up to his death he was still seeking new ideas and pushing pet projects.
His legacy is an organisation which will benefit the youth of Scotland for years to come.
The full article contains 450 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
