Obituary for Stephen Joseph Steepe
Steepe, Stephen:
With great sadness and heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Stephen Joseph Steepe (age 61) on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at Grand River Hospital.
Survived by his sisters Cheryl Humeniuk (the late Carl), Janice O'Dwyer (Mike), Heather Ruch and Cheryl Peters (Louie), as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Predeceased by his mother Beatrice (Ted), father Ken, sister Valorie and brother Brian.
Stephen was always a survivor. At the age of 20, he started the battle of his life - which continued until the day he died. While working outside on an extremely hot day, he collapsed. Before the night was over, he would be on a ventilator in a coma fighting for his life. Although the odds were against him (according to every medical professional at the time) he proved them wrong - he survived.
But his survival included additional challenges - coma, loss of speech, balance and mobility. That did not stop him. With the love of his family and friends, he worked through every challenge thrown at him, and fought back hard. Even though he never would walk again, and speech was difficult at times, his determination to live and enjoy life was still as strong.
Stephen was kind and caring and it shows in the sorrow we are all experiencing today. Shock is visible on everyone's face, from family, extended family and caregivers, the pain is deep - he had survived so many challenges it is hard to believe his journey has come to an end. Now he can once again walk amongst all that preceded him. Until we meet again - we love you.
On behalf of Stephen, his family would like to thank the numerous people that have been a part of Stephen's life. Special thanks to the many caregivers and friends that continued to support him. In particular, we would like to thank Nancy Robson (OT for at least 38 years), Brian Schmolling, Lynda Church, Roxanne Christopher, Tracy Johnson and Angie Anderson. You were not just workers to him, you were a friend and you meant the world to him. We would also like to thank all the numerous caregivers that shared a part of his life through the years, as caring caregivers makes the difference between living or existing, and you guys made it LIVING.
Special thanks to Tim and Brenda White (you guys were always there for him) and he smiled every time your name was mentioned.
Due to current restrictions, cremation has taken place and a celebration of Stephen's life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Grand River Hospital Foundation - Cancer Centre would be appreciated by the family (cards available at the funeral home).
Visit www.henrywalser.com for Stephen's memorial.
With great sadness and heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Stephen Joseph Steepe (age 61) on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at Grand River Hospital.
Survived by his sisters Cheryl Humeniuk (the late Carl), Janice O'Dwyer (Mike), Heather Ruch and Cheryl Peters (Louie), as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Predeceased by his mother Beatrice (Ted), father Ken, sister Valorie and brother Brian.
Stephen was always a survivor. At the age of 20, he started the battle of his life - which continued until the day he died. While working outside on an extremely hot day, he collapsed. Before the night was over, he would be on a ventilator in a coma fighting for his life. Although the odds were against him (according to every medical professional at the time) he proved them wrong - he survived.
But his survival included additional challenges - coma, loss of speech, balance and mobility. That did not stop him. With the love of his family and friends, he worked through every challenge thrown at him, and fought back hard. Even though he never would walk again, and speech was difficult at times, his determination to live and enjoy life was still as strong.
Stephen was kind and caring and it shows in the sorrow we are all experiencing today. Shock is visible on everyone's face, from family, extended family and caregivers, the pain is deep - he had survived so many challenges it is hard to believe his journey has come to an end. Now he can once again walk amongst all that preceded him. Until we meet again - we love you.
On behalf of Stephen, his family would like to thank the numerous people that have been a part of Stephen's life. Special thanks to the many caregivers and friends that continued to support him. In particular, we would like to thank Nancy Robson (OT for at least 38 years), Brian Schmolling, Lynda Church, Roxanne Christopher, Tracy Johnson and Angie Anderson. You were not just workers to him, you were a friend and you meant the world to him. We would also like to thank all the numerous caregivers that shared a part of his life through the years, as caring caregivers makes the difference between living or existing, and you guys made it LIVING.
Special thanks to Tim and Brenda White (you guys were always there for him) and he smiled every time your name was mentioned.
Due to current restrictions, cremation has taken place and a celebration of Stephen's life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Grand River Hospital Foundation - Cancer Centre would be appreciated by the family (cards available at the funeral home).
Visit www.henrywalser.com