John Thomas Steen, age 66, passed away at the Shuswap Lake General Hospital on November 24, 2010 with his wife, Maureen, and family by his side. He put up a valiant and heroic fight to stay with his loved ones as he battled cancer for over two years.
John was born April 16, 1944 in Birmingham, England. He grew up in Glossop where he loved to play soccer and cheer for his team, Manchester United. At the age of 6 he met “the girl next door” whom he ended up knowing for an amazing 60 years. They married in 1967 and immigrated to Calgary, Alberta where they started a family. In 1975, with their two daughters they moved to the small town of Exshaw and later Canmore where they enjoyed the outdoors, especially gardening, skiing, hiking and curling. John was a certified millwright and worked most of his career as a Maintenance Coordinator/Manager before he retired in 1995 to the warmer climate of Blind Bay, B.C.
John had many talents; he was an incredible artist, wood worker and handy man. His grandchildren would often say, “Give it to ‘Pappy’ he can fix anything”.
He made friends from far and wide while travelling around the world with Maureen. He loved golfing, hiking, cycling and dragon boating with his Grey Grebe friends. His smiling face, great sense of humour and fun loving nature made him a magnet to all who were fortunate enough to meet this wonderful man.
His grandchildren spent many wonderful summers at the lake skiing and tubing, while Pappy was at the helm of his boat.
He will be greatly missed by his wife, Maureen Croft-Steen (the love of his life for 43 years), two loving daughters Adele (Byron) and Ceri (Geoff), and six wonderful grandchildren; Breton, Hadrian, Atlyn, Rob, Nicole and Kimberlie.
At his request, there will be no formal service. Donations may be made in memory of John to: Shuswap Hospital Foundation, Box 265, Salmon Arm, B.C. V1E
Condolences can be sent through John’s obituary at www.bowersfuneralservice.com
Funeral arrangements are in the acre of Bowers Funeral Service, Salmon Arm, BC