On March 27, 2020, Stephen Huk of Calgary, AB passed away suddenly at the age of 72 years in Victoria, BC. He was predeceased by his wife of 40 years, Jill, by his parents Oleksa and Sofia, and by his father-in-law, Bill Ferguson. Stephen is survived by his centenarian mother-in-law, Margaret Ferguson; his daughter Karen (Mike) Davis; his son Bryan (Angie); his two grandchildren, Evan Farthing and Victoria; his brother, Michael; and sister, Olga.
Steve was born to parents of Ukrainian heritage in Bayreuth, Germany, on July 29, 1947. The family had been forced to relocate several times during the second World War, but were fortunate to find themselves in the Allied controlled portion of Germany at the war’s end. The family emigrated to Canada in 1951, to Edmonton, Alberta where Steve grew up.
Steve attended the University of Alberta for a Chemical Engineering Degree where he met and fell in love with his wife Jill, a fellow student. The family moved to Calgary in 1973, where Steve worked for various companies in the oil and gas industry. Later in his career Steve began an engineering consultancy which included engagements in Anchorage, Sudan and Kuwait. He retired in 2016. Steve was an avid golfer and tennis player, enjoyed traveling and loved being outdoors in nice weather.
Steve was a devoted husband, son-in-law, father and grandfather, who looked after and lovingly supported his mother-in-law, his children and especially his grand children. He was always eager to provide a helping hand with whatever task needed to be done, no matter how big or small. He is deeply missed by his friends and family.
Given the current pandemic situation, a celebration of life will be organized at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may to made the University of Alberta to Giving Opportunities | Faculty of Engineering.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com.
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Theresa McGarry
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Joseph Cheriyan I knew Steve for a few years when he worked with us in Operational Planning, Kuwait Oil Company. He was an extremely dedicated professional and brought great engineering depth to our team. He was a good mentor for some of our colleagues and very respected. Always interesting and easy to talk to. I also fortunately met him when I made a trip to Kuwait in 2016 (I think) while on the way to the airport and he would not let me go till I heard the whole story of his last few years in Kuwait. He really enjoyed it, staying at the hotel on the beach. Sorry for your great loss.
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Dale and val Ferguson An incredible man with such a big generous heart a great brother in law and friend to us. A devoted father and grandfather
It was a pleasure to call him friend. Will miss our long chats by phone and your wisdom.Our heartfelt sympathy to Bryan and his wife, Victoria and Kay (Karen) and her husband and Evan. Mike and Olga and families
Reunited with Jill
You will continue to inspire us all so missed by Dale and Valmae Ferguson, Australia
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Babette Ferguson My sincere condolences on the loss of our dear Uncle Steve. He was a truly wonderful man and I admired his warmth to others and his love of family and friends. He will be missed but forever be in our hearts. Love Babette
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Stephanie Michelle Scott I have so many favourite Uncle Steve stories. In childhood, even though my contributions were far from relevant, he didn’t discourage my interest in joining the adult conversations. I remember once he took out a map to outline in great detail some path, as kids keeping focus to the end was hard. As we got older, he’s loved sharing life’s simple things, from best salad recipes to the feeling of the ocean breeze when he jogged in Kuwait. His details helped you experience it as he did—all happy memories.
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Denise Chabillon My heart is sadden by the passing of Steve.The gentle man who took his roll of family protector very seriously.
YOU are now with Jill to make up for lost time.
Rest in Peace dear brother in law.
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Brie Stevens My deepest condolences. Uncle Steve was a true gentleman in ever sense on the word. I have the fondest of memories and will treasure them forever. We loved him dearly and will miss him.
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Nathalie It was an honour to know this gentle and
caring man. Rest In Peace Uncle Steve.
Love Nathalie.
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Marvena & Rhody Kay and family, our hearts are with you at this time. We met your dear father and he was such a pleasant person. Grief is very personal and we all experience it differently, so be patient with yourselves and take comfort in the many good memories you have. In time, it will be easier to bear, and one day soon, our Great God Jehovah will bring him back to life in paradise.
Your spiritual sisters and friends,
Rhody & Marvena
Steve was a truly lovely man and a great friend. He was so kind and generous. My brother and I used to stay at his apartment on the beach in Mangaf, Kuwait during the Christmas period while he was away in Canada – not many friends would do that! He liked to take care of those less well-off. Domestic workers in Kuwait are really poor so he didn’t have the heart to let his house-maid go even though he wasn’t always impressed with her standard of house cleaning. In Steve’s memory, today I went to see that house-maid and brought her several bags of groceries and some cash to help her out. She will also say a prayer for Steve’s soul.
Steve, I will miss you and will miss visiting you whenever I come back to Calgary.
Your friends Theresa and Mick