Stephen, age 74, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2020 with his wife Lorna and his daughter Megan by his side. Stephen was born on October 31, 1945 in Wales to Dorian and Doreen John and immigrated to Victoria around the age of 1.
He leaves behind his wife, Lorna (Carruthers); two children, Megan and Patrick as well as two adored granddaughters, Lexy and Alicia; his brother, Paul (Meralee) plus a niece and nephew, Rosemary and Andrew.
Lorna and Stephen married at a young age on July 11, 1970. It would have been their 50th anniversary this year.
Stephen had a varied career. He started with Woodwards Westmount in Edmonton. He learned how to run a “food floor” with excellence and proceeded to purchase a grocery store in High River, Alberta. Eventually, he went on to buy and run two hardware stores in Courtenay, BC. Throughout the years, he worked with Work Wear World, was a counsellor at The F.B.D.B and opened Food King, his own supermarket in Nanaimo, BC. In later years, he became a REALTOR® in both Courtenay and Victoria.
Stephen, the entrepreneur, had many other passions including fishing, hunting, playing and coaching lacrosse. He occasionally enjoyed a “fine” rum.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:30 pm on Wednesday, March 11, 2020 in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC.
Flowers gratefully accepted or donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Harry & Marian Holland
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Lynne Verley Dear Lorna Megan and Pat. Was sorry to hear about Stephen’s passing. Such fond memories when you lived next store in Gordon Head. Great guy, great family, with love Lynne Verley
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Maria White This is with a very heavy heart to say goodbye to this sweet man..I cared for him at the Heights. He endlessly always had me laughing with his humor.. always a joy to be around..I got to know his amazing wife Lorna..kids and grandkids..they are all a beautiful family..Will miss his smiles and hello.s whenever I ran into him in the lobby of the Heights..Much love to Lorna and the kids..and grandkids.. Stephen will never be forgotten..
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Kevin Wensley Steve was such a positive, and complimentary gentleman. A class man through and through. Worked with him for several years at DFH and have nothing but the highest respect and regard for him. I’ll keep the great memories and am thankful I was able to enjoy his company, he will be missed.
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Ally Guevin Dear Lorna, Megan and Pat. We remember your Stephen (Dad) with fondness. We worked with him at DFH Real Estate in Victoria. He was always a fun living guy who loved a practical joke and a good real estate story. We are so very sorry for this sad time in your family. We hope your happy memories carry you thru the coming days and weeks. With love, Ally and Dennis Guevin
Our sincere sympathy for Lorna and family in their loss of Stephen. He will be remembered as a generous man of great foresight and high energy in all facits of his very busy life, yet always having time for his family. I am very thankful to have had him as a friend and business colleague while here in Courtenay.