It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of an incredible man, Steve Wilson on June 11, 2020 at the age of 58 years.
Steve was born on September 22, 1961 in Port Alberni, BC and lived there until grade 11 when he moved to Sparwood. Steve started at the coal mine in 1980 as a lamp man/first aider. He worked his way up the ranks to become the general supervisor at Fording River. Steve was very involved in mine rescue over this time and safety ran through his blood. He was the captain of his mine rescue team for years then coached teams and mentored many mine rescue team members. Many of these people became his good friends and he loved teaching them his skills.
Steve loved the outdoors, whether it was fishing in the lake, river or ocean or hiking to the top of a mountain hunting, building a lean-to and sleeping in the snow with bears wandering around. He was happiest out in the bush. He always said if a bear got him out there, then that was fair game. He had many hunting stories when he got back home, always safe and sound. He loved the trapping cabin, helping his brother-in-law set traps and harvest their furs or just enjoying the solitude of being out of cell reach. That was his happy place. His most memorable hunt, though, was the month-long trip to Africa. He was so proud of the many mounts he brought back and the victory of the hunt. Steve was a mentor to many, but the wisdom and lessons he taught his children and Grandchildren were the most important to him. Be it teaching wilderness survival or math, or just life in general, he always had the answers.
In 1996, Steve moved to Elkford to live with Cheryl and her children Erica and Levi. They lived together for 7 years before tying the knot in 2003. The frog prince and the princess lived happily ever after. Steve was a kind and generous husband. There was no doubt, Cheryl was the love of his life and he was hers. Wherever they went, they had fun. Laughter was his medicine and even when he was no longer able to talk, he made Cheryl laugh every day. Laughing got him through the rough days and his family is forever grateful that he never lost his sense of humor.
Steve was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme, the deadliest of brain cancer, in November of 2018. He fought a brave and valiant fight for 19 months, we’re sure because the average life expectancy is 8-12 months. Always an overachiever.
Steve decided that it was important for Cheryl to have family close by, so they moved to Creston in November of 2019. Family was a Godsend to them both and he loved spending time teasing the grandkids.
Steve had sadly left behind his wife of 17 years and the love of his life, Cheryl as well as stepchildren Erica Plessis (Mike), Levi Boggs (Randi), and son Jesse Wilson. As well as his Grandchildren Nolan, Darius, and Annalea Plessis and Kyra McConnell. Also left to miss Steve are his sister, Terri Filek (Steve) and brother Ross Wilson (Joanne). Steve was predeceased by his Mother, Verna Kurschenska, Father, David Wilson, Sister, Lori Neufeld, Nephew, Andrew Wilson, Uncle Ray Hines as well as various other family members and friends.
Steve was a rock to many of us right up to the end. He will be missed so very much.
Friends and family wishing to make a memorial contribution may do so to
Alberta Children’s Hospital
28 Oki Drive NW
Calgary, Alberta, T3B 6A8
or
Ronald McDonald House BC
111 West Campus Place NW
Calgary, Alberta T3B 2R6
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