Born in Mundare, AB, 98 years ago, “Uncle Steve” embraced the world. A man of generosity, kindness, caring with a strong moral compass, and horrible jokes, he impacted many lives. For this, we thank him.
The youngest of five, motherless at 18 months, his father managed to keep the family together through the Depression and many farm moves until settling in Edmonton. Steve went to Garneau Public School, graduating from Scona HS in 1940. He enlisted in the Army in 1942, transferring to the RCAF in 1943, then posted to London, England, where he celebrated VE Day. There he met a beautiful Irish lass, Mary Margaret Doris O’Shea, who nursed in London during the Blitz. They were married in January, 1946, three days before he shipped home. Mary followed nine months later, crossing the Atlantic by ship, then travelling cross country by train to begin their new life in Edmonton. During and after HS, Steve worked on the Jasper/Banff Highway and Coca Cola. After the war, he returned to Coca Cola, in sales, responsible for AB, Yukon and NWT until 1955. He then joined Investors Group working in sales and management for 65 years, earning and receiving a page list of awards, recognition and acknowledgements from company and clients. Steve set the gold bar for Investors as well as creating a legend. His community involvement and passions: President of ACT, served on boards of Rotary Southside and UA Hospital Foundation, a contributor to the Air Force Commerative Site at the Village at Griesbach, emcee for the Ft. Edmonton Harvest Fair, AISH, Investment Club Prime Time Group, 4-H Foundation, Edmonton Community Foundation, Scona Memorial for Veterans, and the Royal Mayfair Golf Club.
Steve is survived by Mary, his much loved wife of 74 years, his nieces and nephews, as well as his generous heart, warmth, and kindness.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice or to the children, Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation, 800 College Plaza, 8215-112 Street, Edmonton, AB T6G 2C8.
zenith Moisey says
Steve, a giant among us who always gave more than he received.
A fellow Rotarian at the Edmonton West Club who, through devotion and exemplary efforts, embodies Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self”.
Rest in peace my friend.
John Blimke says
Steve was a truly generous and giving person. It was a real privilege for me to have connected with Steve through our mutual work with the Rotary Club of Edmonton West. May God Bless you Good Sir!
Malcolm and Ruth MacEachern says
Dear Mary.
It was with great sadness that I learned of Steve’s passing. Please accept our condolences. He was a wonderful assistance to our family over the years both to my Father and my self and later in the purchase of the Walker property.
We had many great visits at the kitchen table when he was guiding us through the complicated world of investment and following later through the 4-H association.
He will be sadly missed.
Malcolm and Ruth MacEachern and family
Claire Kibbler says
Dear Mary…so sorry to hear of Steve’s passing and I know you will have many memories that will help sustain you at this difficult time…take care…Claire
Philomena &Tony Fleming says
With our deepest sympathy Mary ,He was a kind and thoughtful man I liked his jokes
Ron Triffo says
Steve will be missed by his many friends at the Royal Mayfair. Always the gentleman and always ready with a humorous (or not) story, he was a treat to be around. Clearly a person with compassion and integrity, he was a man that many would wish to emulate.
Tom Davey says
Dear Mrs. McEachern
It was with great sadness that I learned of “Uncle Steve’s” passing. He was a reminder to us all of a valiant era and was an inspiration as to how to conduct our lives. I was extremely fortunate to have met him through the Strathcona School Remembrance Day Ceremonies many years ago. He always considered the needs of others and did a great deal to relieve the plight of those who suffered. I shall always remember his acts of kindness and thoughtfulness as well as his limitless energy to serve the community.
Tom Davey
Carolyn Ferguson, Sr. Major Gift Officer, The Rotary Foundation-Rotary International says
“Uncle Steve” -as he introduced himself to me, will be remembered for his love of people, his priority focus on the importance of relationships and helping others. It was my honour to meet him as part of his philanthropic journey to share his good fortune by helping others through the Rotary Foundation. He and Mary have created a legacy of service as Arch Klumph Society members, carried out by Rotarians worldwide in their work with Water, Sanitation and Hygiene and Community Economic development. A tremendous gift that will continue in his name and in his memory forever. Rest in peace Uncle Steve. Your legacy is vast.
Darrel Ripley says
Steve will be remembered as a voice within the community, his profession, his many volunteer engagements, his family, friends and clients. A gentleman of many words, everyone of which was always worth the listen.
Brenda Gendron says
My deepest sympathy on the passing of Steve. He brighten the lives of so many people and will be fondly remembered.
Dante Mazzotta says
On September 15th, one of the most generous, kindest, caring and friendliest souls I know passed away. Steve McEachern, or Uncle Steve, as many also knew him, was Scona’s last remaining WW2 veteran. Steve served in the RCAF in 1943 as a Bombardier/Navigator trainer for the Lancaster Bomber crews. He would always remind me the importance remembering those who served and of major victories or operations for the Allies like the Battle of Britain, and Operation Manna, where many of his friends and Scona Boys partook. He was a contributor to the Air Force Commerative Site at the Village at Griesbach. I had the honour of working with him and organizing 3 very special Remembrance Day ceremonies at school. He would always want to tell all the staff and students many stories. Remembrance Day always had a special place is Steve’s heart, and that was a connection I’m so grateful to have shared with him. Uncle Steve was the master of horrible jokes, but also a great story teller. Not once did he not have a war story, or a personal story to tell everyone. He was a very hard working man, as he worked with IG Wealth Management at the age of 98 and loved to serve his community. It’s not everyday that you get the opportunity to call a Veteran a friend, but I’m grateful for all the stories, advice and laughs Steve and I got to share over the last couple years. Remembrance Day at Scona won’t be the same without him, but I will make sure his legacy lives on. He really lived up to the Scona Motto “As One Who Serves”. Rest In Peace Uncle Steve. Thank you for everything ❤️
Al Sanderson says
Steve was a fine member of our Edmonton West Rotary club and was always an entertaining fellow! Steve had a big heart, a big smile, and an opinion about everything – he was one of those people who drew others to him. I will miss seeing him and am thinking of his family at this time.
Ray Dallaire says
Condolences Mary, Donna and I made a lifetime friendship with you and Steve and I was fortunate to have him as a mentor and sounding board for my 35 years with IG. I will miss him but I have so many fond memories of Steve sadness will never replace those wonderful memories.
Winston & Pauline Edwards says
Dear Mary and Family,
We send sincere condolences to you on the passing of Steve.
He was a mentor and friend and we shall miss him greatly.
Sue and Bob Turko says
We were so sad to hear “uncle Steve” had passed. We will recall fondly, and often, coffee and muffin visits at the kitchen table laced with sage advice, memories of his and my father’s youthful antics, and many groaners (jokes). Our thoughts are with you, his family.
Lenore Nimmons says
Dear Mary: I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of a mentor & friend in Steve. Both you and Steve have done so much for people. I don’t know anyone that holds a candle to the amount of personal time, Patience & caring he devoted to those of us he met, coached & mentored. He utilized every moment of his life to guiding others. He loved & adored you & his family. We’ve shared many laughs & stories! Hopefully those of us who crossed paths with him will continue his legacy to “pay it forward”. He is missed! You’re in my thoughts & prayers.
Lynne MacNeill says
Dear Mary: I am so sorry for your loss. You don’t know me, but I worked with and for Steve during my time with IG. His outstanding work ethic was a great influence on me and I am very happy to have known him. I thought of him often over the years and was always amazed that he kept working for as long as he did. He is a man that will be greatly missed by many, many people. I wish you happiness and peace in your future endeavours. You are surrounded by love.