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STEVEN ALVIN GEORGE THOMPSON
Born: Feb 20, 1951
Date of Passing: Feb 01, 2025
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemorySTEVEN ALVIN GEORGE THOMPSON
Steven was a man of many passions and talents. He had a deep love for horse racing, hockey, and people. His culinary skills were legendary, with many fondly remembering his famous Jerry’s Chicken and Ribs and Spiritual Burgers. He was renowned for hosting BBQs and massive parties for hundreds, if not thousands, of people at his home at 1620 Wellington Crescent. Bands often practiced in the basement and sometimes played during these gatherings, which featured “Spiritual Mushrooms.” Steven was one of the original founding members (1974) of the longest-running hockey draft in the world, the Original Fans. He continued to be a crucial part of the draft throughout his life. His ceremonial “inaugural bombers” at the drafts were iconic, as were his unique (and usually hilarious) pronunciation of player names. After being approached by the local founding members, Steven supplied the music/entertainment for the legendary Kenora Smoke and Fish Derby at Scotty Island on Lake of the Woods in the 1970s, where two to three thousand and more revellers would gather for a weekend of fun, fishing, food, and live music.
Steven's deep connection to the local music scene was unmatched. As a key agent with the Hungry I Agency, he played a crucial role in nurturing and promoting local talent. When they came to pay booking fees, he made a point to tell all musicians to watch the 1974 film "Phantom of the Paradise," showing at the Garrick Theatre, to understand that a hit is a hit is a hit, no matter how it's performed. His office at the Hungry I, conveniently located around the corner from the Garrick Theatre, became the hub where musicians learned that a hit tune could be played by five or six bands in five or six different ways and still be a hit each time. The film's run, initially planned for three days, was extended repeatedly for months due to its massive local success. Steven even helped financially challenged bands to attend the screenings. His passion for music and his understanding of the industry dynamics, as portrayed in the film, resonated widely, contributing to the movie’s surprising success in Winnipeg.
Steven was also known for his unique fashion sense, often seen in his signature sweater vests, corduroy pants, hush puppy shoes (specifically Wallabees), and a navy wool blazer. His thick glasses were a distinctive part of his look. Saturdays at 5:30 were spent playing Kinsmen Bingo since he was a teen. He also loved playing crib and chess, engaging in many epic crib battles over the years.
Steven’s contributions to the music community will be remembered and cherished by many. Steven was a stalwart defender of human rights, equity, and justice in all his actions. During his musical career, he fought bar owners in his support of Indigenous bands, all-female bands, female-led bands, and LGBT+ bands, which was groundbreaking in the 1970s. He also championed fair pay for musicians to what is now called a ‘living wage,’ significantly reducing the number of people seeking relief from social services.
Steven faced challenges with resilience and courage. In his late teens, he was arrested and went to jail, where he staged a hunger strike to protest the maggot-infested food. Also, he was instrumental in starting a program that allowed inmates to attend school while serving their sentences.
Steven was a genius at tactics and strategy, and his brilliance was evident in many aspects of his life. His legacy of providing spiritual guidance touched countless lives. His good sense and incredible wisdom left an indelible mark on those who had the privilege of knowing him. Anyone who has ever met Steven has at least one unique - and often incredibly wild -story about ‘Spiritual.’
“Tootles. Have a good life."
Steven was born in Winnipeg on Tuesday, February 20, 1951. With his loving wife by his side, he passed away peacefully at home on Saturday evening, February 1, 2025. He was predeceased by his parents, Ralph and Joyce Thompson. He is survived by his Anne, her children, Stephanie (Mike), and Gordon (Sara), and his sister, Nancy Church, Whitehorse, Yukon.
Arrangements for a Celebration of Life are pending and will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Sunshine House is appreciated.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 08, 2025
Condolences & Memories (6 entries)
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Sorry to hear about Steve Thompson. My condolences to the family. I just found out last week. I remember Steve from the mid 1980s rehearsing in my first Bar band at his house. He helped me and many young musicians at the time find their way and for that I am and will always be grateful. Rest in peace Steve. - Posted by: Mark G (Old friend from music days) on: Apr 30, 2025
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When I was growing up, Steven was a great friend to my family, and also much beloved by our menagerie of dogs and cats. His trademark corduroys were always covered in fur by the time he was calling out “Toodles!”, from having a cat on his lap, and a dog’s head on his knee for most of the visit. His stop-ins were always a delight, and he would always come bearing the best gifts, like his mother’s incredible lasagne, while every other Sunday afternoon, he would walk into our kitchen with bags of groceries and set to work making up a delicious hearty stew. If Steven was over, the conversations were always lively, fascinating, and full of laughter, especially if Ralph or Andy were involved in the mix too. I feel lucky to have known Steven. He was nothing but caring and supportive to me through my growing up years, and I will always remember him as such a one of a kind soul. Sending my heartfelt condolences to all those who loved him too, with much love and gratitude to Anne. - Posted by: Sabrina (Family friend) on: Mar 09, 2025
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Very Sorry to hear about Stephen’s passing. I worked in a couple projects Steven helped get together and even lived with him for a while at the Pleasure Dome in the mid 80’s, Mitch’s Potters old place off of Grant Ave. It was a crazy time. Steven took over the place after Mitch Potter moved to Toronto to write for the Sun newspaper. The first Rumors Band, Steve had a personal hand in forming. We had just finished a long stint out to the end of Vancouver Island and back to the Peg. It was five months before we returned and I had no where to live when we got back, along with Keith Hiebert, and Arno the keyboard. Arno was our last keyboard player from a band called Kids On Strike, Steven found him for us after Doug left. Anyway Steven put all us together in the Rumors band, we were working through Hungry Wallet Agencies and both Frank and Steve took good care of us. Steve was always coming out with people or sending people to check out the band. I remember we were playing Night Moves and he came out. He came to the green room between sets to talk and get spiritually guided so, I shared a little of that guidance but by the time we had to go back on, I was thinking I probably shouldn’t have! Lol.. I was on and off at the Pleasure Dome for about six months. The place was wild. I can attest to Steven’s trademark attire as well. Occasionally he wore blue jeans with his ensemble. I lived in the dome part of the house until I got a room in the house part. The band The Vice lived in the basement for a while when I was there. Did things there I was told not to, LOL!!! Wild Parties and wild times every weekend. A variety of exotic dancers lived there on and off, as well. Steven was a really good guy, always helpful, took care of people, and was very insightful, if you took the time to listen. Soon as I heard about his passing I started to remember all the great times we had. Steve was part of those times and part of the furniture in the Winnipeg Music scene during the 80’s and 90’s, and for those of us who played in those days and worked with Steven, we will never forget. RIP old friend… - Posted by: JC thomas (Friend and Professional Musician) on: Mar 01, 2025
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Sorry to hear of Steve Thompson's passing. Sincere condolences to his loved ones. Steve was a fine gentleman. He was and is so appreciated for all he brought to the Winnipeg music scene and life in general. Steve had a fine ear and eye for talent. He always had his ears open for everybody. He was a character in every sense. The way he spoke, the way he entered a room, the way he held his Cigarette.....etc...Steve will be missed by many. Thanks for all you did for me and all those you touched. So long Steve! Alec Friesen - Posted by: Alec Friesen (fRIEND) on: Feb 09, 2025
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Nancy you have my deepest condolences. I know what it is like loosing some one close. I lost my wife 22 years ago. Fortunately I am now happily remarried. We were actually close to the Yukon a few years ago when we went rafting on the Nahanni river. If you ever get to Toronto we have a guest bedroom available. Issie Lyon - Posted by: Issie Lyon (OLd Friend from undergraduate days) on: Feb 08, 2025
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Every`leaf`Game`I`watch`Every`Harlequin`Tune`I`Play`Will`BRING`Back`Great`Memories`Of`you`That`Will`NeverGO`Away`AM`Going`to`miss`you`my`good`friend` - Posted by: Marty`G (Long`Time`Friend) on: Feb 08, 2025
