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CAPTAIN STEVE HAWCHUK
Date of Passing: Jul 04, 2025
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryCAPTAIN STEVE HAWCHUK
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Captain Steve Hawchuk, owner and operator of Winnipeg’s cherished Paddlewheel Riverboats.
He leaves to mourn his beloved wife, Esther, and children, Cindy (Steve); Andrew (Sonya); Jared (April) with their two sets of twins, John / Grace, Caleb / Daniel; and Javan.
He also leaves to mourn his mother-in-law, Bertha Nagtegaal, and his brothers and sisters-in-law: Marlin (Susan); Jo-Ann (Teresa); Jenny (Paul); Henry (Wendy); and Beschier (Lisa); as well as his nephews and niece: Mark (Sandra); Patty (Clark) and Jamie (Zebeda); plus numerous cousins and extended family.
Steve was predeceased by his brother Dr. Joseph Slogan (2024); his brother-in-law Carl Nagtegaal (2021); and his first wife Helga Hawchuk (2011).
Steve was born in Malartic, Quebec, but within a few weeks of his birth his family uprooted and moved to St.Peter’s, Manitoba and planted themselves on a beautiful farm along the Red River. Steve’s love for the water stemmed from childhood and grew over time, so much so, that he and his older brother, Joe, purchased the Paddlewheel Queen and Paddlewheel Princess in 1969, allowing Steve to embark in a nautical career on the water he so fondly loved. While his brother became a dentist, Steve became a captain.
In his earlier years, after a busy boating season, Steve and his buddies would drive to Mexico for relaxation and adventure; trips he thoroughly enjoyed. At the age of 37, he decided to settle down and married his first wife Helga where the two setup home and raised their two children, Cindy and Andrew.
When Helga passed in 2011, Steve embarked on a new chapter in his life. He married Esther, his friend and former captain, and adopted the role and responsibility of father to her two children, Jared and Javan.
Steve enjoyed a good, full life. He worked tirelessly and his vessels became a Winnipeg tradition and cruised our rivers for almost half a century bringing glamour and romance to Manitoba’s waterways. Visitors from all over the world experienced Winnipeg from the unique river perspective, as did fellow Manitobans. From hosting royalty, weddings, grads, corporate functions, rock n’ river cruises and romantic dinner excursions, Steve carried over 2.5 million people aboard his vessels showing Manitoba’s fabulous hospitality in action.
In 2013, Steve ‘came ashore’ and retired together with his wife, Esther, on their homestead along the river in West St Paul. Winters were spent visiting his brother Joe in the Cayman Islands and summers were enjoyed in the backyard reminiscing of the boats and his earlier days on the farm. It was also during this time that Steve embarked on writing his memoirs of his years on the boats and, in 2022, published his book Welcome Aboard: My 44 Year Journey on the Red. Special thanks to Bill Redekop who served as researcher, writer and editor; without him, there would be no book.
In early 2025, Steve suffered debilitating medical issues that left him bedridden, yet, despite the setbacks, his tremendous inner strength and positivity allowed him to embrace his ‘new normal’ with grace and humility. His gift of love will be cherished by his wife and family. What he brought to Manitoba, via his boats, will be treasured by all who sailed with him.
Funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., at Covenant Christian Reformed Church, 653 Knowles Ave.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 05, 2025
Condolences & Memories (11 entries)
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I worked with Steve on the Paddlewheel. He was always kind and I liked working for him. Condolences to the family. May he rest well. - Posted by: Joelle (Former Employee) on: Aug 06, 2025
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Wow, sad and shocked to read the news. What a story but man, I could write another book, a sequel with all the crazy stories and adventures I got to Witness. I'm sure Sandy will share a few...xxx - Posted by: Steven HANKS (Employee) on: Jul 12, 2025
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My condolences to Esther, Cyndi, Andrew, Mark, Patty, Jamie and all of the other members of Steve's family. Steve was a kind, humble, and generous man who, along with his brother Joe, accomplished so much in keeping the Paddlewheel Riverboats afloat for more than 40 years. I was employed there by Steve every season between 1975 and 1983, and I am forever grateful to Steve for the opportunity, and experience. I have many happy memories of those years, thanks to him. We won't be in Winnipeg on July 12th. Angela and I will be thinking of all of the family, friends and acquaintances who gather to pay respects to a man who will be remembered by many, for as long as the Red River flows into Lake Winnipeg! - Posted by: John Leszkowicz (Former Paddlewheel employee / friend) on: Jul 09, 2025
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So sorry to hear of Steve's passing. Our deepest condolences to you Esther and your family. Condolences to Cindy and Andrew as well. We certainly remember all the good times we have spent on travels and on his boat. May he rest in peace. - Posted by: Michael Olynyk (Buddy and Friend) on: Jul 07, 2025
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So sorry for your loss. I worked with 'Captain Steve' on the Paddlewheel Queen & Princess. He was an amazing caring man. "Sharing in your sorrow. As you go through this difficult time. My deepest sympathies to the family. Till you meet again... - Posted by: Judy (Cannon) on: Jul 07, 2025
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He had come into our lives and brought a fresh spark of life into it, we will truly miss Steve at at our Salisbury House gathering. He always had great and interesting stories he would talk about on his adventures. His heritage and memories will live long in our hearts and the book he published. I am glad we had gotten one. His passing has left a void in our hearts for this wonderful man who always had a cheerful smile on his face when he came to our Thursday morning gathering. A Manitoba Legend that will live on after his passing. Cruise On the Red River and remmber all your family and friends,we will think of you often... - Posted by: Chester Wawrzyniak and Lorraine Garies (Friends) on: Jul 06, 2025
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My deepest condolences to Steve's family. I don't think Cindy or Andrew remember me but I was best friends with Sandra Sahan who they both knew and cherished. Your father (Steve) was a great man and I was shocked to learn of his passing as I no longer live in Winnipeg, Manitoba. BC has been my home for the last 18 years. - Posted by: Regina Klusowski (Former Employee on Paddlewheel Riverboats and Friend) on: Jul 05, 2025
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Thank you Captain Steve for the truly unique experience cruising the Red. Our family has many wonderful memories of taking visitors on the Paddlewheel Queen. - Posted by: Audry Letain (Former Paddlewheel Passenger) on: Jul 05, 2025
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Will miss you forever Steve.. - Posted by: Ernie youzwa (Very old friend and classmate.) on: Jul 05, 2025
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So sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. From the late ‘70’s to the mid 80’s I had the contract to DJ on both the Paddlewheel Boats! Steve was always a pleasure to work for and I had many great memories of playing music, people dancing….while we rolled down the River. Those were the days, my friend! Hal Dawson - Posted by: Hal Dawson (Former DJ) on: Jul 05, 2025
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I was shocked when I read that Steve passed away. I worked for him as a Deck Hand in '72 & '73 and enjoyed it! I give Condolences to Esther and the rest of his family as well. I will be attending the funeral to my Captain in Heaven. - Posted by: Michael Kulczycki (Former Deck Hand) on: Jul 05, 2025
