STEPHEN MAURICE DAWYDUK

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STEPHEN MAURICE DAWYDUK Born June 5, 1950 and the eldest of Bill and Louise's six boys, Steve passed away on the morning of January 19, 2018. Bill would recount how, as early as a toddler, Steve demonstrated a capacity to understand comic strips from the local newspaper. This precocious ability would grow and flourish throughout Steve's life as he read, purchased, and collected thousands of books. His intellectual curiosity was broad, but he was especially passionate about the classical arts disciplines of Literature, History, Philosophy and Religion. Steve also appreciated movies, opera and classical music but was limited by having been unfortunately stricken with hearing loss at a relatively young age. Steve loved board games of all kinds and would play at every opportunity with his brothers, cousins and extended family. His hilarious, exaggerated responses at both winning and losing would become the stuff of family lore. He was also especially thrilled to play physically active games with his youngest brothers as they grew, and was absolutely delighted to have a second generation to engage when his nephews and niece arrived. Steve's playful character was also embraced by the younger children of cousins and friends who, when visiting the family home, would seek out Steve to play with, to tease, and be teased by. Steve achieved his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Winnipeg and worked various jobs, mostly as a labourer. In his younger and middle adult years, he enjoyed travel to major Canadian cities, New York City, and Europe. Ill health would occasionally hamper him throughout these years, but would especially create setbacks for him in the last decade of his life as he coped with kidney disease. In his final years, Steve resided in Personal Care Homes, for a time in Heritage Lodge and then in Riverview Health Centre. Steve's family is very grateful to Riverview for providing him years of care, accommodating his need for independence, and extending his quality of life as much as possible. In addition, the family wishes to acknowledge Ian Hedgecock, who provided Steve with personal companion services and friendship over the last few years. Steve is survived by his brothers Richard (Lesly Bastiaanssen) and Gary (Eileen Street). He was predeceased by his mother Louise (2018), father Bill (2006), brothers Tom (2013) and his spouse Barb Houlden (2009), Bob (2009), John (2011) and his spouse Ingrid Olafsson (2005). Steve is also survived by Tom's son Jamie, John's son Nikolas and daughter Anna (Geoff Dumas and children Sloane and Briggs) as well as Gary & Eileen's two boys Ryan Street (Mel and daughters Haley, Teagin & Mykenzie) and Jarrod Street (Michelle and sons David, Ethan & Niall). A private family service and celebration to honour Steve's memory will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Steve's memory to a charity, hospital, care centre, or educational institution of your choice. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit www.chapellawn.ca Chapel Lawn Funeral Home 204-885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 27, 2018