STEPHEN PATRICK MORAN

Condolences & Memories (24 entries)

• It was a pleasure to have met you, and to have had the chance to learn from you about your wine, beer and spirits expertise! Rest well on the other side, cheers. - Posted by: Lisa (Student and coworker) on: Jul 07, 2013

• I was not as lucky as many - only met you a year ago when you came to put on wine tasting (beer, too) seminars. Many of us, and you know who I am referring to, will miss you, your homemade cheese, laugh, wit and your passion for life. - Posted by: Catheryn Pedersen (Friend) on: Jan 07, 2013

• I don’t think there ever was, or will ever be, a guy quite like Steve. Before I ever got to know Steve personally, one of my colleagues mentioned to him that there was a part-timer at her store who was trying (rather helplessly) to grow a handle-bar moustache. Steve told her that he thought he had something that might help the poor boy out. Steve found a tube of Clubman brand moustache wax and had it sent down to the store. -- That tube of moustache wax lasted me a whole summer. We’ve since traded a few brands back and forth, and Steve even helped me concoct recipes and methods for making moustache wax from scratch. I feel so lucky to have known Steve, and had so many opportunities to exchange ideas with him. Whether we were swapping stories about our respective times in the military, contemplating new beverages, determining the best way to groom a moustache for a beard growing contest, or brainstorming an epic canoe trip, I left every conversation with Steve feeling as though I’d learned something vitally important that I had never even contemplated before. And more often than not, whatever I learned was absolutely hilarious. Cheers to you, Steve! You were a scholar, and a scholar! (And your “gentleman” disguise was convincing as well!) - Posted by: Robert Laferrière (Friend, Colleague, Co-conspirator) on: Dec 19, 2012

• I knew Steve via his interest and passion for Whisky (although it did seem that beer and other spirits may have outweighed that), through the St. Andrews Society. I always enjoyed learning from him, and admired his broad knowledge and comfortable manner. I loved introducing him to the annual 'Scotch Night' audience, and listened intently to the insights... He'll be missed very much. Thanks, Steve. - Posted by: Drew Gourdie (A Fan) on: Dec 19, 2012

• For a number of years I worked with Steve on the St Andrews Society annual whisky night. As others have noted he walked to the beat of his own drummer! He always had a wonderful grin on his face and loved to share his knowledge and enthusiasm for spirits. His contribution to our event was incredibly important. He will be missed. - Posted by: David Ross (a colleague in spirits!) on: Dec 18, 2012

• The world lost a very good man. There are some life experiences that I would like to share with you, regarding Steven. We first met in our late teens, while we were both serving with 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) in Winnipeg. Steve and I were part of a close group of friends that became men and shared life together that only soldiers can experience. That time in Steven's life, his time in the army, is what set Steve's direction for the rest of his life, and I had the pleasure of saying that I was able to see him and be his close friend over the years. I saw Steven last, at the Pan-Am clinic, not knowing that it would be our last meeting. I'm unsure if Steve knew what was wrong with him at that time, if he did he did not share it with me. Steve was a true original, and always walked to the beat of his own drum. Steve wore many hats during his time in the Army, and filled many a niche rolls, such as; banker, (with small interest charges) cold storage (he owned one of the few fridges in barracks), library, cold chicken & pizza dispenser, shoe repair, military gear, and always his most popular was conversation and advice. Although these rolls were never official, they filled a very much needed void in a rifle company's function. These skills were extremely valuable when we were on military field exercises, when you spend sometimes months in the remote wilderness with just the basics, Steve's stock of goodies were always a God send. Steven's capacity for alcohol was legendary in Battalion, which is why his choice of vocation, with the Manitoba Liquor Commission was not a real big surprise. What most people did not know though, when Steve did start his employment with the MLC, he had already matured, with help from his wife to be Audrey, and alcohol was no longer a problem. Some of the anecdotes as follows. Had occasion twice to pick Steve up in the very early AM as he was walking down the road with very little cloths on. One was on Whytewold Rd in Wpg, near the air base, he had no idea how he got there but he woke up in an empty room on base with most of his clothes gone. The second was in Wain Wright Alberta, we were on exercise with the British Royal Green Jackets, again very early in the morning, I found Steve walking around with most of his combat clothes missing, he also had no idea what happened waking up in an empty barracks not knowing how he got there. There was one road trip we went on, in Fargo – Moorhead The American Legion was having a convention at the time. My capacity for alcohol, being much less than most of the guys, especially Steven's, caused me to miss them being chased by the locals because he climbed one of the many lamp poles that lined the main boulevard, and tried to steal the American Flag & Legion Crest that adorned the poles for the convention. Steve's nickname, Paki, resulted from impersonating a visiting Pakistani Officer at the Battalion Offices mess and running a bar tab and using their well stocked library for his own comfort and purpose. Only once can I recall Steve ever being mad at me. I had moved in with Steve & Rick Ford, after I had released from the military. Steve and Rick had released the year before. It was Rick's birthday and Steve was making everything from scratch, mostly because of Steve's lack of employment caused him too be very frugal. I had made the mistake of using all the ice cubes. Steve had spent most of the day trying to freeze enough cubes for the party. It was only when I came back with a couple of bags of ice did Steve start breathing again. More than once did Steve put a cross and skull on my bed when the rent was due, he said that pictures speak a thousand words, I always paid not wanting to test if Steve would carry through with his threat. After Steven's wedding, our lives drifted and came together a number of times over the years. One time when he was working at one of the liquor stores, I think he was assistant manager and was manning one of the tills. We were deep in conversation about a brand of wine when one customer walked off with my purchase and Steve just shrugged and said he must have like his recommendation for my wine. There is so much more I could say about Steve, as Steven's business card title stated "Ambassador" and he was an ambassador. What I would like to leave with you though, is raise a beer and toast him at Christmas time. Thank you Steven, my life and so many others have been touched by your short life. My deepest sympathy Edward Schendel (Kitsch) "Once A Patricia Always A Patricia" - Posted by: Edward Schendel (Close Friend) on: Dec 17, 2012

• Cheers to a man who always went his own way and let many of us enjoy the journey with him. I will always remember your ready laugh and interesting stories. You always set a tone of inclusion and respect that will be missed by everyone who was lucky enough to know you. You will be missed. - Posted by: Denise (friend and co worker) on: Dec 17, 2012

• Steve was a genuine guy who always had the time to talk. I enjoyed listening to his perspective on the alcohol beverage market. Steve was a good guy. - Posted by: Scott Johnston (Business relationship) on: Dec 17, 2012

• I am a friend and a member of 141 Fishing Club that Steve belonged to. We are all shocked and saddened to hear of Steve's passing. Steve was an avid supporter of the 141 Fishing Club. He worked hard to promote the club and was very involved. He had a gentle spirit to him, was easy to get along with, and friendly. He had a contagious smile to him. We are thankful for his leadership role as secretary and the many great ideas and plans he would professionally present to the club. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Steve's family. - Posted by: Jake Quiring (Friend) on: Dec 16, 2012

• SEE U ON THE OTHER SIDE - Posted by: Moron (Friend) on: Dec 16, 2012

• Steve was an off-center, twinkle in his eye, what are you up to, sort of fellow. His home-made bread? I would ask what was in it. His banal answer was always the same until I asked "What is the active ingredient" and he would start looking around the room. Something weird was in there. Every store he worked in, he would have a plant in the window "What are you growing?" I would ask. Again, he would start looking around the room avoiding eye contact. When the city stopped mowing boulevards he rebelled and grew hops for beer making. I was asked a beer question in an interview. I responded with "Let me give Steve Moran a call, he knows this answer." Yes, my answer to an interview question was Steve. Sometimes his moustache was longer than his hair. That was peculiar. I will grow something, in the window, and call it Steve. - Posted by: Stew Gibb (Friend and co-worker) on: Dec 16, 2012

• Enjoyed knowing you Steve, sharing good wines and conversations. You were truly a unique individual and will be greatly missed. Sorry that we will be away next week and won't be able to say goodbye. - Posted by: Larry and Alison Flaws (Co-worker and friend MLCC) on: Dec 16, 2012

• The last time I saw Steve was at the airport, he was returning from a European trip for his work. He was excited and spoke about how much he had enjoyed the trip and everything he had learned. The home brewing community will miss you and your willingness to share. Here's to you Steve - Posted by: Ralph Link (Friend ) on: Dec 16, 2012

• Steve, it was a real pleasure to have known you. I always enjoyed our conversations when you came into the store. You always wore a smile and made me laugh with your witty comments.You were on of the good guys Steve. Cheers to you. - Posted by: Jane Thom (colleague) on: Dec 15, 2012

• Steve's 'do it yourself' attitude toward life has touched a great many of us. I knew him as an avid homebrewer mostly. He was the one who got me hooked on home cheesemaking. And I'll always remember the homemade cheeses and breads he'd bring to the Winnipeg Brew Bombers beer club meetings. I had the pleasure to spend a weekend road trip to Edmonton with Steve to write our beer judge exams. It was a memorable trip. Steve you were a real quality human being, and it has been an honour to have known you. You will be missed. - Posted by: Scott Tackaberry (Friend) on: Dec 15, 2012

• Steve, you will truly be missed by your fellow members at the "141 Fishing Club". Always a quick wit, a friendly smile, and a kind heart. The world has lost a wonderful human being. God Bless my friend. - Posted by: Stephen Fedun (Friend) on: Dec 15, 2012

• Steve, your quick wit and generosity are surpassed by no one. You are truly missed. - Posted by: Tammy & Jim (friends) on: Dec 14, 2012

• Thinking of Steve O..Great imagination and best Guinness Draught pancakes I have ever eaten! - Posted by: Diane (Colleague) on: Dec 14, 2012

• Original, indomitable, incredible and irreplaceable: you will be sorely missed, my friend. You have given us so very much with your time here. Now ride with the Ferryman and journey well. - Posted by: Gary Dawyduk (Friend) on: Dec 14, 2012

• Steve and I enjoyed pressing apples for cider when I still had an apple tree. Some cider went into the freezer, some became hard cider, and some may have become Calvados. I regret not finding the time to make cheese with Steve. I will miss you you wonderful lunatic! :) - Posted by: Ben Rusch (Friend) on: Dec 14, 2012

• Best beer brewer!! Glad you had the opportunity to enjoy all the food you made during this past month. You were really relishing all the new recipes and time to indulge. - Posted by: Julie Vogelsang (friend) on: Dec 14, 2012

• My condolences to the family. I will always have fond memories of Steve and his visits to Ontario. Cheers my friend! - Posted by: Steve Peters (Friend) on: Dec 14, 2012

• Steve-o,y ou have no idea how many people you touched in life's journey. we will all miss you dearly and try to continue on with your uniqueness and the fondest of memories. Rest in peace my dear friend. - Posted by: Karen Simard (Friend and colleauge) on: Dec 14, 2012

• I will miss you, Steve. I will miss your quirky sense of humour, your insight and your homemade bread. I raise my glass to you and know that the Lord will keep you in the palm of His hand. Sleep well, my friend. - Posted by: Ivan Banias (Friend and former colleague) on: Dec 14, 2012