STEVEN CRAIG HAWLEY

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STEVEN CRAIG HAWLEY Steven Craig Hawley passed away peacefully on June 14, 2011 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with his family by his side. He was 46 years old. Steve is survived by his wife Carole, his children Tyler, Greg and Alexa, his mother Marlene, his brother Calvin (Tara), his mother-in-law Lorette Zolondek and many relatives and close friends. He was predeceased by his father Ken, his grandparents Jack and Lila Hawley, Jim and Myrtle Webber and his father-in-law David Zolondek. Steve was born in Morden, Manitoba on April 22, 1965 a second son for Ken and Marlene Hawley and a younger brother for Calvin. Steve lived his first 16 years on the family farm outside of Roland, then moved to Carman with his family in 1981. He graduated from Carman Collegiate in 1983. Steve then moved to Winnipeg to attend school first at Red River Community College and then at the University of Winnipeg. Steve was an avid sportsman in his younger years. In his youth and as a young adult he played and excelled at baseball, hockey, golf and curling. He was also a lifelong Saskatchewan Roughriders fan, following the team from wherever he was in the world. In the spring of 1990, at a practice for his slow-pitch team, Steve met the woman who was to become the love of his life Carole. A whirlwind romance followed and they were married in September of that year. Over the next five years, they were joined by three wonderful children Tyler, Greg and Alexa. His family was his anchor and his heart. Steve was a long-time member of the Canadian foreign service, working for Foreign Affairs Canada for over 20 years. He and his family lived in, and experienced, many countries and cultures around the world including Singapore, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Syria and most recently Argentina. Steve loved his job, and was a respected member of the international diplomatic community. His last posting was made more challenging by his battle with cancer, but he made a point of carrying on with the important matters on both the family and work stages in a brave and upbeat fashion. Steve was well known for his humour, the occasional practical joke, a positive outlook on life, and an uncanny ability to never take himself too seriously. Friends will be comforted to know that, even through the most difficult times, he maintained his relentless optimism and love of life. He will be remembered for his warmth, his decency, and his indefatigable and inspiring spirit. Steve will be sorely missed, but fondly remembered, by his family, friends and colleagues from around the world. He touched all of us in a way we won't soon forget. A special thanks to Dr. Gonzalo Gomez Abuin and his team, Dr. May, and all the staff at the Hospital Alemán in Buenos Aires, Argentina for their excellent care. A memorial service was held in Buenos Aires on June 16 for family, friends and co-workers. A service will be held in Winnipeg at a later date for family and friends. Donations in Steve's memory can be made to the Sarcoma Cancer Foundation of Canada. Donations can be made online: http://www.sarcomacancer.ca/index.php.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 25, 2011