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STEPHEN KENNETH DOWHAN
Born: Apr 13, 1957
Date of Passing: Nov 10, 2014
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemorySTEPHEN KENNETH DOWHAN Born April 13, 1957 in Gimli, MB and died suddenly from a severe brain hemorrhage at Victoria General Hospital, Victoria, BC, November 10, 2014. Stephen was predeceased by his father Steve in 2007 and grandmother Josie Skwarok in 2012. He is survived by his mother Elsie of Parksville, BC, wife Sandie of Qualicum Beach, BC, sons Carver (Krista Burt) and Cole of Red Deer, AB, sister Lynn Dutton (Craig) of Qualicum Beach, BC, sister Debbie Dowhan of Parksville, BC, and sister Patty Johnson (Alan Ursel) of Parksville, BC. Also survived by nieces Brandi (Damien), Mila, Abbey, nephew William Dutton, niece Josie-Lynn, nephew Andrew Johnson (Paige), and grand-niece Eva. Stephen (Spook) grew up in Gimli until 1969, when the Dowhan family relocated to Rapid City, MB. He graduated from Elton Collegiate in 1975 and started work with Manitoba Hydro shortly thereafter. Stephen married Sandie in 1988. During his 40 years with Manitoba Hydro he lived and/or worked in Brandon, Dorsey, Grand Rapids, Gillam, Shoal Lake, Selkirk and Stonewall. While working with Manitoba Hydro International in Saudi Arabia, Sandie and Spook moved to Qualicum Beach, BC to be close to his family. He was well known for his MacGyver lifestyle and can do attitude. His best known quote: "how hard can it be"! He believed in community and served as Mayor in Gillam, volunteer fire fighter in Shoal Lake, fire works director and tech guy for Amazing Race in Rapid City to name a few. Stephen was the family trail blazer. He was the first to get involved with computers, satellite dishes, vitamins and electronics. His many passions included music, audio-visual media devices, hockey, triathalons, water skiing, swimming, skydiving and scuba diving. His favourite toy was his Harley motorcycle. His latest love was scuba diving and he had planned to start his own business. He was a gifted hockey player and coach as well as a soccer coach. The Blue Bombers lost a very loyal fan! His favourite hockey team was the one his sons were part of. Stephen was a kind, gentle man, a son, a brother, a husband, a father, an uncle, a friend and coach. He was a patient man, always willing to share his knowledge, his love, quick smile and laughter. Everyone had to see his newest gadget or toy because he always had the first and best! Spook made friends easily and anyone who knew him was his friend and a friend for life. The family invites everyone who knew Stephen to join us on June 13 in Rapid City for a celebration of his life. A graveside memorial will take place at 12:00 noon, followed by a lunch from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Rapid City Legion. Everyone is then invited for supper and a wake to say farewell to a remarkable, brilliant man. Please RSVP to Patty Johnson, 250-927-4497 (patty.johnson@outlook.com)
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 14, 2015
Condolences & Memories (6 entries)
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Steve was a great friend. He was a member of Janet's and my bridal party in 1976. It seems like only yesterday. - Posted by: Harvey Wright (Friend) on: Apr 25, 2015
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Steve and I went into an abandoned Mosque in Northern part of Riyadh in 2013. It was horribly nasty. Some of the worse I've seen. In there was a little boy about 9 or 10 years old, alone. Apparently he had followed us in there but I think he was also living there because I looked at Steve who said nothing, but quickly reached in his pocket and gave the little boy money. I then saw the little boy quickly take it over in an area of the mosque that looked like he had more of his things and appeared to hide it. Steve and I both were touched by this. But I guess I was more touched by Steve's quick action to do something. I sure miss the guy. - Posted by: Jeff (friend) on: Mar 25, 2015
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Sandi and family, So sorry to hear of Steve's sudden passing, our thoughts are with you. Steve was a great friend and neighbor. - Posted by: Steve and Noreen Martin (Friend and neighbor Gillam) on: Mar 20, 2015
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Debbie Please accept my deepest sympathies. He sounded like a really great guy and will be missed by many. - Posted by: Deb Johnson (Friend of sister Debbie) on: Mar 14, 2015
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Sandy and Family Sorry to read about the unexpected passing of Steve (Spook). My thoughts and prayers go out to you. Spook always brought a smile to everyone's face whenever you were with him. He was truly liked and admired. - Posted by: William (Bill) Walker (Friend and Co- worker) on: Mar 14, 2015
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Sandi and family, We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Fred and Dar Robak - Posted by: Fred and Darlene Robak (Baseball friends from Gillam.) on: Mar 14, 2015