STEPHEN (STEVE) STEIGERWALD

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STEPHEN (STEVE) STEIGERWALD
August 21, 1925 – January 15, 2022

Steve Steigerwald was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He was the oldest of three children born to Frank and Mary Steigerwald who had emigrated from Germany. He grew up from humble beginnings in Winnipeg's core area, but with intelligence and a strong work ethic Steve created a successful career, marriage, and family.
After working in various jobs, he found his niche as a salesman initially with Stovel Advocate Publishing Company, then with Sanford Evans Publishing Company. He was ambitious and hard driving, and eventually became president of the company. Steve was a dynamic personality with good insights into how organizations should function, and this was reflected in the leadership roles he took on throughout his life. Most notably, he served as president of the Winnipeg Executive Association and was awarded a lifetime honorary membership. He served on the executive board of both the Manitoba and Winnipeg Chambers of Commerce. He was on the executive board of the Canadian Direct Marketing Association. He won the award as First Canadian Direct Marketer of the Year and was awarded an honorary lifetime membership to the Association. Sanford Evans was eventually bought by Bell Canada, and Steve was a board member with Bell for several years in his capacity as President of Sanford Evans. Steve was proud his company designed the iconic original Winnipeg Jets logo.
As a young man, Steve was active in the YMCA and raced with their canoe club. He was the recipient of the Winnipeg YMCA Golden Service Award for his volunteer work. At the YMCA he emceed dances, and this is how he met Betty, who in his eyes was the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen and became the love of his life and soulmate for 69 years. They raised a family on South Drive, in Fort Garry. They spent summers at Victoria Beach until they bought a cottage on Kendall Inlet Island in Clearwater Bay where they found a summer paradise. After he retired, in 1990, Steve was one of the first to be seen paddling a kayak around the Bay, chatting with his neighbours as he cruised by their docks. Never to be left idle, Steve was soon on the board of the Clearwater Bay District Property Owners Association, serving for a few years, including as president. He was also instrumental in developing their Area News magazine.
Steve also had a love of music, live theatre, and opera. He and Betty attended the ballet, opera, symphony and MTC. He fundraised for the Winnipeg Symphony. He was never bored because he was always reading - newspapers, news magazines, and novels, both fiction and non-fiction.
When he and Betty moved into the Portsmouth in 2013, he approached his new home with his usual enthusiasm. He loved their new suite, meeting people and getting involved in activities. They have been grateful to the all the staff who provide an excellent living environment and experience.
Most recently, Steve resided at the Tuxedo Villa Care Home, and even though he struggled with dementia at the end of his life, he never lost his sense of humour. The family is grateful to all the staff, especially Marie, who provided a safe, caring, and compassionate environment for Steve during his time there.
Steve was predeceased by his parents, and his sister Helen Wright. He is survived by his beloved wife Betty, his brother John, and children, Ron (Miriam), Lynn (Frank), Joan (Ed), and John (Chris), as well as his grandchildren, Katherine and Martina, Sarah and Alex, and Nicole, Tyler and Dylan. Also surviving Steve are three great-grandchildren, Izzy, Mia and Jake.
At his request there will be no funeral and a private celebration of his life will be held later.

"Grief never ends but it changes.
It is a passage, not a place to stay.
Grief is not a sign of weakness,
Nor a lack of faith.
It is the price of love."
Author Unknown.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 22, 2022