Stephen James Oakleaf

Stephen died on Saturday, 29 August, 2026, at Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary, at the age of 45. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2021, he had been living in hospital and long-term care for almost two years. His family was with him every day during this last challenging chapter of his life, and we are all devastated that he is gone so soon.

Stephen was a trailblazer. Born with Down Syndrome, he refused to be defined by disability. At school and in the community, he exercised his right to be included and, increasingly, to live as an independent adult. With minimal support, he eventually lived on his own and worked full-time. He advocated for community inclusion for everyone, and he enthusiastically shared his experience both in formal classroom settings and in workshops at Inclusion Alberta. He was immensely proud of the work he did, and he especially loved his job at AltaGas. He was a loving son and brother, an affectionate and supportive uncle, and a great friend to all those lucky enough to know him. Emotionally perceptive, funny, kind, and sometimes exasperating, he was most of all a good man.

Stephen will be lovingly remembered by his parents, Anne McWhir and David Oakleaf, his dear sister, Catherine Oakleaf, and his brother-in-law, Kevin Anderson, along with their children, Willa, Owen and Isaac Anderson. On the McWhir side, Aunty Mary (“Mouse”) and her husband Strachan Johnston, Stephen’s cousins Andrew Johnston, Alice Johnston, Will McWhir and his wife Michelle, Uncle Andrew McWhir and cousins Liva and Malthe Felter McWhir, along with their mum, Naja Felter, all share our grief. On the Oakleaf side, Aunty Jane (Spanton) Oakleaf and her husband, Uncle John Spanton, Stephen’s cousins Emily and Jonathan Spanton, and Aunty Kathy (“Murph”) and Uncle John Oakleaf have offered us all much love and support. Cousins Colleen, Aaron and his wife, Tracy, and Ken have been among Stephen’s best friends; some of them made a special trip out west for his 30th birthday and helped to plan the best surprise party ever!

Thanks to everyone who has contributed to Stephen’s happiness and, more recently, to his care and comfort: Tony at Tower Cleaners, his wonderful colleagues at AltaGas, his community support workers over many years (especially Dan and Sam, who became dear friends), his doctors and other health-care providers at the Mobility Disorders Program, the Advanced Care Team (Parkinson’s), and the Arnika Centre, and the kind caregivers at Brentwood Care Centre. Special thanks and love to Rohini and Jesi, who helped to make the past eighteen months tolerable for Stephen and his family. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation to Inclusion Alberta or to the Advanced Care Team (Parkinson’s) at Foothills Hospital would be much appreciated.

A private cremation will take place, with a memorial service to be held at Knox United Church in October 2026. Details will be announced at a later date.

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