Stephen Carl Lerch

Stephen "Steve" Carl Lerch passed away peacefully on July 10, 2026, at the age of 75. Throughout his lifetime he lived fully, made friends everywhere he went, and packed in enough experiences for several lifetimes. He leaves behind a legacy in Dartmouth, built on all the good times he shared with so many people.

Born on February 26, 1951, to the late Norma (Alldred) and Carl Lerch, Steve was predeceased by his sister Pamela (Pam) Lerch, his greatest confidant and companion. Their bond and vivid sense of humour could light up any room. He missed her daily. Steve is survived by his brother Murray Lerch, his sister Janet Langille, and his daughter Lacey Lerch, along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He shared a close and lasting friendship with Marilyn DeBay, Lacey's mother. Anyone who knew him knew how proud he was of his daughter, how much he adored his nieces and nephews, and how devoted he was to family and friends.

Raised in Dartmouth, Steve spent his childhood and teenage years in Woodside surrounded by adventurous friends who would do almost anything for a laugh, like figuring out how to open Coke bottles while they were still in the vending machine, then drinking them through a jerry-rigged straw, just to save their quarters for something else. Rules never stood in the way of a good time.

Steve worked as ground crew for Air Canada until retirement, forming lifelong friendships with his colleagues along the way. He was known as a reliable crew member, quick to lend a hand but not one to be walked over, quoted as saying, 'I'll do it, but I'm not doing it all.'

Steve had a lifelong love of snooker and motorcycles. In his younger days, he tore around Dartmouth on a customized Triumph and honed his snooker skills in the local pool halls. Later in life, cruising the province with friends on his Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail became one of his greatest joys. If the 'Gone Biking' sticky note was on his front door, you knew not to wait around; he wouldn't be back anytime soon. He always looked forward to his weekly Monday snooker match, especially when he was on a winning streak.

Music was another passion. Steve taught himself guitar and piano, and loved the folk music of the era, with Bob Dylan among his favourites. He would regularly sing 'Tweeter and the Monkey Man' to his daughter. In his younger years, partying with Steve meant you either got treated to, or tortured by, his 3 a.m. playing, depending on when you went to bed.

Steve had a big laugh and quick jokes. His nieces and nephews remember his legendary gift-giving, including a trick sewing basket with a pop-up snake that rattled countless unsuspecting teachers over the years. Neighbourhood kids knew they could bring their bikes to Steve's place and he'd get them back on the road. He was grateful for his neighbours and community on Westwood Drive, who graciously supported him in his last years.

He was a deeply intellectual and emotional man who could dive into the big questions with you one moment, and have you in stitches the next. Always thoughtful and kind, Steve believed no one, two legs or four, should be left out of a good time. Legend has it he once poured a friend's dog a finger of rum, just to make sure.

Steve celebrated more than 32 years of sobriety, a milestone he earned one day at a time, a testament to his strength and persistence. He found community in AA, where he moved easily between roles, sometimes the student, sometimes the teacher, but always willing to sit with someone in their hardest moments. His wisdom and support made difficult truths easier to carry, and his humour and patience meant you left a conversation with him lighter than when you came in.

Steve Lerch will be deeply missed by anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. At his request, there will not be a formal service or memorial. Sharing stories and memories on his Facebook page is encouraged.