I want to tell you how this man made the largest impact on my life with his beautiful gift of teaching me music. He  brought me out of my shell were others made me feel inferior he helped me and my guitar shine! He was loved by me and my family noticed how i became more confident at playing guitar. I still remember getting turkey subs from across the street for lunchtime. When i returned for a visit after having my first baby i wanted to see him and after 27 years when i went to his class he was packing as he retired…he still remembered my name. Now my infant is 31 and he graduated from university with a BA in music and i can only say thankyou to the greatest music teacher of all time. Rest In Peace Mr Perez. Blesses to your family 

My Dear Laura: I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved Steve.  It was so nice to see both of you last year  after so many years . We met you back in 1986 when you first arrive  from Trinidad. I have wonderful memories of Steve playing  Pan and the guitar. We would attend every dance wherever the Legends were playing...  Those were the days !!!
We would never forget the First Caribana in 1967, and for many years  playing . His infectious smile and laugh will always be remembered. My condolences to you Laura and Roland. May God be with you , and give you strength and peace, during this very  sad time . Linda  Yonson  (friend).

My memory of Steve last time I heard him play was at Gage Park last July, The Canada Day Celebration. 
My condolences to his family.
                 Cecil  (friend).

Mr. Perez  was a teacher of mine at St. Eugene's Elementary School, way back in the 70's. He was a man I remember so well. Always happy and really enjoyed what he did.  To remember that now some years later, is a testament to his love for teaching.
As soon as I saw his face here, I knew it was him. God bless all of you.  I send you my heart felt  condolences.
                  Nick   Poernic   (student).

I knew Stephen when he was in a band with his brother John and nephew Lawrence Caresquero.  They were called "The  Legends." We  had awesome times.
Laura and Roland, my deepest sympathy to you both. Know that I'm here if you need me.
Sending love and hugs.
                Irene    (friend) . 

Uncle Stephen will be sadly missed no doubt, but the legacy he left behind will forever be in our heart and soul. 
He gave us laughter, music and just pure joy.  Auntie Laura and Roland, my sincere  condolences, and remember all the great times  you had with your husband and father respectively.
                     Sandra  and Family.

I was so lucky to have Steve as a musical mentor during my time with the Silvertones. His graciousness,  generosity, humour, and musical brilliance made those truly memorable times.  For many years after, I would see Steve sharing his talents at many local events. He will be so missed by our community. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. Thanks for being such a light for us all, Steve. XO

My Condolences to wife Laura and family. Steve was a dear friend, who will be missed. A great community volunteer, always ready to share his musical/steelpan, talents. Rest In Eternal Peace, Steve ⚘

I enjoyed the times that I played steelpan with Steve. My sincere condolences to the family. 

This is a picture of the retired Trinidad and Tobago teachers with the then Trinidad Consul General Michael Lashley at the "Summer Lime" in 2007, hosted by Eleanor Rodney.

Steve was always part of our gatherings entertaining us with his music, jokes, and laughter.

Fond memories and rest in peace Steve. 
Sent by Monica Blackman.

Generosity, magnanimity  and humour  personify  this   good - natured  soul.  Thank  you,  Steve, for sharing your musical  talent  and  your zest  for   life.  
May  the Risen  Christ  welcome  you  with open  arms  into   His   Heavenly  Kingdom.  Rest  in  peace, dear friend.
Laura, Roland  and  family, please accept  our  heartfelt  sympathy.
May  God  give you  strength at  this time  and  always.

Peace,  Love,  &  Blessings
Dowling &  Rudin


 Sincere  condolences  to Laura  and the family  on the death of dear Steve .

 He did all things well . 

 Val Flanagan    [a fellow teacher ]

Uncle Steven was my Great Uncle. Always pleasant and welcoming whenever we got together. His energy was always upbeat with a curiosity about what was happening in the world and the minds of young people.  I'm also an artist which he also supported. May your music and the love for the arts be heard by the celestial choir now.
Rest in Peace Always.
Love Neketia Perez.


Sorry to hear of Steve's passing. He was a pleasant person to know - always smiling. Our deepest condolences to the entire family.

My great uncle. Full of spirit and laughter and joy. Your loss is immeasurable to our family. Rest in peace.

Uncle Stephen , you will be sorely missed. The girls are wondering what it will be  like not seeing you at carnival. This year they were dissappointed  not knowing that you were ill.  We will all miss your jokes and stories. We do not have you anymore with us , but God will sure appreciate your music and I am sure awaiting your contribution to those there with Him. Rest in peace Uncle Stephen.

My "forever young" uncle .  Still in shock
 But to live is to die.  You  certainly lived your life "filled  with music/ adventure. I will miss your short visit on Carnival Sunday ...especially our "spicy " convo , also sharing a beverage at Panorama.  That "smile/ laugh " .  You can take my letters to your new place of abode  and read  them  not from the bottom but from the top....this joke  is shared byUncle Zango,  you  and yours truly.  Uncle Stephen may your soul rest in peace  as you continue to enjoy your music with God's heavenly Angel's. Will miss you 

Steve was a true and faithful friend to Neville, and so it is with deepest sorrow that we say goodbye to our beloved and longtime family friend. Thank you Steve, for all the good times, the laughs, the many memories of Christmas parangs... May you rest in eternal peace and continue to make music with the angels. 

Our deepest condolences to Laura, Roland, Wendy-Lee, Glenda, and Jason (Zango) and family. 

From ~ Monica Blackman and family (Nicole, Shelley-Anne, Richard, Neville Jr.) 

Stephen would be dearly missed by his Calgary family connection.His visits during the Summer were always exciting and adventurous. He loved the Rockies and spent many days exploring Bannf, Canmore, Lk Louise and the Athabasca Icefields. On his visits he would jam with Newton on the keyboard and enjoyed Roast Bake and Buljol and a shot of Scotch his fave drink. Heated discussions were a must especially about Football, he was a sore loser and was very vocal if you teased him about the loss.He spoke his mind, I guess we had that in common. I loved my uncle unconditionally. RIP Stevie Poo and may a flight of angels sing you to your rest. Laura, Roland and family stay strong and believe that God has a plan for Steve. I know he will be sharing his musical knowledge and talent as he joins God's band of angels in his kingdom. NB: I just realized I never called him uncle Stephen but I think he relished the fact it might have made him feel ancient. 

Steve: Thanks for the fun times I had playing with your band, Silvertones. Will miss you dearly, your music, friendship and especially your smile and laughter.
Peace be with you my friend
Norman

I had Mr Perez as a teacher in Grade 8 at Our Lady of Lourdes. Always smiling and very kind. 
He was one of those teachers you don't forget.     
It seems he had a good life and a positive effect on many people. I'm glad to have played a very small part in his journey. 

I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Perez. He was my eighth grade teacher in 1985-86.

To say he had an impact on my life would be an understatement.  

His love of music was infectious. Mr. Perez  helped foster my own interest in music which developed into a lifelong passion and career.

I think of him often and will never forget his wonderful smile when we played music together as a class. 

Thank you Mr. Perez and my sincere condolences to his family.




Every year at carnival, I look forward to sharing with my dear Uncle Stephen whom I introduced to my friends as my Cousin Stephen. We will spend the mornings at breakfast recalling his years teaching in Patience Hill Tobago (think that's where he met Laura) to his years playing  music with the Mighty Sparrow , and his recent gigs playing "happy music" at old people's homes in Toronto.  Then he will disappear to immerse himself into everything that was  Carnival ..calypso,  pan, mas, comedy. I know how much he loved Carnival and he will be missed for Carnival.  God blessed many with his music...now we ask God to bless his soul.

My deepest sympathy to Laura and the rest of the family.  Rest in eternal peace my friend.

Mr. Perez was a good man and a hell of teacher. He knew his music I had him for a home room grade 8 teacher at St. Eugene. To his family I'm sorry for your loss but someone is gaining a good angel.
R.I.P.  Mr.Perez
Rick Giles

Goodbye my friend, the joy and celebration you brought to thousands of students in Hamilton Catholic School Board was your commitment and love of music. I am privileged to have known you through those many years and your gift to all of us will last forever, but you personally were a person who believed in the impact of music on young lives and there so many young and old who are so grateful for your contribution to our lives. 
John Harkin Co - Ordinators of the Arts

Mr. Perez was my teacher at Holy Family School when I was a young lass, not long in Canada from Scotland.  I was very shy and hated to speak because of my Scottish accent and the ribbing I took from other kids about the funny way I talked.  Mr. Perez was lovely.  He convinced me that the kids were just curious about the way I talked and that I should embrace my differences.  He also taught me to love poetry, in particular Rudyard Kipling.  I had  to memorize the first verse of "IF" and recite it in class.  I was a nervous wreck but he was kind and supportive.  I turned 60 this year and I can still recite it.  He had that kind of impact.  Roland, we were in school together at Sherwood.  I hope you're happy and well.  God bless your dad, he was one of those teachers who had an impact on those he guided.  What a gift!
Pauline

I was lucky enough to have Mr. Perez as my Grade 8 teacher in 1982/83 at St. Eugenes.  He taught us about other cultures and without realizing it, acceptance of different races and ways of living life.  I will fondly remember his humour but being tough at times when he needed to challenge us.  He also taught us how to play the steel drums.  I know you can tune it with a hammer. 😀  Thank you Mr. Perez and peace to you and condolences to the family.

I believe we grieve best by remembering and not forgetting. Therefore, let us remember how much Steve loved music and people. Steve will be missed by all who knew him.

OBITUARY

Stephen Joseph Perez

2 January, 1937 – 4 May, 2020

Cresmount Funeral Home - Fennell Chapel

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