Mr. Stephen Joel Zavesiczky

Stephen, affectionately known as Joey, was born on March 18, 1992, to Tom and Sue Zavesiczky. He loved his family deeply, including his brothers Kevin and Michael. From an early age, Joey had a keen sense of curiosity and adventure. He cherished his time with his grandparents and developed a great appreciation for his Hungarian heritage, leading him to apply for and receive his Hungarian citizenship and EU passport.

After graduating from high school, Joey was accepted to both McGill and UBC on a scholarship. He chose UBC, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Art History. During his third year, Stephen spent a term abroad in Paris, where he fell in love with the city—a bond that would draw him back in later years.

Upon returning from Paris, Joey explored a wide range of careers—working as a bicycle courier in Montreal, a bike mechanic at MEC, and skipper for ferries in False Creek.

The following years were filled with adventure and discovery. Joey took a life-changing camping trip to Haida Gwaii and rode his beloved Kawasaki motorcycle to Los Angeles, his surfboard strapped to it wherever he went. He moved to Tofino to become a whale-watching boat captain and guide, living in an RV, fully embracing the spirit of independence and exploration that defined him.

Joey's love for Paris and his European heritage drew him back in 2019. Travels took him through Morocco on a motorcycle adventure and more recently to Korea, Japan, France, Austria, Hungary, and the Netherlands—always talking about where he would go next.

Returning to Canada in fall 2020, Joey's love of the sea led him to pursue a career in the maritime industry. He earned several marine certifications and joined the Canadian Coast Guard, traveling the entire BC coastline and into the Arctic. He became Marine Superintendent for a marine services company supporting LNG projects in Kitimat and Squamish. Most recently, Joey planned on returning to Europe to study law, specializing in marine law.

Joey was never afraid to try something new. He was a popular wedding officiant and MC for his closest family and friends. He was also extremely proud of his tattoos—always surprising Tom and Sue. His most cherished was a heart with his parents' names in it, and a ship that covered his entire back.

Stephen formed deep and lasting connections everywhere he went, whether someone knew him briefly or for years. His smile could light up a room, he gave the best hugs, and had the most infectious laugh. Joey lived life with an intense zest always on his own terms, fully embracing every experience.

Though his life was far too short, Joey lived more passionately than many ever dream to. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.