Steven Kyaw Htut Aung

With heavy hearts, the Aung family wishes to announce that Dr. Steven K.H. Aung, a distinguished pioneer in the integration of modern, traditional and complementary medicine, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2025. He was a beloved physician and highly respected teacher whose visionary work helped make Alberta an important centre for integrated and complementary medicine. His legacy was based on an unwavering belief that wellness begins with self-cultivation and prevention. His gentle presence, profound compassion, loving kindness and wisdom touched countless lives locally and globally.

Born in the small town of Pyinmana, Myanmar (formerly Burma), Steven Aung grew up the second of three boys within a large extended and blended family. He valued the bonds shared across generations. At the age of 10, Steven was sent from his hometown to a boarding school in the capital of Yangon to pursue his studies. He enjoyed playing a variety of sports - particularly basketball and was known for his easy rapport and wide circle of friends. Guided by a growing passion for health and wellness, Steven eventually embarked on a path in medical studies and earned his MBBS in 1972. He was always deeply interested in medicine’s ability to serve a person holistically and pursued studies in traditional Chinese medicine to develop an approach centred on balance and harmony. At the end of his studies, he met his life partner, Debbie Khoo through a family friend. In 1974, Steven and Debbie married and immigrated to Canada to reunite with family and build a new life in a country offering greater opportunities. They had 4 children born in Canada and raised their family with the same values of humility, compassion, drive and perseverance that defined their own lives. While re-establishing his license and career as an internationally trained physician, Steven completed residencies in Vancouver, Montreal and St. John’s and had special interest in the fields of family medicine, internal medicine, oncology and counselling. An interest in geriatric medicine eventually led him to Edmonton, Alberta in 1983.

A longtime advocate for medicine serving the whole person (body, mind, spirit), Steven took a gentle approach to introducing the notion of integrated medical care into his practice. Through sustained vision and demonstrable outcomes, Steven’s comprehensive integrated medical practice grew, as well as his reputation as a physician skilled in both western and eastern (traditional Chinese medicine) approaches. Motivated by a commitment to spread knowledge of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine within the greater medical and health community, he developed Canada’s first Certificate Program in Medical Acupuncture for the University of Alberta, Faculty of Extension in 1991 which was subsequently transferred to the Division of Continuous Professional Learning, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry (2010-2013). During its development, Dr. Aung played a major role as the program’s chief instructor, examiner and curriculum consultant.

For over four decades, Steven sustained his commitment to bridging the worlds of modern, traditional and complementary medicine through education. He often described his approach to teaching as a continual passing of knowledge, whereby each learner becomes a conduit for sharing enlightenment with others. His influence extended widely as he served as an associate clinical professor at the University of Alberta, held visiting professorships with a number of universities and medical colleges nationally and globally, was a consultant at numerous hospitals, and acted as an advisor for many health organizations and national and international regulating bodies including Health Canada and the World Health Organization. His legacy includes bringing the 3rd World Congress of Medical Acupuncture and Natural Medicine to Edmonton in 1995 (the first time it was held outside of China), and again in 2000. He was inducted into the Alberta Order of Excellence in 2002, and invested as a Member of the Order of Canada in 2006, honors recognizing his deep contributions to medicine and community.

Steven's life and career were deeply anchored in the pursuit of balance in all things. With an open and curious mind, he sought connections between Indigenous healing traditions and traditional Chinese Medicine, often collaborating with Indigenous communities. A devoted Buddhist, he actively supported various Buddhist groups within his community. His varied interests, including calligraphy and Chinese painting, reflected his appreciation for artistic expression. Committed to self-cultivation, Steven also dedicated much time to teaching and leading Qi Gong workshops, empowering others to master control over their mind and body.

More than a physician, Steven was a compassionate and calm guiding light, known for his endless patience and genuine kindness. He approached each person holistically, consistently choosing to see the good in everyone, the beauty in all things and finding a learning experience with every situation. Despite his many accomplishments, he remained deeply humble, never forgetting his roots and always grateful for the opportunity to serve others with unwavering generosity and understanding. It is fitting that Steven's final words were "Thank you," reflecting the gratitude and grace that characterized his life and relationships.

Steven is lovingly remembered and survived by his 4 children, Florence, Vincentia (Craig), Stevenson (Angélique) and Stephanie (Huy); 9 grandchildren Noemi, Andrew, Matthew, Steven, Shen, Remy, Maaya, Keoli and Amaris; and his siblings Tony (Vicky), Victor (Joan), and Meiling. He is also mourned by numerous extended family members and friends. Steven was preceded in death by his wife Debbie (2025), parents Lyan Sein and Yauk In K Ong, sister Betty Ong, and brother Ong Nyan Htun.

Steven was laid to rest on November 11, 2025 in a private family burial service at Ocean View Burial Grounds (Vancouver, B.C.).

The Aung family will honour Steven’s life and legacy with a Celebration of Life service on Saturday, January 31, 2026 (2:00 pm MST) at Triffo Theatre (Allard Hall), MacEwan University (11110 – 104 Ave, Edmonton, AB). Friends, colleagues, and all who knew him are invited to gather in remembrance, share stories, and celebrate the profound impact Steven made throughout his life. For those unable to attend in person, a livestream of the service will be available via the funeral home’s website.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Steven’s memory to selected charities supporting causes important to him are appreciated. Please refer to https://www.aung.com/blg/36-2025-11 for details.