Stephen G. Canfield

Stephen G. Canfield, age 74, of Upper Arlington passed unexpectedly on August 22, 2024. Stephen, also known as Steve or “CanMan,” was born in Ohio on November 12, 1949 to John and T. Jeanne Canfield. Steve graduated from Upper Arlington High School in 1967. He met his loving wife, Jo, while working at Brookside Country Club; it was an immediate connection, a connection of which only love stories are made. They were married on September 14, 1974.

Steve’s younger days ignited the discovery of a true passion and beginning of a football career, starting at age 7 with the Westgate Hawks. His love and dedication to the sport eventually led to playing for the Upper Arlington Golden Bears. Never tiring of the game, Steve made his way to the Indiana University Hoosiers, playing as an offensive lineman with a memorable opportunity on the Rose Bowl team in 1967(Go Hoosiers!). He later returned to the football world as a coach and scout for Upper Arlington High School, and will forever be a Golden Bear.

As a lifelong learner, Steve earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees at Indiana University, specializing in criminology. Steve excelled in a career that was trademarked by dedication and service to his country and community. He began working as an FBI agent in Alexandria, VA, then returned to Upper Arlington as a police officer in 1973. His career and expertise moved him into a position as a State of Ohio BCI Special Agent, retiring in 2010. Loyal and dedicated to the premise of law and justice, he maintained membership and support for the FOP.

Steve loved vacation time in Ocean Isle Beach, fishing in Northern Ontario with family, and watching his grandson, Gavin excel in soccer. He traveled through life with a variety of interests, ranging from being an avid participant in the I.U. Football Alumni Club to maintaining his status as a card-carrying member of the Dolly Parton Fan Club, established at the early age of 10! Most telling of Steve’s true character and the way he lived his life is the fact that he was everyone’s surrogate dad and grandpa, always there to guide, support, and cheer everyone on.

Steve is survived by Josephine (Jo), his wife of nearly 50 years. As patriarch of the family, he is also survived by; his son, Jay Banks (Heather), grandson, Gavin, son, Jeff Banks (Monica), his favorite sister, Mary Beth, niece, Sarah Potter Smith (Heath), nephew, Seth Potter (Lisa), brother, Daniel Canfield (Lisa), niece, Julie Peterson, Aunt Judy Burgess, sister-in-law, Elaine Hauger and sister-in-law, Kristi Nyberg (Pat). He is preceded in death by his mother and father, John and T. Jeanne Canfield and cousin, John Peterson.

A Special Celebration of Life: Please join us for a casual gathering full of memories, food, and football to celebrate the gifts and accomplishments of a life well lived, honoring Steve Canfield on Sunday, November 10th 2024 from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Gallo’s Kitchen (2820 Nottingham Road Columbus, Ohio 43221). 5:00 p.m. Toast with Steve’s favorite Alberta Premium Canadian Whiskey, immediately

followed by an Open Mike Sharing of favorite memories, moments, and gifts from this treasured man we can never replace, but can joyfully and lovingly honor and live life as he would have.

Steve will be deeply missed by every individual with whom he crossed paths.