Stephen Duncan Prudhomme

It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Stephen Duncan Prudhomme. Stephen passed away after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer surrounded by family and friends at the Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas.

Loving brother of Michael Prudhomme (Lois), Oakville, Ontario, James Prudhomme (Lyse Tremblay), Kelowna, BC, Charlotte Prudhomme, Coquitlam, BC and Mary Cresswell (Dan), Kelowna, BC. Dearest uncle of Julie Prudhomme Folch, Marc Prudhomme, Amanda Prudhomme Shadwick, Danielle La Rocque and Cherie La Rocque as well as great uncle of Michael Folch, Austin Prudhomme and Jackson Prudhomme, all of Canada. He also leaves behind many cousins throughout Canada and the United States.

Predeceased by parents, Janet Hilda and Barrett A Prudhomme.

Stephen was born in Montreal, Quebec and grew up in Ottawa, Ontario. After graduating from St. Joseph’s High School he attended Ottawa Carleton University where he received his Master’s degree of Science in Biology. He joined the National Research Council (NRC), Canada’s premier science and technology research organization where he held a number of positions from 1980 through 1992. After departing the NRC he joined the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) in Ottawa, holding a number of senior positions from 1992-1999. The CMA is a professional organization representing the majority of Canada’s physicians with a mission of providing leadership for physicians and promoting the highest standards of health care for Canadians. In 2000 Stephen was recruited by the American Heart Association to lead their scientific publishing unit at the National Center in Dallas, Texas. Here his career blossomed from 2000 until his illness in 2013, holding a number of senior positions with the most recent being Vice President of Global Strategies where in this position he made key contributions in helping the organization create its first ever International Strategic Health Plan.

Throughout his career he was considered exceptional with his impact going beyond the skill and versatility he brought to his various positions. He was recognized for his ability to work well with others, his easy going sense of humor, and his sincere commitment and encouragement to his colleagues. Stephen made immeasurable differences in his continuous commitment to helping people improve their health.

Throughout his life, Stephen , also affectionately known by his family as Uncle Scar, always made a loving and lasting impression on the people he met and interacted with and he developed a very wide circle of friends from all over the globe. He travelled extensively and absorbed so much knowledge from his trips that he became his own “tour guide”. To travel with Stephen was an honor to his travelling companions. During his 20 month battle with cancer he completed many “bucket list” destinations and returned from his trips with beautiful memories, photographs and treasured collections of artwork. Stephen was very artistic and had a flare for fashion, a love of good food, fine wine and music theatre. From a young boy Stephen had a tremendous love of animals and acquired throughout his life many exotic cats, horses, fish, birds and dogs. His most recent pet whom he adored was his French Bull Dog, Vic, who gave him the incentive to keep battling his disease. He was also known for his expertise and knowledge of plants, especially his many orchids. His most endearing characteristics were his compassion and generosity to all.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the doctors, nurses, and staff at the Baylor T. Boone Pickens Cancer Hospital. A special mention to Dr. David McCollum, Orpheulia, Ron, Mike, Khadra and Gloria.

A celebration of life for Stephen will be held during the first part of December in Dallas, Texas. A memorial service will also be held in the spring of 2015 in the Ottawa, Ontario area with interment of his ashes at Saint Elizabeth’s Cemetery in Cantley, Quebec. We will keep you informed of dates and times.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations be made to the American or Canadian Heart Association and/or the American or Canadian Cancer Society. Arrangements under the direction of Sparkman-Crane Funeral Home, Dallas, TX. Condolences may be left on the guest book at www.sparkman-crane.com.