Stephen George Ursulescu

It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Stephen George Ursulescu of North Vancouver, BC on Wednesday Dec 11th at the age of 87. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife: Annie Elizabeth (nee Hilliard); his children Lisa, Melanie (Gregory) and Trevor (Julianne); his grandchildren: Rachel, Nickolas, Eden Rose, Spencer, Rozina and Daçiana; brother: John; and sister: Eva (Don), as well as by numerous nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends. Stephen was predeceased by his brother Albert.

Stephen was born and raised in Vancouver, BC, where he passed the years combing Jericho beach while memorizing and reciting poetry with his brothers and friends. Stephen attended Kitsilano Secondary School where he took classical art studies and maintained a daily sketchbook. His art school days were written about in the book From Drawing to Visual Culture: The History of Art Education in Canada, edited by Harold Pearse.

Stephen graduated in 1950 and went to work for BC Tel, starting as a draftsman and moving into an engineering position in the outside plant. He met Annie and they were married on Feb 28th 1959. The very next day they began building their home in North Vancouver, where they raised their three children.

Stephen was a true Renaissance man: an incredible artist, potter, woodworker, metalworker, boat builder, and carpenter. He could make anything and fix anything as long as he made a tool for it first. Stephen was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He spent many years as a church youth leader, scout leader, and mentor to his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many neighbourhood kids, patiently teaching them new skills.

Stephen had a keen interest in scale model building and won many awards and recognitions, including having one of his models featured in the Scale Auto Contest Annual.

He retired from BC Tel in 1987 and was proud of the fact that he was retired for more years than he worked. Stephen always found the humour in life, was ready with a laugh and a witticism, and didn't let anything get him down.

Donations in his name can be made to Lion's Gate Hospital. Many thanks go out to the caring doctors, nurses, and staff at Lion's Gate and to the BC Paramedics.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.firstmemorialnorthvancouver.com for the Ursulescu family.