Michael Joseph Steven

Michael leaves behind his brothers Malcolm (Nicole) of Waterloo and Andrew (Lyndis) of Kelowna, B.C. Beloved uncle to Brendan, Michaela, Breanne of Waterloo and Annaya, Sinead and Calum of Kelowna. Michael is predeceased by his loving mother and father Rose Ann and Matthew Steven who were immigrants to Canada from Cambuslang, Scotland. Michael was also very close to his Uncle Charlie Murray (predeceased wife Mary), Aunt Catherine and Uncle Brian McGinley of Hamilton and many cousins who all cared for Michael deeply and supported him after his mother passed away 13 years ago.

The family would also like to recognize and thank a number of Michael's closest friends for their unwavering support, love and friendship with Michael for many years including, Bill Kirouac (Debbie), Chris Lewis (Jenn) and Peter Wagner (Eva). We'd also like to express our thanks to all the staff at "Pete's Shop" (Crown Automated Feeders) in Ancaster for their kindness and friendship to Michael over many years.

Michael was unfortunately born deaf in one ear and severely hearing impaired in his other ear. Our loving mother Rose Ann worked tirelessly to both teach Michael as a child how to speak/read and write and advocate with vigour for him to be integrated into the regular Catholic School system back in the early 1970's. Michael was one of the first children and early adaptor to wear and utilize the "Phonic Ear" hearing aid system which allowed his teachers to wear a microphone around their neck while teaching in the classroom while Michael wore a specialized large enhanced hearing aid. His language and communication skills were remarkable for someone with such severe hearing disabilities. Our dear mother went back to school to complete Grade 13 so she could became a Catholic School teacher. She then went on working part-time at McMaster University to finish her degree. Not stopping there she went on to a Masters degree at University of Toronto. This pursuit of a career teaching and higher learning for our mother was in large part due to her tireless support with continuous, daily "kitchen" table teaching and homework help with Michael. Michael played a large role in helping our mother have such a wonderful impact on so many children over the course of her long career at the Hamilton Catholic school system.

Michael was a curious, social person who loved conversations around many world and local topics. He always wanted to know about things happening in his family and friends lives. He never missed any of his nieces and nephews birthday's, coming to birthday parties for his Ontario family and never missed sending birthday cards to his Kelowna nieces and nephews. We'll always remember Michael showing up to take the kids out for Halloween in Waterloo trick or treat wearing his funny Gorilla mask !! He enjoyed the old 1960's muscle cars with a particular fondness for the 1966 Dodge Charger. In his 20's he was able to purchase an old black Charger and worked for many years to try and restore it. He'd scour for original parts wherever he could find them as they just had to be original ! When he drove that Charger he was so happy with windows down and on occasion "punching" it so you could feel and hear the classic Dodge 383 engine rumble.

Michael, in his younger days, enjoyed fishing and hunting. Our father took Michael deer hunting a number of times when he was in his late teens and Michael was in his element. He was at home being outdoors and in the forest with nature. His fondest memories of fishing is a big fishing trip he went on with his brother Andrew in Northern B.C. He loved everything about that trip, spending time with his brother, being in the great outdoors and catching all kinds of fish. When fishing in Ontario, Michael always had trouble catching fish !! Eating meals with Michael was never rushed, he'd chat away, and really enjoyed great food. We will miss him dearly especially at Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter dinners. Rest in Peace dear brother.

Visitation will be held at CRESMOUNT FUNERAL HOME, 322 Fennell Avenue E. Hamilton, Ontario on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 from 10am-12pm with a Memorial Service to follow at 12 pm.

Special thanks to the caring and compassionate staff of the Emmanuel House Hospice who provided wonderful, loving care for Michael in his final days. We would also like to thank Dr. Deng, Dr. Bell and all the nurses of the Juravinski Hospital Acute Care team who did their best to care for our brother during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Emmanuel House Hospice in Michael's memory at the following link: https://goodshepherdcentres.ca/donate/donate-now/ under a drop down menu for Palliative care.

Online condolences can be left at cresmountfennellchapel.com