Stephen Michael McCaffery

In our lives, there is a beginning and an ending and a whole lot of living in between. Stephen was born on November 9, 1949; he passed away on August 20, 2012 after a valiant fight with cancer. He did not go gently into this good night, as he loved life, and wanted to stay, as there were still books to read, conversations to be had, wines to discover, countries to visit with Maggie, and friendships to nourish. It was not meant to be and we will miss him terribly.

Family was important to Steve and to his immense pleasure he was able to witness the marriage of his daughter Kate to Jim Lloyd, the marriage of his daughter Mary to Steve Daly and the engagement of his son Michael to Tammy Brown. He became a grandfather to granddaughters Kiley McCaffery and Marlee Lloyd, he married Maggie McCarthy and he attended at his stepsons Robert, Ryan and Jonathan Garay’s different graduations. He travelled with Maggie to Napa Valley, Paris, Rome, Australia and New Zealand. All of these events took place during his fight with cancer, as not even cancer could stop his engagement with life.

Steve graduated from Brock University in 1976. Friends met in first year became life-long friends. He was an Immigration Officer with CIC and had colleagues who became life-long friends. A certain barbershop in St. Catharines and its interesting group of men was a very important meeting place for Steve.

His razor sharp wit was dwarfed only by his immense intelligence and his keen analytical eye. His laughter was contagious and will be missed and remembered.

Steve leaves behind his wife, children and grandchildren, as well as his beloved mother Vonnie McCaffery (Sarnia), Debra Ekberg McCaffery, the mother of his children (St. Catharines); his brothers Dan (Val), Ron (Cheryl) of Sarnia, his sister Karen of Toronto, as well as uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation will be held at HULSE & ENGLISH FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 75 Church St. (905-684-6346) on Thursday, August 23, 2012 from 2 – 4 and 7-9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, August 24, 2012 at 2 p.m. at The Cathedral of St. Catherine of Alexandria, 63 Church St. A reception in the church hall will follow.

The family is grateful to the health care professionals at the Juravinski Cancer Centre (Hamilton) and St. Catharines’ Hotel Dieu Shaver Hospital who treated Steve during his journey with merkel cell carcinoma. Dr. Arvinte and the nursing staff of 2 West are angels and are a dedicated group of health care professionals. Their professionalism and care was superb and donations to either facility are appreciated. On-line tributes may be made at www.hulseandenglish.com

Darling, we will all see you on the flip side!