Obituary of Stephen Joseph Wavrecan

It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of our beloved father, Steve Wavrecan, on Thursday, January 10, 2008 at the age of 87 years Steve was born and raised in Coleman, AB along with his three brothers Joe, Mike and John. He met and married Doreen, the love of his life, in 1944. Steve worked in the coal mine until it closed in 1957 and then he moved his family to Calgary where he pursued a trade in plumbing/steamfitting, retiring in 1985 after a long career at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. Steve was involved in the community and church both in the Crowsnest Pass and in Calgary, leading to a declaration of Calgary’s Senior Citizen of the Year in 1995. Whether it was coaching little league baseball or cleaning ice for a hockey game, Steve was involved. He was instrumental in the building of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, organizing fund raisers, encouraging contractors, community and church members to donate their materials, services and time. The citizens of Calgary owe Steve a debt of gratitude for his tireless work in preserving Edworthy Park. He was one of the founding fathers of the Wildwood Community Association establishing one of the most successfully run Communities in the City. Thousands will remember him for years of bingo calling, entertainment (The Golden Girls and Spike), coaching, playing Santa and community watchdog. Steve was always ready to bring his guitar and lead a sing-along with family and friends, adding his Wilf Carter sound and yodeling to the delight of one and all. His community service in the Crowsnest Pass included tireless hours initiating the development of the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre and Crowsnest Pass Reunion Committee. He was an honorary life-long member of the Elks’ Lodge. You only had to be with Steve a short time before realizing a stranger was a friend he hadn’t met. Steve is survived by: his three children, Dodie (Terry) McArthur, Janice Wavrecan, Jim (Ann) Wavrecan; grandchildren Lori (Jeff) Gibbons, Shayne (Gillian) McArthur, Darrin (Tracy) Wavrecan and Kymberly Wavrecan: and by great-grandchildren Amber Wavrecan, Sam Gibbons and Jake McArthur. He was predeceased by his beloved wife and sweetheart Doreen in 1994. Funeral Mass will be Celebrated at St. Michael The Archangel Catholic Church (4718 Worcester Drive South West) on Tuesday, January 15, 2008 at 10:30 a.m.. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 215 – 12 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 1A2 Telephone: (403) 205-3966. In living memory of Stephen Wavrecan, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.