Obituary of Steve Samosinski

May 2, 1947 – December 13, 2021 

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Steve, loyal and caring husband, generous and proud father, respected colleague and trusted friend. 

Besides his loving family, Steve will be greatly missed by everyone in his Country Hills Golf Club community, his colleagues from CP Rail and FMCS; as well as numerous extended family and friends.

Steve was born in a displaced persons camp in post war Germany, in a town called Schwäbisch Gmünd. His Ukrainian mother, Katherina Iwanenko, had become separated from all her siblings during the war and both of her parents were deceased. His father, Bazili Samosinski, was a soldier in the Polish army. When Steve was 2 years old, the young family of three immigrated to Canada with 2 other polish families. The 3 penniless families settled in Montreal, Quebec and built a small house on Molson Street with their bare hands, and there they taught their children the value of hard work. His parents came to rely on him and he had to grow up very fast, doing all sorts of things not normally done by children. He was also industrious at a very young age, climbing the fence of the local golf course to collect lost balls and sell them back to golfers. He later grew his business by selling beer to the thirsty golfers. Steve continued to be a hard worker throughout every facet of his life and made his parents very proud by graduating from McGill University, having a very successful career, a long marriage and two children, whom his parents adored. 

Steve had a tremendous amount of integrity, unsurpassed work ethic and was very well respected by his colleagues. He was known for being tough (in the best sense of the word), but fair, well-reasoned and logical at the negotiating table. He enjoyed his career so much, that after retiring from his position as director of labour relations at CP Rail after 30 years of service, he went on to work for the Government of Canada Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS), where he continued to work right up until his passing. Those who knew him best, knew he could not sit still and that he had no plans for retirement. 

Steve thought the world of his children and they had the utmost respect and admiration for him. They always knew he would do absolutely anything for them. Brian and Michelle and son-in-law, Rob Kelly, could not have asked for a better role model and father. 

He was the best husband. “He always had my back, a man of integrity who never let me down. He took care of everything, I was spoiled rotten.”

He was an animal lover and dedicated pet owner, his Rottweilers benefited from multiple daily long walks. But most of all, Steve loved to play golf. Nothing would keep him away from the golf course and it comforts his family to know that only 3 short weeks before his passing he was on a golf trip with his buddies in Phoenix. He was known for his great sense of humour, love of the game, colourful shirts and competiveness at C-note Saturdays. Steve lived a wonderful and full life right up until the very end. 

He was determined and strong, some might say stubborn. Fourteen years earlier, Steve was diagnosed with a severe non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He endured aggressive treatment and beat it, making a full recovery and appreciating every extra minute of life he had over those next 14 years. Unfortunately a recurrence of cancer landed him in the hospital on November 30th and by December 3rd he ended up in ICU where he passed away 10 days later in the loving embrace of his wife Josée, with his children by his side. 

A Celebration of his Life will be held at a later date. Details will be shared once available. 

If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to Lymphoma Canada, https://www.lymphoma.ca/.

Soar on the wings of eagles Daddy
Enjoy many dog walks, A&W breakfasts and golf games to come!
We love you and you will remain forever in our hearts.