Obituary of James Stephen Hager

June 29, 1940 – Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A

January 3, 2025 – Calgary, Alberta

James “Steve” Hager of Calgary, AB, passed away on Friday, January 3, 2025, at the age of 84 years.

Steve was born in Detroit, Michigan, on June 29, 1940. He graduated from West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Science in Geology in 1965 and soon moved to Calgary, AB, in 1967.

As an involved community member, Steve dedicated his time and energy to many organizations over the years, including the Association for the Rehabilitation of the Brain Injured (ARBI), Friends of River Park Society, Scouts Canada, and the Canadian Red Cross Society. His dedication to community was recognized through a Confederation of Canada Medal from the Governor General in 1993.

Steve accomplished much in his professional life with Canadian Discovery/Rakhit Petroleum, the Daily Oil Bulletin, NSM Resources, Canada-Cities Service, and Travel Fun/All Fun Tours. He was particularly proud of his work with Sheldon Chumir during his political campaigns and as his Office Administrator.

Steve was a dedicated family man and spent many hours with his kids enjoying the great outdoors. He loved food and would often finish a meal with the statement, “that was the best meal I ever had.” He had a passion and knack for storytelling. He loved to get to know anyone who was nearby and will be most remembered for how much he remembered of others. A lover of dogs, Steve was known by many for the long walks he took with his pets through River Park. Steve was a die-hard Country and Blues music fan, and he could often be found stomping his foot along to the tunes at the Blues Can and Schooners.

Steve is survived and will be missed dearly by his three children: Christina (Ron), Jim (Cassie), and Michael; the mother of his children and longtime friend Peggy; his granddaughters: Lorcan and Emily; his brother John (Blanca); and his nephew Christopher (Sophie), as well as numerous cousins and friends.

Steve was predeceased by his parents Martin Kirk Hager and Dorothy Jane Hager.

A Celebration of Steve’s Life will be held at the Trop Bar & Grill (1501 34^th Ave SW, Calgary, AB) on Monday, January 20, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Calgary Inter-Faith Food Bank Society (5000 – 11 Street S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 2Y5) Telephone: (403) 253-2059, www.calgaryfoodbank.com. 

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Steve’s family here.

In living memory of James “Steve” Hager, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-276-2296.