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October 7, 1949 to January 4, 2011


Born in San Francisco, Steve and family moved to Seattle when he was six. In the summer of 1966, the family emigrated to Canada! The family settled in Grand Forks, B.C., in June 1966 next to Gilpin. Stephen made friends and learned how to fish without a pole. Borscht, bread, phyrahi, pies and tarts became familiar fare while learning how to handle an unusual water system, wood heat, the baby goat, chickens, pigs and milk cow! A big adventure for a city kid.


Stephen spent his first summer helping the Davis family construct their home out of rock and stack wood. Stephen enjoyed the physicality of living the good life in his new country.


Stephen worked at Phoenix Mine then Granisle. In the summer of 1974 Steve met Fern. The two fell immediately into a love that lasted the rest of his lifetime. Stephen and Fern lived in Granisle until work opened up in Grand Forks and Steve jumped at the chance to move “home” and raise his family.


First son David Paul was born September 1, 1976 followed shortly thereafter by second son Michael Alan, born June 17, 1979. Things went well until the particle board plant where Stephen worked closed down. Stephen, Fern and the boys left for northern Alberta. They spent years in the north, first in Drayton Valley, Dawson Creek, then 108 Mile House, finally settling in Lac La Hache.


Three years ago Steve began having difficulties eating and was diagnosed with cancer. The offending tumour was removed, however it had spread. He was given 2 to 5 years. Stephen made the most of that time. He worked until he couldn’t. He was determined to attend the wedding of niece Dawsha in Costa Rica last January making sure his whole family enjoyed the trip. It was a special time.


Stephen’s goal was to survive Christmas 2010 and he did so. He passed away peacefully, pain free at home January 4, 2011, with his devoted wife of 36 years, Inga Fern beside him.


Stephen was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Monica Simcox. He is survived by wife Inga Fern; sons David (Amy) and Michael (Adea); granddaughter Maya; sisters, Susan Mlynarczyk and Margaret Maximenko (John); brother, Douglas; and extra sister, Kim Davis (Jake). 100 Mile House Funeral Home was in care of arrangements.



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