Steven MacNab Obituary
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10 Entries
Bruce Edwardes
May 16, 2008
My reaction to learning of Steve's passing was one of shock and disbelief. I just stared through the window outside for about 10 minutes until a client walked by and caught my attention. How trivial the problem sounded by comparison.
Steve and I were brothers in the sense that all of us who share the military ethos are brothers. I had served 33 years in the Air Reserve here in Edmonton, and was a Major by rank. Our respective jobs in the Reserves didn't bring us together very much - just on special occasions. Yet I feel a great loss - my brother has moved on to another time and place.
In Transport, our jobs brought us together occasionally. He helped me resolve some issues with IT support at Aviation sites, many years ago when we were undergoing one of our transitions. He would listen to the site's perspective, and mine, and his opinion and sage advice was always as close to satisfying both points of view as you could possibly get. I learned much about negotiation from Steve.
We had dealings with information issues which came up from time-to-time in the Wapiti affairs. "We know this to be true, Bruce, and the Memo proves it, but can we attest to the originality, safe storage, and proper care and handling of the Memo in its electronic form - especially the veracity of the date & time of it?" On some occasions, Steve and I just sat and talked about the case so that I could better understand this world of "rules of evidence" and the things with which he had to contend. I learned so much from him about that whole process.
I was saddened when he moved to Winnipeg, because I knew I'd miss our chats; his quiet, sometimes very subtle humour; but always, his positive, "we'll get through this" attitude.
Poet John Donne had it "pegged" way back in 1624 when he wrote, in Meditation XVII,
"...any man's death diminishes me,
because I am involved in
mankind."
I think we, the collective TC, are greatly diminished by Steve's passing.
And I can't help but be reminded, whenever someone I knew passes, of the words spoken by the Reverend Clifford Elliot at the funeral of my maternal grandfather. "Be with us here, oh Lord, and help us not to grieve at his passing, but to rejoice and give thanks that he was here."
I certainly give thanks that I knew Steve. As well as all he taught me, it just felt comfortable knowing he was around, and that I could talk to him if needed.
I am also comforted my Buddhist beliefs. So I have a solid base for "picking up the pieces and carrying on" - another aspect of the military ethos. Yet, I will surely miss him.
Steve and I would share a little "military" chuckle sometimes when the Wapiti affairs weren't going well. He'd describe the lamentable situation and I would respond with "Per Ardua ad Astra", Steve. That phrase works as a general message for us all in the "Steve" affair. In case you don't know, it's the Air Force motto, and it means "Through Adversity to the Stars."
Judy & Frank Quesnel
May 8, 2008
Sue,
It is with extreme shock & sadness I write this note. Our deepest condolences to you, & to Steve's family. I've always considered Steve a true & loyal friend from the first time we met, when we worked together in Edmonton, & we have missed meeting up with you both in Fredericton over the past years. We deliver Meals On Wheels in your street-area in Fredericton, (Chelsea) & just last week your name ran thru our minds, so you haven't been forgotten.
I will remember Steve's smile & that twinkle in his eyes, & the great guy he was. The World Of Aviation has certainly lost a wealth of knowledge & a fine man, & we have lost a real gentleman & a fine friend.
Give us a call if you're ever back east.
Our thoughts & prayers,
Marvin Regier
May 7, 2008
Steve has been very special to me as a mentor and friend. I have often thought back to the many motivational conversations we had when he lived and worked in Edmonton. My sincere condolences to you Susan and the families.
Theresa Rezewski
May 6, 2008
My humble sympathies to all of Steve's family. Steve was a great friend, a great colleague and the wisest person that I have ever known. I totally enjoyed his company and loved listening to his stories. Fond memories everlasting.
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Rick Pollock
May 6, 2008
Susan, I am truly sorry for your loss. Steve was a friend as well as a valued and respected colleague. He taught me a great deal about the world of aviation. I will miss his dry humour, his insight and his intellect. His contributions to Canadian Civil Aviation were monumental. I will always hold a thought of happiness, in the knowledge that I knew him and considered him my friend. God Bless.
Don MacKenzie
May 2, 2008
It was with profound sorrow that I learned of Steve's passing. My heartfelt condolences to his family and his many, many friends. He was a highly respected and admired man whose leadership was a source of inspiration to us all. He will be sorely missed.
Dave / Carol McNab
May 2, 2008
Susan, my heart goes out to you. Steve was a valued friend and collegue, excellent boss. Even if he did spell his last name wrong
Terry Owen
May 2, 2008
My condolances to the family and we will all miss Steve. He would always be able to present another view to a problem that we were all dealing with, and that view came with a great deal of knowledge attached to it. It was a pleasure to have worked with Steve and he will be missed
Terry
Diana Baggs
May 2, 2008
I was very sad to hear of Steve's passing. He was deeply respected and honoured in our office. He truly was our leader and always went above and beyond to support each and every one of us. He will never be forgotten and will always be cherished.
Diana Baggs, Transport Canada Yellowknife
Noel J. Blais
May 1, 2008
It was with deep sorrow that I heard of Steve's sudden passing. I worked with him as an Inspector in Winnipeg prior to my retirement. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him and worked with him.
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