STEVE Anthony LESCHUK

Surrounded by his children, Steve Anthony Leschuk passed away on Friday, February 21, 2025 at TBRHSC. He fought bravely and with dignity before reuniting with his beloved wife. Steve was born on August 31, 1939 in Chapleau, Ontario and grew up in the town of Jackfish on Lake Superior. He attended Fort William Vocational Institute. It was quite a change from the one-room schoolhouse in Jackfish, but Steve persevered and graduated from the electrical program. He was hired by Bell Telephone and spent 10 years travelling throughout NWO maintaining communication systems. While in Kenora, he met his future wife, Anna. They were married on October 10, 1964 and moved to Dryden, Ontario where their daughter Deborah was born.

In 1966, Steve and Anna moved to Fort William, becoming proud homeowners and welcoming another daughter Karen and son Marc. Forgoing a transfer to remote Newfoundland, Steve left Bell Telephone and took a job with Fort William Telephone (now TBayTel). Steve worked hard to become a Superintendent and remained with the company for over 30 years until his retirement. During his career, he was instrumental in establishing equipment for the start of cellular phone service in this region. Until recently, he still enjoyed monthly lunches with his former coworkers.

Steve had an independent spirit and a strong work ethic. He believed in perseverance, fairness and humility. He took Deborah and Karen to their lessons and coached Marc in baseball, encouraging the players to try their best and always "go down swinging", a life philosophy that he imparted to his children. He willingly helped family or neighbours with repair tasks. Steve supported his children and grandchildren in their athletic and academic successes. He took a keen interest in politics and world events, through newspapers, broadcasts and podcasts. Steve and Anna travelled throughout Canada, cruised in Alaska and took bus tours to Winnipeg and the States. In his later years, he was content to work in his yard, grow his beloved tomatoes and corn, putter in the garage and be with his family.

Steve was a true outdoorsman and was most at home in a boat with a fishing rod in his hand. A fresh fish dinner made his day! Steve took his family to Ear Falls for annual family reunions and fly-in fishing trips. He loved family gatherings, good food, company and conversation. Steve and Anna spent extraordinary time and effort establishing the family camp at Burchell Lake, a gathering place where many happy memories were made. He was a caring and respectful husband, father and grandfather who loved, protected and provided for his family. His children are grateful for his loving guidance and will miss him dearly.

Steve is survived by his children: Deborah Leschuk, Karen (Rick) MacEachern and Marc (Allison) Leschuk and his grandsons Andrew and Quinn Leschuk. He is survived by his sister Rose Diteljan, brother Stan (Jean) Leschuk, in-laws Carrie Matweyw (Gary Tanner) and Fran Adderley, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Steve was predeceased by his beloved wife Anna, parents John and Annie Leschuk, brother Peter (& Sophie) Leschuk, sister Olga (& Bill) Fummerton, parents-in-law Dan and Jennie Matweyw, in-laws Josie (& Guy) Bremault, Chuck Adderley, Michael Diteljan, Sharyn Leschuk, nieces Diane Diteljan and Mary Ellen Adderley and cherished cousin Morris Leschuk.

Funeral Services for Steve will be held on Friday, March 21, 2025 at St. Agnes Church, 1019 Brown St, where the Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Fr. James Panikulam at 1:30 p.m. Visitation for family and friends will begin at 1:00 p.m. For those unable to attend in person, the Mass will be streamed live at www.harbourviewfuneral.ca where condolences may be offered as well. Interment will follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Cardiovascular Surgery Campaign at TBRHSC or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

"He worked with his hands and gave with his heart."