Steven HOLBROOK

STEVEN HOLBROOK It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce, on October 17, 2023, Steven Joseph Holbrook, 60, of Ancaster, Ontario, passed away with his dedicated and loving family by his side after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend, Laura (Franceschini) Holbrook; and his adoring children, daughter, Georgia; and son, Hartman. Steven was a loving and dedicated son to Kathryn (Barbaro) Holbrook and Barclay Holbrook (2021); devoted brother to Barclay (Lilli) and Ronald (Colomba); and a very special brother-in-law to Sarah (Graham) Chrystman and Erika (Mark) Stipe. Steven was loved and admired by his nieces, Lauren (Tom), Carly (Adam) and Ava; nephew, Harry; and many cousins. Born in Ottawa, Steven moved to St. Catharine's at the age of twelve. He attended Denis Morris Catholic High School and went on to York University, completing an Honours Degree in Business. He worked side by side with his father and mother for many years in the construction and hospitality industry until his father's retirement. Ever the entrepreneur, he then branched out on his own, becoming the President of Hartman & Rose, a company that he started from the ground up. Founded in 2000, Hartman & Rose became known worldwide as a sophisticated lifestyle brand specializing in luxurious pet products. Always an animal lover, Steven was very fond of anything equestrian and passionate about all four of his pets. His favorite pastimes were walking his dog, Daisy, playing tennis, skiing and traveling. Steven was a fabulous baker and a gastronome of the highest degree. He was a wonderful chef and could create beautiful meals in record time. A southern boy at heart, Steven loved the warm weather, the beach and the ocean. His favourite places to travel were St. George Island in the Florida Panhandle and Sea Island in Georgia. Steven appreciated the elegance of estate homes, beautiful gardens, art, and fabulous automobiles. He had a natural flair for design. He was fastidious in all his endeavors. He spoke his mind, had a dry sense of humour, sharp wit, was always engaging and a best friend to many. We would like to thank the many people who were paramount in helping Steven move through this ever so challenging time in his life. To our wonderful friends and family, thank you for being there every day over the last 15 months. You lifted him up and never let him down. To the doctors and nurses at Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington, Hamilton Health Services, and the nurses at Bayshore, your dedication and expertise were nothing less than stellar. Special thanks to Dr. Barnfield in Oncology, Dr. Juma in Internal Medicine, Ildico Tettero, Nurse Practitioner, Dr. Eardley with the Palliative Care and Nursing Team, Dr. Kelvin Ng in Neurology, Dr. Eikelboom in Hematology and Dr. Mohamud in Cardiology, plus the plethora of others who cared so preciously for Steven in his time of need. In addition, we would like to thank the caring people at Carpenter Hospice in Burlington, where Steven and his family and friends were comforted in his last hours. A private service will be held on Wednesday, October 25, 2023. In lieu of flowers, memoriam donations made to either Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation, Hamilton Health Sciences, or the Canadian Cancer Society would be greatly appreciated by the family.