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STEVEN BIGNELL Obituary

BIGNELL, STEVEN GEORGE It is with heavy hearts that we share that Steven (Steve) George Bignell passed away, July 2, surrounded by his family. Steve was loved by many and will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Joanne; children, Steven, Kara, Brandon and Alyssa; and many others who thought of him as father, grandfather, uncle and dear friend. Steve will be remembered for his quick wit, love for a good joke, great punch, his big heart, and most of all, his willingness to help all people he met. A celebration of life will be held at St. Philip's Lutheran Church, July 8, at 11 a.m.- 61 W Deane Park Dr., Etobicoke, ON – This will be a celebration and casual wear, Disney t-shirts, Goofy hats or Mickey ears are encouraged. Ties must be checked at the door. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to Hope Church Toronto West (https://hopechurchtw.ca/give/) or Dorothy Ley Hospice (https://dlhospice.org). 

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Toronto Star on Jul. 5, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for STEVEN BIGNELL

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31 Entries

June Brand

April 24, 2023

I met Steve in 1979 at shitoryu itosukai dojo on Six Points Rd. His little mini-me was only 2 yrs old then. Steve was my friend, dojo coach, karate mentor, and my landlord! A gentle man always, he never backed down from any challenge to what he believed was right and fair. Steve showed all through the time I knew him his total dedication to Joanne and all his family, his friends, his work, his teaching in the dojo. A man of integrity, loyalty, and honesty. Steve always "told it as it is". He made us laugh so often with his dry quick wit. Truly one of the world's "Good Ones". The world is a bit less now, without Steve in it. Joanne, you and Steve were always so kind and supportive towards me. I am more sorry than I can say at your loss. God Bless you and keep you in His care.
June Brand
(former resident at The West Mall apartment building with all Steve's family and dojo friends)

Dwight Snider

July 10, 2022

So sad to hear about Steve. So many memory's from the past. We live together for some time and went thru many growing up adventures. No one could walk on his hands as long!
Unfortunately unable to attend the service with other commitments. Missed sadly seeing Joanne and the Bignell family after all these years .

Dan Wheeler

July 8, 2022

Sarcasm and wit! A great dude with a big heart. The only man alive that convinced me Candians ruled the world. You will be missed friend. Condolences to the family!

Emily Ferrell

July 7, 2022

Steve & Joanne's house was a second home for many of us in the Toronto All-Star Big Band for many years. Steve was always, always ready with a joke or three, and was the guy who offered to drive us wherever we needed to go (while still managing to attend almost every big band show).

To Alyssa, Joanne, and family: Steve was well-loved by all and will be well-missed by many. Sending so much love.

Flo Nanteza

July 7, 2022

Thank you Steve for your friendship love and faithful service to me and my family. Your bear hugs for all the kids, kneeling to match their height, high fives, warm handshake, welcoming smile and precious time taken to stop and talk are priceless memories we shall hold dear and close to our hearts. Your legacy lives on in these and so much more. Missing you already and praising God that you are in his presence in peace. It was a true joy knowing you my friend, thank you.

David and Linda Prime

July 7, 2022

Our deepest condolences, Brandon, to you and your family. It is clear from all the memories raised that your father Steven had a life well lived, and was loved. It's a difficult time, but I hope your memories of your father bring you smiles in the future.

Lorraine Cramp

July 7, 2022

I am so sorry to hear of Steve's passing. He always had a smile and a joke. He always knew when you needed a hug and after he hugged you - life always seemed better after. I will miss him not being at church on Sundays. He will be looking down at all of us and praying for us to the Father. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time - he always bragged about all of you. I know you were truly loved.

Curt & Angie Roskelley

July 7, 2022

Joanne & family,
So sorry for your loss. Steve always had a smile and a great outlook on life. He will be missed! Our hearts and prayers are with you!

Joe Barrau

July 7, 2022

Steve was a life long friend, a dry wit, a joker, a friendly soul, a devoted Husband, Father Grandfather, Uncle and Son. You will be missed Steven but not forgotten. Your favorite saying: " I don't have hair on my chest because you can't grow hair on steel". Well said, Superman, well said.

Ed, Mary, Anna and Max Speck

July 7, 2022

The highlight of the walk around the block was running into Steven and Kiki, greeting us with boundless cheerfulness and yes, those bad-but-good dad jokes. Max continues to look for them as we pass by your house. We are thankful to have known Steven, and will miss him. Our thoughts are with you and your family Joanne.

Single Memorial Tree

Omar Chaudhry, Zareen Ali

Planted Trees

Lily Pottinger

July 6, 2022

Steven, walked with a cheerful confident that says I am a child of God. Always greeted us at the door with a big smile and God bless you.
He will be truly missed.

Cluster of 50 Memorial Trees

MLSE Ticketing & TOAR Team

Planted Trees

Celebration of Life Standing Spray

Your MDNA Family

Sent Flowers

Brian Reid

July 6, 2022

Steve was my sponsor in the MDNA and always went out of his way to make sure all questions were answered with his great smile and knowledge. We traded product from time to time and each transaction was more like fun than work. The industry and family will certainly miss Steve.

Gaye O´Neill (Banks)

July 6, 2022

Back in our school days, I was friends with Steve´s sister Diane and was at their place fairly often. Steve was always nice to me whenever I was over. I have fond memories of the Bignell´s. My condolences to all.

John Hyman

July 5, 2022

I am so very sorry. Such a nice person. He always loved promoting the Canadian Chapter and was such a pleasure at board meetings. Very cool guy.

Bob & Lillian Phillips

July 5, 2022

Our condolences to the family. We knew Steve back in the 70's when we joined Itosu-Kai Karate club that Steve was a part of. He was always there to encourage us and helped keep us motivated. We are still a part of the karate club to this day. Steve will be missed.

Andrew Stevens

July 5, 2022

Steve was a good friend and encouraged me every time we met or talked to always do my best. I will truly miss his smile, sense of humour and the ability to call him up and just talk together.

Kathy Dragert

July 5, 2022

Joanne and all the Bignell family my heart is with you. Steve will be missed, his smile, his stubborness, his ability to have fun are all a part of his humanity. Hold your memories close. hugs and kisses kathy

Edward Mazzetta

July 5, 2022

Steve was the ultimate nice guy. I'll miss his good humor and great personality. So sorry.

Joe Lundvick

July 5, 2022

Steve was truly a good dude - Always with a smile and something useful to share. He will be missed by all that knew him. Condolences to his family & many friends.

keith farquhar

July 5, 2022

oh gosh so young,l worked with Steve his brother and his father Bud back in the 70s and 80s at the Cloverdale Petro Stn.l knew then that Steven was going to be a great person to many in life so glad to hear from the comments he was well loved.RIP my friend

John Bouley

July 5, 2022

What a great & fun person. He did so much for MDNA. I will miss him.

Chris Walker

July 5, 2022

just a few one liner's he always used during our telephone conversations.....and I'm sure I'm not the only one...
"Chris, its Steve - did I wake you".........
"If I was any better, I'd be you"......
"buy high, sell low, make it up in volume"......
"Its ok, your not that bright anyway"......

I'm going to miss those phone calls....

My condolences

Nick Howard

July 5, 2022

Wonderful guy. Always the first to help and donate his time. Steve, I will miss you and remember your warm smile and quick wit.

Diane Bignell

July 5, 2022

He had an infectious smile, told bad dad jokes but you laugh just because of the way he told it. Was always there when you needed him, didn't matter what the time was willing to do anything to help you. His fight to stay with his family was truly extraordinary, he was simply the most genderist, loving, funny, compassionate person that I had the privilege to have in my family. We will always keep him in our hearts.

Terri and Don Bullock

July 5, 2022

The world loss a great man.

John Durack

July 5, 2022

My condolences to Joanne and family for your loss. I met Steve In 1981, he always was quick witted and had a wonderful sense of humour. I will miss him. My apologies for missing the celebration of life, I will be away at that time. Rest In Peace Steve and God Bless.

Lee Walker

July 5, 2022

So sorry to hear of Steve's passing. It has been a pleasure working with him over the many years.
A true gentleman!

Brigitte&Bob Emes

July 5, 2022

So very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family. Steve was a very special person.

Showing 1 - 31 of 31 results

Memorial Events
for STEVEN BIGNELL

Jul

8

Celebration of Life

11:00 a.m.

St. Philip's Lutheran Church

61 W Deane Park Dr., Etobicoke, ON