David Stephen

David Stephen obituary

David Stephen

David Stephen Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from May 7 to May 10, 2013.
David Stephen birth: August 25th, 1943 / death: May 3rd, 2013 David Stephen, 69, of Montreal, died Friday, May 3rd at the Montreal Neurological Institute. Struggling with ALS since 2008, he was admitted on Wednesday for abdominal pains, but after an unexpected seizure and other complications, the situation escalated. On Friday, in complete lucidity, and with the support of his wife and son, David requested to be taken off of life support and died peacefully in his sleep thanks to morphine and sedative.

Born on August 25th, 1943 in Hong Kong, David was the proud founder of the Anode Science Association and graduated from St Paul's College in 1961. He then left Hong Kong for Montreal to study at Sir George Williams University where he completed a BSc in 1965 (and BCom later). He continued at the University of Massachusetts, where he completed an MSc and PhD in Physics in 1967 and 1970. Following this he returned to Montreal, where he taught Physics at Vanier College and met his wife Luisa Ong-Stephen, a "great lady", in his own words. He continued at Vanier until his retirement at age 54.

David had fond memories of the Boy Scouts and was a tinkerer all his life, finding novel solutions to everyday problems. He always enjoyed a tasty meal, from roast duck to late-night donuts. Despite the ALS, he was able to enjoy a good quality of life, listening to music, watching TV shows and movies, and playing the stock market on his computer.

David and the family wanted to thank Patricia Francisco for her patience and excellent care in David's last 3 months of life, the staff at Constance Lethbridge wheelchair and technical aid services, CLSC Metro home care team, the doctors, nurses, and staff at the Royal Victoria Resuscitation Centre, MNI intensive care unit and ALS clinic, and friends and family for their constant support.

David is survived by his wife Luisa Ong-Stephen and son Vincent Stephen-Ong.

At David's request there will be neither funeral nor wake however we encourage those who knew him to spend a few minutes to think and reflect upon memorable times you shared with David.

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

Sign David Stephen's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

May 12, 2013

Ken Wong posted to the memorial.

May 12, 2013

Gordon Aizer posted to the memorial.

May 9, 2013

David Daniel posted to the memorial.

9 Entries

Ken Wong

May 12, 2013

I together with classmates of the class of 61 at St.Paul's College will miss David's cheerfulness and his zest for life. He, more than anyone else kept us, old classmates together by creating the Yahoogroup and maintain it through the years even during his illness. We all owe him for being able to stay in contact and sometimes be able to renew old friendship. He made all our lives richer. Louisa and Vincent, do take some comfort in knowing that there are another sixty some odd classmates who share a bit of your grieve.

Gordon Aizer

May 12, 2013

I was very sorry to read about the death of David Stephen in the newspaper I have good memories of David He was my first physics teacher at Vanier He helped me I want to offer my sincere condolences to his wife and family Gordon Aizer Vanier class of seventy two

David Daniel

May 9, 2013

Heartfelt condolences to the family.

Brenda Pinsky

May 9, 2013

May I offer you my profound sympathy.

May 9, 2013

Dear Luisa
I am deeply sorry to hear that David has passed away. Please accept my condolences. He was a great person and a strong asset to the Vanier College community.
Sincerely

Martin Byers

Miriam Cooper

May 7, 2013

Dear Luisa, In the hallway at Vanier College, I remember David, full of enthusiasm as he showed his students a physics demonstration. After retirement, David faced his increasing disability with dignity and fortitude. He was lucky to have you at his side. You and Vincent have my deepest sympathy as you face this great loss, Mimi

Dave Smith

May 7, 2013

Dear Luisa and Vincent,
Sharleen and I offer our deepest sympathies. I enjoyed working with David.
He was the best!

surinder mahajan

May 7, 2013

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Hode Erdogan

May 7, 2013

Dear Luisa and Vincent, we would like to express our deepest sympathies to both of you, our thoughts are with you. The picture of David that you have chosen have chosen clearly brings back his memories of a kind, energetic person with a beautiful shining smile.

Annie and Hode

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Sign David Stephen's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

May 12, 2013

Ken Wong posted to the memorial.

May 12, 2013

Gordon Aizer posted to the memorial.

May 9, 2013

David Daniel posted to the memorial.