John Erik STEFFENSEN
John Erik STEFFENSEN
Obituary
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John STEFFENSEN Obituary
December 12, 1948 – June 30, 2015
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of our beloved son, husband, brother, father and grandfather, John Steffensen on June 30, 2015 at the age of 66 years. John will be deeply missed by his wife of 44 years, Shelley Steffensen (Baxter); daughters, Dana Steffensen (Jamie Henderson) and Jaime MacKenzie (Scott); mother Ulla Steffensen; sister, Jo- Anne Steffensen; grandchildren, Sydney, Samuel and Matthew; nephew Todd; beloved dog MacLeod; and numerous other family members both in Canada and abroad in Denmark. He was predeceased by his father Vern.
Born in 1948 in Aarhus, Denmark, John immigrated with his family to Winnipeg, Manitoba in the early 1950s where he was raised and studied business at the University of Manitoba. He began an illustrious career as a Management Consultant, and married Shelley in 1970 – welcoming daughter Dana that same year. In 1976 following the birth of second daughter Jaime, the family moved to Edmonton and John worked to become a highly sought after and well respected consultant, first with Hickling Johnston, then as a Directing Partner of Western Management Consultants.
John was larger than life and throughout his career he made many friends who grew to love him dearly.
John loved to golf and spend time at the Derrick Club with his friends. He was also very involved in the community, coaching both fastball and basketball teams for over 20 years. He also loved reading and spending time with Shelley and his family. He was a guiding light for many, a mentor and a coach – he will be sorely missed by all.
A private prayer service will be held in Edmonton on July 6, followed by a family service at Twin Lakes Beach in Manitoba. A celebration of John's life will be held at a later date.
The family would like to thank the caring staff of unit 5F2 at the University of Alberta Hospital, and the family and friends that have supported them during John's illness.
"Don't forget to remember me, and the love that used to be, I will remember you, I love you. In my heart lies a memory to tell the stars above, don't forget to remember me my love." -Barry Gibb
To send condolences, please visit: www.connelly-mckinley.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
17 Entries
Dana Steffensen
September 2, 2015
Anyone who is interested in coming to the Celebration of life please contact Dana @ 7802220805 or Jaime @ 4036129937. Thank you everyone for your messages of condolence
September 1, 2015
Hi Jaime, please send the information about the celebration of life to my work email [email protected] I will ensure it gets circulated to his former colleagues on the MacEwan Board of Governors.
Lorne Seaman
August 16, 2015
Can it p[possibly be 30 years that I worked with John at HJL, the William Mercer. The memory is still fresh. I greatly enjoyed working with John. He fostered a culture of camaraderie and professionalism I will not forget.
Dianne and Bryce Johnson
July 14, 2015
Bryce and I were shocked and deeply saddened to learn of John's passing. We send our love and prayers to your family.
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Dave & Maureen Kulak
July 9, 2015
Our condolences to Shelly,Dana,Jamie,and family members for your loss of a wonderful human being "John". John was dear friend to us, and he will dearly missed.
July 9, 2015
Shelley, Jaime, Dana
Shelley,
I was so fortunate to know John as an outstanding member of the Board of Governors at Grant MacEwan Community College while I served as president. Much of the success of the college can be attributed to board members like John.
John's effervescent personality always made Board meetings interesting, fun and productive. His insight and creative ideas as to how the Edmonton community could benefit most from the College made his presence invaluable.
I also fondly recall memorable Board parties that really didn't get going until you and John arrived.
Our kind thoughts and hearts go out to you and the Steffensen family.
Gerry Kelly
President Emeritus,
Royal Roads University
Bert Giles
July 4, 2015
Shelley
I was shocked to read about John. I always had a great amount of respect for him and enjoyed his company. He was an honest and honorable man who I was glad to call a friend.
Please know that Susan and I are holding you and your family in our thoughts.
Bert and Susan Giles
Garry Bolton
July 4, 2015
Shelley and family, I was shocked and so saddened when Sig called me the other night. I am so fortunate and proud to call John a friend, going all the way back to Grade 12 at Vincent Massey. We had many great times playing golf together in Florida, if only I could drive the ball as far! The big guy will be very much missed. Garry.
Jude De Almeida-Beaudry
July 4, 2015
So saddened by the passing of our longtime Edmonton office WMC company partner, management consultant extraordinaire and great Dane, John Steffensen. Will miss big burly John with his warm smile, engaging eyes and booming laugh. Kindest heart, always so considerate & caring. Introduced us to shots of Akvavit & other fun Danish traditions. Warm memories of many company BBQs at his home. RIP Steffi. Skaal!
Hanna McCrae
July 4, 2015
Dear Shelley, Dana and Jaime - I'm so sad to hear of John's passing; what a terrible loss. My deepest condolences to you and your extended families. He will be missed. Sincerely, Hanna McCrae
Terry and Nancy Parkin
July 3, 2015
We are so sorry for your loss, we wish we were closer to give more support during this time.
Margo Baptista
July 3, 2015
Shelley, Dana and Jaime. On behalf of the Board of Governors of MacEwan University (and me, personally) sincerest condolences on John's passing. I have shared the obituary with John's former Board colleagues and you will likely be hearing directly from them. John left a significant mark on this institution from his time on the Board. He will be remembered for his genuine affection for people and his commitment to fostering the concepts of community college education. John was on the Board when I began my career at MacEwan and he was instrumental in the direction my career has taken in terms of governance. I am very grateful to him. So very sorry for your loss, sincerely, Margo Baptista.
Marc Tremblay
July 3, 2015
I'm saddened by this terrible news.
John was one of the very first people to hire me in a business role (as a Summer student), then he supported me in one of my first entrepreneurial ventures, by buying one of my water filters for the Western Management office (lol), and then he introduced me to the Calgary WMC crew.
He was my mentor in my early career and he likely had more of an impact on my career then he ever knew. I'm blessed to have known him. What a terrible loss.
My thoughts are with you and your family, Shelley. May you find the strength and courage to go through this difficult time.
Perry Dorgan
July 3, 2015
I am terribly saddened by the Steffensen extended family's loss. John was a true friend to all of us that worked with him. He made his and all of our work so much fun. There will never be a truer heart.
Tannis Niziol
July 3, 2015
Shelley, I'm so sorry to read of John's passing in this morning's newspaper. I know you will miss him terribly! I always admired the deep love and respect you had for each other. It was a wonderful example for all who knew you as a couple. I always enjoyed conversations with John. He was intelligent, wise, and attentive, and he could always be counted on for a great debate on controversial topics! Ken and I send you, Dana and Jaime our deepest sympathies. Your cousin, Tannis
John Crouse
July 3, 2015
Our deepest sympathies to the entire Steffensen family at this time of deepest loss. John was a giant of a man and touched many lives. He will be fondly remembered by all those who worked with him and played with him.
July 3, 2015
Shelley, Dana, and Jaime, My sincere sympathy. Gone too soon. Love Peggy Ross
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