Sheila Steele Obituary
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65 Entries
Simon R
November 6, 2018
Well Sheila it's finally here. Twenty Four years, or there abouts, after I first met you people can finally have a joint in peace and even grow a few plants if they want. You had so many causes and this is only one, but it's another off the list.
I wish you were here to see it.
December 9, 2012
Sheila and her compassion will sorely be missed in this world. Sheila was in touch with "wrongfully convicted" Kevin MacKinnon and she gave him hope by including him on her website. God Bless and rest in peace.
iris wigle-cutforth
January 13, 2012
I didn't know that there were two Sheila Steele. Your Sheila spoke out about Stephan C and the other Sheila spoke out about Steven Truscott, her cousin and friend. Life is so strange, isn't it. Now one of them is dead...so sad.
Angela Joyce
July 31, 2007
Tonight Court TV aired a show called "Innocence". A man by the name of Stephan Cowan was wrongly convicted of shooting a Boston, MA police officer. He spent seven years behind bars for a crime that was proved he did not commit. To me this man, his Dear Mother that passed away while he was locked up, and his family that endured the ordeal and stands by him, are heros to be admired.
By Googleing his name, I found out about Sheila. Now she is one of my heros too. She has touched my life without my even having had the benefit of meeting her. How refreshing to witness the good things that come from troubled times, thanks to people like Sheila Rose Steele. A Guardian Angel for us all.
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Rivkah Kazor
July 15, 2007
I never met her, but she must have been a real good woman who worked tirelessly for Justice. May she rest in peace.
Daniel Johnson
July 3, 2007
I was first told about injusticebusters when I volunteered to make the website for NORML Saskathewan, it was the first link I was told to put on the links page. As an activist, I've found the Injusticebusters site to be an invaluable tool, and Sheila Steele has been an inspiration. She stepped up to help anyone who needed it, facing off against a government and legal system that is completely out of the public's control. I never got to meet her in person, I wish I had. I've turned to Injusticebusters for news I can't get anywhere else for about 10 years. I hope someone keeps it going.
Laura Jones
January 27, 2007
I would like to say thank you to all the friends of injusticebusters.com and Flickr who registered tributes to Sheila Steele online. She was my first daughter and an only child for five years. As the eldest she was heir to all mistakes that new parents make. We fought our way through her troubled teens as Sheila challenged one platitude after another.
So went her life. In the 1990's injusticebusters was born out of the injustices inflicted on Richard Klassen and family. We would all like to believe that our legal system is interested only in the dissemination of justice. Not so. It must be held accountable. Am I right in thinking injusticebusters did at times straighten the crooked road?
My witty, intelligent, brash and compassionate daughter is gone and I'm very grateful for the 63 plus years that she was my friend and mentor. She would have felt so gratified at knowing how many hearts she reached because often she felt very much alone.
Jes Gillis
January 15, 2007
I am honestly, speachless. I just recieved the news of Madam Steele's passing. I am greatly honored to have known Sheila for she was an extremely intelligent and beautiful person. From the time I knew her and was around her she was nothing but admirable and helpful. I have never met a woman with more knowledge, more compassion, or more capabilities. I still remember the time when I was about 15 yrs old and I no place to go I went to Sheila's place which I think was the Capri at the time and she welcomed me with open arms. I enjoyed knowing her and will always admire her life and her work. My thoughts and prayers are always with Sheila and her family.
Helen Caddes
January 7, 2007
There are few words which could convey the generosity and brilliance Sheila Steele emparted to the world with her mere presence. May her legacy inspire future activists, her dreams of justice propel others to her actions, and her family and friends be blessed with wonderful memories.
Stephen Foreman
January 6, 2007
I really didn't know Sheila that well, but I do know that pioneer work such as what she did takes a lot of guts and effort, especially in this society where there are so many people who don't get the justice they deserve. My heartfelt condolences to all Sheila's family. Her spirit will live on as we move forward.
Michelle Ravell
January 5, 2007
The world has lost a tireless chapion for the cause of injustice. I am saddened by the news that she is gone. Her light was strong and bright and I shall miss her very much. She gave me hope at a time when there was none, and strength many times when I lost my own.
May her family and friends know how much she meant to so many, and may they be comforted by the fact that her life touched so many others.
Her legacy, the Injusticebusters website, will live on as a shining example of her wit, humor, intellect and drive.
To her family, thank you for sharing her wonderful energy with us.
Connie O'Byrne
December 14, 2006
Until yesterday, December 13th, 2006, I only vaguely knew about Injustice Busters and Sheila Steele. Then not one, but two people told me about this organization and Shiela's work. I am an "applicant" on an action now in the Supreme Court of Canada that names about 40 of the whose-who of Saskatchewan as "respondents". I also am the sole "plaintiff" on a Federal Court of Canada action that names among others, former Commissioner Zaccardelle and former Minister of Justice Irwin Cotler as "defendants". I wish someone had told me sooner (or maybe impressed upon me more effectively) what each of you who want to still carry on her work are all about. I don't feel so alone anymore fighting for what is right... by using, and hopefully making, the very laws that are suppose to protect us actually "work the way they are meant to work". I would very much appreciate, if someone has the time, some moral support.
Velma Powers
December 12, 2006
We have lost a great warrior. Our most sincere condolences to Kevin and family. I discovered Sheila through the Injustice Busters website while we were going through the worst nightmare of our lives. Information from the site helped us a great deal. She will be missed.
shannon weinberger
December 11, 2006
I am so sorry to hear of Sheila's passing.
Shannon, Lloydminster Sk.
David Ambrose
December 3, 2006
Like everyone else, I was shocked and saddened by the news of Sheila’s passing and at a loss for words to even convey what I felt. I never met Sheila in person either but had got to know her through her web-site. She was not only my greatest source of inspiration and strength, but she also collected and provided me the evidence that I required for my own personal dilemma. I watched over the years as she stood up for everyone else who couldn’t and tackled the most difficult and dangerous problems facing this country all on her own. She did more to expose the corruption that we all face than any other person or organization in the entire country. I am only now realizing what she has done for us all. She should be receiving the order of Canada. I didn’t know it at the time but we were all her pupils, she was teaching us by example how to stand on our own two feet. I never got to thank her. What she started will live on through the next generation. Job well done Sheila, rest in peace.
Andrea Hlewka, B.A., B.Ed.
December 2, 2006
I am deeply sorry for your family's loss. Sheila will be greatly missed. Sheila.....thank you for your presence and contibutions for all mankind.
Molly McQuarrie
December 2, 2006
I was also deeply shocked to hear from Nadia Greschuk that Sheila had died. She died on my birthday and it's funny because for the last few weeks I have often thought about Sheila and the experiences we had together. Sheila was there when I spoke out at the Abortion Conference in Regina. She was there when we worked so hard for the Women's Centre in Saskatoon. Sheila was always the voice of reality and justice in our group. Her enthusiasm for life and wonder at so many things was so infectious. She turned me on to the music of - oh damn I can't remember the name. I DO remember the surprize I felt at being dragged out of my pompous adherance to only classical music was worth listening to. Her appreciation and knowledge of the history of Rock and Roll opened me to a whole new listening experience. It was her example that led me to enlarge my horizons on so many issues.
Diane
November 29, 2006
I only knew Sheila through her work and comments on flickr.com. She was a special light on this earth and will be missed. My sincere condolences to her family and friends. She will be missed.
Brenda Sharpe
November 28, 2006
My deepest condolences to Kevin and family.
Carol-Lynn Strachan
November 25, 2006
I can only wounder what it would have been like to meet you.You have became a very strong voice for people like myself who at one time in there life were lost little souls.
Your strong voice and your big heart will be missed.But I do know you still walk among us and your words will never be lost.
We will all do or best to walk in your path and keep up the fight you have done for us for many years.
THANK YOU for fighting for us, we will never forget.
To her family and friends,You were the most blessed people in the world to have her in your life.
Wayne and Holly
November 24, 2006
Dear Kevin, Marlon and family,
We are saddened to learn of your mother's passing, your in our thoughts. She was a inspiration for many of us, her work and dedication will never be forgotten.
Warm regards,
Wayne and Holly
David Stanley
November 24, 2006
I was deeply shocked and saddened when visiting the site from lands afar, to find a voice the world so desperately needs had passed away.
Someone who cares about humanity cares about everyone, and Sheila Steele, will be sorely missed.
Hazel Main
November 24, 2006
I've just learned (late) of the terrible news of Ms. Sheila Steele's passing. My condolences to her family and loved ones.
Her death is a huge loss to all Canadians, her memory an inspiration for the world.
I have never met Sheila personaly, but have been deeply touched by her website injustice busters, and will always remember her with admiration.
amy hamilton
November 24, 2006
I knew Sheila many years ago when we studied Honours English together in Prof Marken's class. She was an interesting person to talk to and had a strong interest in a feminist approach to literature. I'll shall miss her. Amy
Mary Lou Jones
November 24, 2006
Sheila Jones Steele Memorial Fund. I am one of Sheila's sisters. Since many people have shown an interest in donating in the memory of Sheila, I will be opening a credit union account for this purpose. We expect that any monies collected will be used to help continue Sheila's work with Injusticebusters.com. Donations can be sent to me at:
Sheila Jones Steele Memorial Fund
c/o Mary Lou Jones
334 Ave M North
Saskatoon, SK S7L 2S5
Jonathan Martin
November 22, 2006
Like many people, I'm sure, I only knew Sheila through the community of people on flickr.com. But through this contact, and through close friends who knew her personally, I certainly felt closer than just that. My condolences to Sheila's family and all whose lives are now that much emptier with her gone.
Amanda Graham
November 19, 2006
I only knew Sheila online at Flickr. After her first comment on one of my images, I checked out her web site and found there evidence of an admirable and generous person. I am truly saddened by her passing. My heartfelt condolences to her family and friends.
Daniel Laprès
November 18, 2006
I am very saddened to learn that Sheila left us so suddenly. I admire her courage, sincerity and sense of justice and of human dignity. My deep condoleances and friendship go to her loved ones and to all those whose rights she fought for. The fight shall continue.
Derek Blackadder
November 18, 2006
I never met her in person, only online, but I knew and admired her work and I will miss her. My condolences to her family and friends.
Patti Gower
November 17, 2006
Kevin - we are so sorry for your loss. Just know that we are thinking of you at this time and wish you peace.
Fred and Patti
David Groff
November 17, 2006
Marlon and Kevin, and to others in your family I've never met, I am so sorry for your loss.
Kirsten Larson
November 16, 2006
It with with deepest sympathy to hear of your calling. My prayers are added to Sheila's family, friends, and colleagues. You have been an inspiration to many, a hope of light to my cousin Wilfred, and a blessing to heaven.
Abdulahi Mahamad
November 16, 2006
I came to know Sheila through her website.After meeting her in person, in 2003, she became a mantor for my journey to justice. Perhaps, even more importantly, she was solance for me in troubling times as a result of an arogant, and recalcitrant people who have been placed in position of trust. I know, Sheila was helping others who have received the wrong attention from unchecked authority.
Certaily, the world has lost a hero for injustice on November 11. May Sheila rest in Peace.
Abdulahi Mahamad
Edmonton
Cathy Harron
November 16, 2006
My deepest sympathy to Sheila's family & friends. The loss of a loved one is always hard to bear. I never personally knew Sheila, but was very connected to her through Injustice Busters and all the time and endless hours she and others have spent on my nephew( Patrick Fischer's) wrongful conviction.
In our world only the strong stand up to injustice as it is a tiresome journey. Sheila fought that battle hard and it is through her example that I know others will continue. Sheila will be missed.
Jenny
November 16, 2006
I am so very sorry that Sheila is gone. I already miss her endless generosity and kindness in the Flickr community.
Gordon
November 16, 2006
...and from the council of angels in "heaven", a collective shudder.
My memories of Sheila, mostly, come through the stories Kevin told me over the years; but her infrequent visits to Toronto were always special, even if just to see Kev light up more brightly for a few days. Of course, I'll always remember the purple hair and the advice she gave me about smoking.
I was so extremely happy that Flickr had closed the gap on this distant friendship with a great friends mother; I'm terribly saddened that we've lost her presence here. That said, I'm certain her voice will not go silent...
My heart and hugs go out to Kevin and Marlin and the rest of her family friends in Saskatoon and beyond; And although this is such a sad sad thing... I feel very lucky and I am very happy to have known Sheila Steele.
...I think we can all be certain, she's already picked up a new project; it'll be a better place when we get there.
Tim Hiltz
November 16, 2006
Dearest Sheila. While I worked in my garden the other day your presence came to me strongly and powerfully. I now know it was at that moment you passed from this plane. I am sad knowing I will not see you again in this physical realm, but I am happy knowing you are part of me because of all you taught me. Like your mother Laura, you influenced my life profoundly. You taught me to be proud and to follow my heart as a gay man into a world that was not so welcoming. My life could have taken so many other unhealthy paths if it wasn't for people like you who gave me unconditional acceptance and love. You taught me to speak out and to challenge the status quo. Today I am married to a wonderful man and we are accepted in our community as just another couple. In no small part the world owes this to people like you who worked so tirelessly to advance the rights of women and gay people through the sixties and onward. So sweet friend, up and away, like the dew of the morning as you soar from this earth to a home in the sun, please steal away gently and lovingly, knowing you'll be remembered and loved for all you have done.
Wilfred Hathway
November 16, 2006
Sheila,
On December 4th I will enter the Court room once again knowing that you personally are responsible for giving me hope. Your work, your long and tireless hours on the internet, your sleepless nights and all the conversations you had with me regarding my case will eventually be displayed for all to see. I am afraid to do this without you Sheila, for I never imagined for a moment that you wouldn’t be here to see this to the end. So for that reason alone, I will always keep you close to my heart and we will see it to the end together.
Wilfred Hathway
Lisa Gallant
November 16, 2006
Although I haven't spoken to Sheila in years, my thoughts have always been with her. I know that her heart will always go on in each one of us. Sheila's energy has brought forth my desire and will to continue with the fight for what is just! Her spirit exists in each one of us, she will never be forgotten. Love Lisa, Emma and family.
Ullrich Fischer
November 16, 2006
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of an old friend. My condolences to Sheila's family. She was one of the good guys and will be missed.
Linda Fischer
November 16, 2006
To Sheila
Your Injustice Busters site made my bizzar world seem more bearable after my sons wrongful conviction. It gave me hope and eventually someone to call at those times I just needed to talk. You always had the time to talk, and your bravery gave me the confidence to start my own campaign against Mr. Big. You always had words of wisdom and your compassion was never ending. I learned so many insights from you that I will carry forward in my life. We will win against Mr. Big, and your support will never have been in vain. I feel like I lost a great mentor and friend. How much greater your loss must be for your family and close friends. May God be there for them and help them go on with you guiding them for the rest of their days. You deserve a medal!!!!
I will miss you so much.
To Sheila's Family
My prayers are with you, and thank you so much for setting up this guest book. Sheila would be so proud of you. Carry on the good work. If you ever need anything, please don't be hesitant to let me know.
Thomas Brown
November 16, 2006
My condolences to the family of our dear friend Sheila Steele. While her departure undoubtedly leaves a huge void in your lives, I hope you can find solace in knowing that she had a tremendous impact on the lives of countless individuals such as myself.
There is no question in my mind that Sheila is now reaping her “just” rewards for the compassion she extended to us all.
Heidi Rose
November 15, 2006
There is a striking black and white portrait photograph of my mother, Maria Fischer, in the prime of her life, having a characteristic smoke, deep in thought, looking like a classic beauty. My mother was in her late 40s or early 50s when Sheila captured her on film.
My mother, who is now well into her 80s, has often spoken fondly of Sheila and the times they spent working together on projects to advance women’s rights, and to decry the injustices of the profit-driven system. She will be deeply saddened that young Sheila has departed before her.
I remember Sheila as a young mother with toddler in tow attending political meetings in the late 1960s. That sort of thing stood out. It was an unexpected sight. Didn’t quite fit with the image that if you had babies, you had no other life. As a young woman at the time, it impressed me. Today we take that sort of thing totally for granted, not in small measure because of the perseverance of women like Sheila, who led by example.
Tim Vilbrunt
November 15, 2006
I admired Sheila's work on her website which she co-published with Richard Klassen. As a former resident of Saskatoon, I was dismayed by the extent of prosecutorial and investigative misconduct which they found themselves struggling with. While I personally support vigorously the efforts of those responsible for enforcing society's laws, I also firmly believe that the authority with which they act requires that they be held to a higher level of accountability and public scrutiny. I applaud both Sheila's and Richards courage in the struggle against an Orwellian adversary; the very government and law enforcement agencies charged to "serve and protect" all of us. Sheila's passing is a loss to us all.
Wayne Tkatchuk
November 15, 2006
I heard about Sheila's passing one hour after it happened, I sat there stunned. It was because of the injusticebusters site that I met Sheila , and she helped me out when I needed help and introduced me to Richard Klassen and Angie Geworsky, for that I will be forever grateful. We need more people like her and her opionions to make this world a better place.I sat in many court room's where she was very disgusted in the injustices she saw, and put them on her site, She helped keep the courts inline. She will greatly be missed.
Mario deSantis
November 15, 2006
Sheila has had always a big heart and she was always there to help and listen to anybody's social nightmares, and she did listen to my own ones. I have been most grateful for the inspiration I have received from Sheila, an inspiration to continue to do good in life in spite of the system. I have been a routine visitor to her website and I periodically referred her courageous and feeling work to my sons James and Eric. I will always remember her advice to Eric to become a good writer: "be fearless." Thank you Sheila
Monica Jones
November 15, 2006
I am one of Sheila's four sisters, also a photographer. We are devastated by the hole left in our lives. Please contact me if you wish. I would love to hear from you. Monica Jones
Rick Klassen
November 15, 2006
Dear Sheila
I woke up on Sunday morning with tears in my eyes; I knew right then and there, how empty I was. Sheila you left us, you left me at a time when I needed you most, Yet deep down I also know that you are right beside me, guiding me with all your good advice. I shall now have to rely on all that you have taught me over the years, my God, there is so much. You taught me to be me, the real me not someone others wanted me to be. You taught me that there was more to life then just my own problems, you taught me to care about others, but most importantly Sheila, you taught me to write my thoughts and ideas on paper. You have inspired me to write our book, and that is just what I am going to continue to do.
I will take you with me throughout the rest of my journey in life, I will keep you close to me, as I know everyone else who was blessed to have gotten to know the real you will. Sheila, you forgave me when I needed forgiveness, you always had it in your heart to forgive and to truly forget when I just wouldn’t listen.
There is so much I wanted to do with you yet; there is so much I want to talk to you about. I used to be able to just call you up and always count on you being there for me. I am now faced with going it without you there to encourage me, to slap me up-side the head when I needed it, or to just allow me to vent. I will now rely solely on my own memory of what you have taught me, and carry on. With you beside me I will strive to accomplish the goals that we set out to accomplish.
The empty feeling I have will subside over time, but the loss of you will always affect me.
I love you Sheila…
Your friend Rick.
Jill
November 15, 2006
I too only knew Sheila from Flickr, but had come to eagerly anticipate her next posting and her next kind comment. May she live on in the hearts of those who had come to know her.
Lin Sonner
November 15, 2006
Rest in peace, my friend.
Nanette Moffatt
November 14, 2006
My deepest sympathy to Sheila's family as well as her friends. She will be missed dearly by all who knew her and what she stood for.
Lorraine Holowachuk
November 14, 2006
My condolences to Sheila's family.
I did not know her well, but
appreciated her efforts to make this world a better place. I know
she will be missed.
Bernard McCarthy
November 14, 2006
Those who bloom in the hearts of others, never fade away...
May you find comfort & strength in your memories...
Dietmar Fritze
November 14, 2006
Though far away in Germany, I am sad too; at first I learned to adore Sheila's sensible contact to cats; her last photographies showed her cats too; I hope her work will stay online, so that we all have the chance to remember her freshly.
Nadia Greschuk
November 14, 2006
My deepest sympathy to Sheila's family, especially to Laura. My first memory of Sheila was this young feminist film maker returning to Saskatoon from meetings down East. Who wouldn't be impressed by the strength and creative energy of this prairie Tiger lily.
Amy (Urbantreader)
November 14, 2006
My sincerest condolences to Sheila's family. I've never felt such a loss from someone I've never met; but I felt like I knew her through her photographs and comments. What wonderful contributions she made to so many. A philosopher said, "One should not leave this world without trying to transform it." Sheila was a transformer.
Donna Jones
November 14, 2006
Sheila was a great lady and will be remembered by all those that knew her and followed her work. My deepest sympathy and condolences to her family.
Alice Grebanier
November 14, 2006
Sincere condolences from another one of Sheila's flickr friends. I enjoyed our on-line interactions and will miss her greatly. Her pictures of her neighborhood, the children there and her cats going about their lives, all showed her to have a warm, caring eye. Her concern for justice shone through.
Mare
November 14, 2006
My deepest sympathy to Sheila's family and friends. Even though I've only known Sheila a short while on line, I will miss her. I always looked forward to her links and her witty comments.
Tracey & Mike
November 14, 2006
My prayers go out to your family dear Sheila...The fight will go on dont you worry
Richard/Angie
November 14, 2006
Sheila, you will never be forgotten as you have left your mark on this world. Your fight will be carried on through others.
Murilo Romeiro
November 14, 2006
My very deep condolences to Sheila's family and friends.
I am sure the fight against injustices will be reinforced by her memory.
Penni Moler
November 14, 2006
I only knew Sheila through her grand participation in the flickr.com group Free Association. Her photographs always brought smiles. She was a virtual neighbor and will be missed.
Nancy Waldman
November 14, 2006
My deepest condolences. I knew Sheila through her photographs and generous comments on flickr.com. She had become a friend and I feel stunned by her sudden departure. She will be greatly missed in this online community.
Lee
November 14, 2006
We shall mis her in spirit and deed.
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