Hello, I'm Brittney, Stephan's oldest daughter.

Stephan was a wonderful person inside and out. The kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He leaves behind his loving wife, Katrina, his three daughters, myself, Brianne, and Brook, his sons-in-law, and six grandchildren.

At 28, when most are still figuring out their lives, Dad was already settling down. He started dating my mom in 1998, she had me (6) and my sister, Brianne (3). He took us in and raised us as his own. Two years later, they welcomed their youngest daughter, Brook, and our family was complete.

We had a couple of good years of health before everything changed. In 2002, at the age of 31, Dad became gravely ill and needed a heart transplant to survive. He had to travel from Sault Ste. Marie to Toronto for his treatment, leaving behind Mom and us three girls. It was heartbreaking for her to be torn between home and the hospital, but after many months, including many close calls with death in between, Dad was blessed with a donor heart that gave him 23 more precious years.

Life after the transplant wasn't easy. Mom stayed home to take care of us and Dad, who was often in and out of the hospital. Even when he returned to work part-time, his health remained fragile. He faced water retention, constant infections, and frequent check-ups in Toronto. Later, he was diagnosed with kidney cancer, and in 2020 underwent surgery to remove 75% of his affected kidney.

Over the past year, his health had declined further. He frequently had pneumonia, bleeding, fluid around his heart and lungs, and the beginnings of kidney failure. On October 19th, he tripped and broke his hip, which landed him in the hospital for what would be his final hospital stay. He made it through surgery, but his body was tired. On November 8th, doctors told us he had days left. On November 9th, surrounded by love, he peacefully took his final breath.

We are forever grateful for the extra years his transplant gave us. Dad saw us graduate and welcomed four new grandbabies. He finally married Mom in August of last year. He gave us weekends of camping, bonfires, walks, and fishing, all while pushing through pain most people couldn't imagine.

Dad truly gave us the best life he could.

He was also the sole financial provider, always ensuring Mom was cared for. Mom lives with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Muscular Atrophy, and nerve issues, which makes working very difficult. She has spent 23 years caring for Dad through every health battle, the transplant, long-term disability, the cancer, the endless hospital stays, and now she faces life without him, emotionally and financially.

We're doing everything we can to help, but Mom will need time to adjust and get back on her feet. We're asking for any support to help with bills and living expenses as she navigates through this difficult transition.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your kindness, prayers, and generosity. Every little bit helps. ❤️

"We love you at midnight.❤️"