Stephan held true to his motto, “If you want to do something just do it.”
That motto propelled him to become an active member of the armed forces in 2005 after graduating from Medicine Hat College as a Power Engineer. He found that he wanted to do something and the army gave him that opportunity. Stephan began with the armed forces in grade 12 when he joined the reserves while attending school in Tsawwassen and became a member of the Jericho Beach Signal Corps. When he moved to Medicine Hat with his family he joined the South Alberta Light Horse Reserves.
Stephan’s desire to do was obvious in his hands-on nature and the activities he chose. He was involved in all sorts of sports, including snowboarding, boxing, soccer, football, hiking, running and lifting weights in the gym. He was serious about his sports but also enjoyed the social aspect of being part of a team. Stephan had a mischievous nature and was a constant joker.
Family and friends were important to Stephen. He hated writing but would call home from Afghanistan almost every week. He was dedicated, motivated and compassionate.
In May 2012, a Memorial walk was held in Stephan’s honour in Medicine Hat for Valour Place, raising over $29,000. Valour Place is a facility in Edmonton where injured soldiers and their families can stay while the soldier is receiving medical treatment and rehabilitation.
South Delta High School, Stephan’s alma mater in Tsawwassen, named a scholarship after him and retired his #42 Sun Devil’s Football jersey.
By Shari Narine
