We Remember

STEVEN, Thomas

December 1, 1929 — November 30, 2025

Thomas Steven passed away in peace and comfort on November 30, 2025, one day shy of his 96th birthday. Tom was pre-deceased by his loving wife Camie (d. September 2023) and his oldest son Mark (September 2009). He will be fondly and deeply missed by his surviving son Grant, daughter-in-law Andrea and Mark’s widow, Joanne Green. Tom also has the legacy of five grandchildren, Tristan, Kyle, Tamsyn, Sidney, and Mitchell as well as his great-granddaughter Pia all of whom he adored, loved deeply, and was very proud of.

Born to John and Agnes Steven in Sandwich East, Ontario on December 1, 1929, Tom was the oldest of two children (brother Harry). At a very early age, the family moved to Trail, BC, where Tom was raised and then began his career as a printer at the Trail Daily Times. It is also where he met, and later married, Camie on August 11, 1955.

After the wedding, they relocated to Victoria, BC, where Tom worked as a printer at the Victoria Free Press during the night and went to the University of Victoria during the day — pursuing a degree in economics. In 1965, they again relocated back to Trail and raised their boys.  Tom began a 30-year career with Cominco in the Human Resource field. Afterward, they moved to Calgary, AB, and eventually they settled in Kelowna, BC, where they enjoyed over 30 years of retirement life.

Tom was physically active for most of his life. He played hockey as a younger man and enjoyed skiing and golfing for many years. He was always proud of his first (and only) hole-in-one in July 2008 at the Harvest Golf Club — one week after his son Grant’s first hole-in-one at the same course.

An avid gardener of many kinds of flowers and vegetables, Tom spent many, many hours nurturing plants and soil as he worked his green thumb craft. He was also a committed book reader and crossword puzzle enthusiast. Tom was a very social person — always stopping for a chat and sharing a laugh with everyone. Tom also picked up oil painting later in life that shows his true artistic talents. He really enjoyed how the process built a scenic story, and his specialty seemed to be painting mountain scenes.

Tom and Camie enjoyed travelling afar. Their many trips included Australia; New Zealand; Fiji; Bali; Europe; Mexico; and the USA – California and Maui (a favourite). While both were very organized, accomplished travellers, Camie always wondered why Tom had them at the airport four hours before departure!

Tom lived a long and rewarding life, shaped by his work, his family, and simple & daily adventures. He showed his love through presence, patience, and pride in those around him. His stories and routines will continue to echo through our lives.

Tom’s passing has left a hole in our hearts. We will soften the sadness and grief through the blessing of his memories and by remembering his smile and laugh. We will miss him forever, and we will love him forever.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to all the staff and caregivers at Hawthorne Park and Orchard Manor, whose genuine compassion and dedication brought comfort to him in his final weeks.

At Tom’s request, there will not be a formal service. However, the family will have a private memorial to honour him in the summer of 2026.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

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