We Remember

BUGERA, Steven

December 3, 1926 — May 27, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Steven Bugera. Steven passed away peacefully at the age of 98, with family at his side.

Steve’s journey in life began on December, 3, 1926, Shortdale, Manitoba. Born to  the late Henry and Fiona, Steve was the fourth of seven children. He left school early at a young age to earn a living: Farming, logging, and cutting wood by hand.

He was married in 1954, and he and his bride resided in Victoria, BC. Steve left Victoria for Kitimat, BC, to work at the Aluminum Company of Canada Ltd. From there it was back to Yorkton, SK for farming. This is where, with correspondence by mail, Steve built the first black and white TV for the family. It was the only one in the area.

In 1959, Steve moved the family to Grenfell, SK, and (with his brother Bill) built and opened a MacLeod’s store. Steve also did in-home repairing of T.V.’s and installing tower antennas on people’s homes. Steve and Bill sold the MacLeod’s in 1971. Steve was also working for Massey-Harris Farm Manufacturer Company in Yorkton until 1971.

In 1972, Steve purchased his first hotel in Elkhorn, MB, and years later his second hotel in Birtle, MB. In 1978, he sold these hotels and then purchased the Hotel Georgia in Regina, SK. While on vacation in Kelowna in 1978, Steve saw better opportunities here. In 1979, the Hotel Georgia was sold and the CocoClub / Saddle Room Nightclub was purchased. In 1980, the Nightclub was sold and Steve purchased the Zodiac Pub in 1983, where he happily worked until his retirement in 1997.

In his younger years, Steve was an avid softball player, playing for the Collins Lake team in Saskatchewan. They won their championship, for which the team was recognized for in 2000. They attended the reunion, where the team was inducted into the Indian Head Hall of Fame Museum. When the children were young, there were many trips to the provincial parks for camping and fishing.

In his later years, Steve loved watching his sports on TV. Steve took great pride in his garden and would spend many long hours tending to it.

Steve was predeceased by his parents and was the last of his siblings. Sadly, he was also predeceased by his son Lawrence (d. 1987) and daughter Susan (d. 2011).

Steve is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Rose; four sons; one daughter; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

A small gathering of friends and family will be held on Thursday, June 5, at 9:30 am, at LAKEVIEW MEMORIAL GARDEN CEMETERY, 850 Dry Valley Road, Kelowna, BC.

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

Service
Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 9:30 am

Location
LAKEVIEW MEMORIAL GARDENS CEMETERY

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