Steve Martin Chobrda lived a joyful life filled with love, devotion, friendship, and adventure. He was the most joyful, positive person imaginable. Steve frequently told his family and friends that « if he were to die tomorrow…he would have no regrets ». He was a thankful man, thankful for every single day even the days filled with struggle, challenge, and grief. During the most difficult times, the most painful times, Steve never lost hope or courage or joy.
And, it is with great sadness, that we his family, announce his passing.
Steve is survived by his cherished wife of 51 years Martha (Burton) with whom he raised their three precious children: daughter Mandy and her husband Steve Johnson, son Jeremy Chobrda and girlfriend Stacie Mills and son Theron Jay Chobrda, deceased. Steve was further blessed with four exceptional grandchildren, Jessica Johnson, Seth Chobrda, Adam Johnson, and Sarah Johnson all of whom he treasu red and enjoyed.
Steve was born in Harrow Ontario on December 2, 1950, to John and Anna Chobrda (both deceased). He was the youngest of six children. John Chobrda (deceased), Anne Chobrda King (deceased) Jerry Chobrda, Martha Chobrda Sinclair, and Kathy Chobrda Scarpelli.
As a young man Steve’s passions included cars, building, and flying remote control airplanes, model trains and HOCKEY! These passions proved to be lifelong. Steve celebrated friendships that spanned decades with Larry and Carol Makish, Bill and Jennifer Freeman, (cousins) Joe and Susan Gibson, Pio Santilli, Tim Hill and many, many others along life’s way.
Throughout Steve and Martha’s 51 years of marriage travel became their true binding passion. They visited Venezuela, Costa Rica, Panama, Jamaica, The Dominican Republic, Cuba, the Bahamas, and Mexico logging over forty-five trips South. They loved the people, the adventures the beaches and the oceans! They experienced snorkeling, horseback riding, parasailing, zip lining, pyramid exploration and other ancient ruins, walked in wonder over the hanging bridges in the Doud forest beneath Mount Arenal in Costa Rica, and sailed along breathtaking coastlines in catamarans! But most of all, they loved walking along endless warm beaches together.
Volunteerism was also important to Steve. Manning the Salvation Army Kettle was a highlight of the Christmas season for him. He was so disappointed when COVID prevented the in-person kettle drive. He loved coaching hockey and soccer and coached hockey well before his own children arrived. Steve helped with the preparation of Church dinners and greeted everyone with sincere warmth and a handshake or better yet, a hug. His passion for cooking grew following his retirement and he often took samples of his soups and chili to the coffee shop to share with his friends.
Hard work was ingrained in Steve, a habit learned, no doubt, as a child in the apple orchard. He worked faithfully from the time he was a small boy straight through to retirement at 65 without complaint or regret but with sincere appreciation.
Before celebrating his first year of retirement he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Within six months of that Martha was diagnosed with Thyroid cancer. Difficult times, require great courage and thankfully Steve had enough to carry all of us through the toughest of times including the tragic and sudden death of beloved son, Theron Jay.
Steve lived a life well spent full of passion. A life where hard work and unshakeable love were embraced. A life built on faith in a loving God and eternal lire through Christ Jesus our Saviour.
No regrets… Steve’s was such a life. A cherished husband, a father, a papa and a friend! A man enjoyed; a man loved from beginning to end.
A memorial visitation will be held at Kendrick Funeral Home, Kingsville on Friday, November 26, 2021, from 2 -4 and 6-8 p.m.
Steve will be laid to rest in the spring, along with his son Theron, in the Iler Cemetery and both will be joining generations of ancestors there.
Heartfelt appreciation to all the doctors and staff at the Windsor Cancer Centre who skillfully and carefully cared for Steve over the past six years.
If you wish, memorial donations would be appreciated to the Windsor Es County Cancer Centre Foundation, 2220 Kildare Rd., Windsor, ON N8W 2X3.
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November 20 2021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Steve Chobrda – Kingsville Celebration Centre November 20 2021..
Décès pour la Ville:Kingsville, Province: Ontario