Parcourez la nécrologie de Stephen Joseph Steve Jarabak Friday October 27th 2023 résidant dans la province Ontario pour le détail des funérailles
STEVE JARABAK
It is with broken hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Steve (Stephen) Joseph Jarabak on Friday October 27, 2023, while at home, at the busy and active age of 81. Steve was one of six born February 4, 1942 in Fort William to Josephine and Kalmon Jarabak.
Steve attended St Peters School for the structured portion of his education and it was at the age of 15 (some say 14!), Steve decided school wasn’t for him. A little white lie was told and he began his working career in 1957 on the big lake boats. Quite the adventure for such a young boy and it was a time he very much enjoyed. From here Dad went on to work at Great Lakes Paper which required shift work. Dad didn’t like the rotation of days & nights with two young kiddos at home so in 1972 Steve acquired his welding ticket and went on to work the next 30 years as an Ironworker/Welder for Local 759. Steve made many lasting friendships and had the respect of all who worked alongside him for his work ethic, his loyalty to a crew and the experience he brought to every task sharing his knowledge with the guys.
Steve’s family came first and working gave him the ability to provide. Whether it was the newest clothing trends, a new hobby, hockey for Christopher or the interest of the month for Angela. We adventured on day trips to Sibley and Grand Portage, camping at Arrow Lake, Wednesday evenings at Riverview Raceways, trips to Hearst to visit family and much more. As children we never wanted for anything. We had what we needed and we felt loved, cared for, important and a priority. It set the tone right into adulthood. Nobody was a better cheerleader than Dad who was always in our corner.
In 1993 Dad embarked on his most favourite “job” that of Grandpa and he loved every minute spoiling his two Grandsons like crazy. Josh arrived in 1993 and Dad actually jumped at the chance to watch him at 6 mos as Angela finished her mat leave. In 1997 Zack arrived and he was another little person for Grandpa to spoil. Being 4 yrs apart each boy has their own special memories of one on one time. Dad had his own names for every park ie: the Marina was Big Lake Park and Vickers was Turtle park and he even had all three Safeway’s “Red, Green or Blue” as at the time they each had a different coloured storefront. Dad taught them Math through playing cribbage, spelling with Scrabble and people skills with shopping trips to Wal-Mart!
Steve retired in 2002 and his passion for fishing was ignited! Every Saturday you could find Steve out on Lac De Mille Lac at Sawmill Bay. He enjoyed making lures and testing them out, trolling with Rapalas and finding that new secret spot where the net stayed busy. But when a tough ‘ole Pike swallowed up his bait – those on the other side of the lake knew about it! I would ask Dad why Saturday? You’re retired. Go on a weekday it’s less busy but nope. Steve liked the busy he enjoyed the busy. After coming off the lake and cleaning his limit, Dad enjoyed going around the campsites and sipping a cold Molson Canadian chatting with all the people he knew. That’s why Saturdays were his favourite. He loved people. Loved kids. Loved chatting up strangers and making new friends. This is where he honed his teasing sense of humour that he showered on his kids, his kids’ friends, his siblings and their families, even his neighbours and his buddies. That smirk and sly look on his face was expertly crafted by many years of making people laugh and smile.
As adults we were happy to provide Dad with surprises and new experiences. Tickets to Charlie Pride or “Nearly Neil”, fishing to new lakes where he got to be the passenger and I think if I had to vote – his favourite would have been when he was told be ready, Noon, dress casual we’re going somewhere! Parking at the Da Vinci that was overflowing with people he had yet to figure things out. Within minutes we were escorted past the lines to the family party to meet the Stanley Cup as brought home by Robert Bortuzzo after beating out Boston for the 2019 title. Dad was in awe. He would have rather seen the cup in the hands of a Montreal Canadian player but – he was still quite giddy!
To remember Steve you need to include daily crossword puzzles and pencils sharpened with sharp knives, a crossword dictionary being held together with duct tape with many extra words scribbled in the margins, kitchen cupboards newly painted in Dads color of the month rotation which at the moment is a feisty baby blue, often by a new vehicle or boat in the driveway because why not, crisply manicured lawns and shrubs, yummy meals of pea soup, thick stews, chicken in every variety and roast beasts along with Steve’s creative concoctions such as split and fried wieners simmered in tomato soup served over white rice! The boys favourite! A huge void has already been felt and days have been difficult. But we feel some sense of comfort knowing he enjoyed a full life with wonderful people, great experiences and a long retirement all while feeling the love from everyone in his world. Dad was a special man a wonderful man who we were blessed to have had for 81 years. We know he’s at peace, he felt loved and cherished and lived life the way he wanted. Having a guardian Angel such as him – will be something special in its own. We love you Dad, we’ll miss you every single day and we thank you for being the best Father and Grandfather we could have ever hoped for.
Steve is survived by children Christopher (Holly) and Angela, Grandsons Joshua and Zachary (Lisa), siblings Millie McMillan, Aileen Kreczmer (Jerry Frennette), Davey (Rosie Laura) and Ricky (Laurie) and many nieces and nephews, friends and neighbours. Steve is predeceased by his parents and in January of this year, his cherished brother Llady ( Lutzy).
Dad did not like funerals or big gatherings. In trying to keep things as Dad would have wanted there will be no formal service. We will be having a Celebration of life next Summer with a date and location to be announced closer to. Dad would say buy the truck, buy the boat, retire as early as possible, and enjoy your family as much as you can. But remember- no money on hand – no boat no truck! Lessons one of his children continue to try to perfect! Dad, you were one of a kind. Be at peace and fly high – that’s so you can look down to see who needs Angel help the most – Chris or Angie!
Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpler Times Cremation Centre, 575 Central Avenue, Thunder Bay.
Friday October 27th 2023
Décès pour la Ville:Thunder Bay, Province: Ontario
avis deces Stephen Joseph Steve Jarabak Friday October 27th 2023
nécrologie Stephen Joseph Steve Jarabak Friday October 27th 2023
Nous offrons nos plus sincères condoléances à la famille et aux amis de Stephen Joseph Steve Jarabak Friday October 27th 2023 et espérons que leur mémoire pourra être une source de réconfort pendant cette période difficile. Vos pensées et vos mots aimables sont grandement appréciés.