WRIGHT, Stephen Lee

So many were shocked and saddened at the unexpected passing of Stephen Lee Wright, at the Hamilton General Hospital on September 15, 2022 at the age of 68. We, the sisters Janet Ruth (and her Richard Smit) and Elaine Pamela, brother Daniel William (and his Lynne) and nieces and nephews Paul (Agi), Evan (Laurie), Rachel and Jamie, and their children, Daniel, Malena, Kaya Lily and Alexander, are first among those mourning the loss of a strong, quirky and much-loved man. Before him went our parents, Philip and Leah, our youngest brother Alan, and our husband/brother-in-law Peter Mason.

Throughout his life, Stephen marched to the beat of his own drum, which took him along many paths and a variety of careers. After a few wandering years, he returned to school and in 1997, completed an Honours Bachelor’s degree in anthropology at McMaster University. The last couple of decades he was mainly an actor, proud to appear in many films and television series, and we were always proud to spot him in one. He made many friends and kept in touch with most of them through all the years. He loved traditions, like family Christmas and Thanksgiving, an annual trip to the mountains of New Hampshire with his buddies, and opening and closing friends’ cottages every year.

Stephen needed to be active. If he wasn’t at the gym for his daily workout, or on a bike ride or a hike with friends, he was clearing out a storage room or garage, or mowing a lawn (his or a neighbour’s), or digging up hostas to bring as a gift. He loved to be in the midst of nature, for a weekend at a lakeside cottage, a boating trip, or a midnight hike on Christmas night. Waterfalls were a constant source of fascination and delight.

That activity kept him healthy throughout his life, but was not enough to keep him with us as long as he, and we, would have expected. During his short illness he was given the very best of care by the excellent medical staff at Hamilton General Hospital, who did everything in their power to keep him going until he could recover. It was not to be, but we are grateful for all their efforts, and their compassion and communication at all times.

All kinds of people loved Stephen, he was charming and affectionate to his women friends, playful with young children (his inner child was not far beneath the surface), a man’s man watching sports events with friends, and a charmer to older people. He was interested in everyone’s stories, which he respected and remembered and shared with us. He was especially interested in international experiences and in learning about the practices of daily life and celebrations in other cultures.

Travel to visit family, share time with friends and see interesting places greatly appealed to Stephen. He always had many plans and dreams, the latest of which was to sell his house and travel for a while. Sadly, that dream was cut short. Now only his spirit is free, to travel to all the places he dreamt about. He will not be forgotten, but remembered in many corners of this country for the way he touched so many people.

Resting at Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Funeral Home, Hart Chapel, 1099 Gordon St, Guelph, where cremation has taken place. A celebration of Stephen’s life will be announced at a later date.

Donations to The Heart and Stroke Foundation or Hamilton General Hospital would be greatly appreciated by the family. Donations can be made by cash or cheque at the funeral home or by following the link below. Condolences can be left online at www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com