In Memoriam
Stephen Joseph Gallant

Stephen Gallant died on October 17, 2012, after a graceful battle with cancer. His acceptance of what he could not change, his love of life and for all he held dear, and his will to live remain an inspiration and give us courage.

Family and friends were by Stephen’s side for the last six weeks of his life – ensuring that he always had someone with him at all times – 24 hours a day. This scheduling of time became a part of our family and friends’ daily lives and we were all together with him when he left this world. We are so grateful to everyone who was by our side on this sad journey.

A sincere and heartfelt thank you:

To our family, extended family members, friends, neighbours, co-workers for your kindness, generosity, time, love and support during and after Stephen’s illness. We thank all who baked food, sent cards and notes, called, came to visit, sent flowers, and gift cards, made donations, offered masses, held us in your prayers and for ALL gestures of kindness and sympathy shown to our family. There are too many to single out.

To all those involved in Stephen’s benefit on September 7, 2012 - the amazing organizing committee members, the Sherwood-Parkdale Lions Club, the great bands, the management and staff of the Civic Centre, the Howes family and Global Convention Services, to all who contributed items to the silent auction, for all who volunteered their time leading up to, during and after the benefit. We would like to thank all our friends, Stephen’s co-workers and my colleagues at Veterans Affairs Canada for their assistance and support.

Our gratitude also extends to Dr. MacKinnon, Dr. MacLean, all the special people who work at the PEI Cancer Treatment Centre, Drs. Pan and Champion, the staff at the QEH, Dr. Campbell for replacing Stephen’s hip, to Dr. Macfarlane and Dr. Christie at the QEH II Health Sciences Centre in Halifax, the Home Care nurses, Peter and Katherine with Music Therapy and to Drs. Miller and Lecours and all the special people who work and volunteer at Palliative Care.

We want to thank Fr. Eric Dunn for his many visits and special prayers and for the final tribute that he gave Stephen at his funeral. A special thank you to Fay Doucette and her staff at the Belvedere Funeral Home who treated our family with such care. Our thanks to Zubair Siddigi and the staff of the Delta who hosted a reception following Stephen’s funeral. We will always remember all our family and friends who travelled from across the country, the United States and Bermuda to attend Stephen’s funeral.

To our families – my Mom and Dad, Paula and Darrell and Stephen’s Mom, Kay, and his brother Andy and sister-in-law, Joy; sister Gail and brother-in-law Buddy; brother Jeff and sister-in-law Debbie and all our nephews and nieces and aunts and uncles and cousins– we could not get by without your love and support.

To all our friends, in particular, Gary and Leanne Devine, Inge Dorsey and Rob Kelley (who navigated the medical system for us and helped ease our fears and face our reality in his gentle and loving way); Barb and Andy Smith, Kim Lyons, Bev McIsaac, Todd Sutcliffe, Glen and Kim Matheson. No better circle of friends could there be. And for my Tuesdays with Bonnie. We all still feel the pain of Stephen’s loss.

To Aidan and Annick’s close friends, their parents, classmates, teachers and administrators – your support and friendship has meant so much during this sad time and they are stronger for it.

Missed, remembered and always loved by:
Patsy, Aidan and Annick

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