Kevin Leslie Steele passed away suddenly on Saturday, December 17th, 2022, at the age of 61. His last moments were spent surrounded by his loving family and friends.
Kevin was born in Windsor, ON on November 1, 1961, to father Andrew “Bud” Steele and mother Mary Margaret Steele. At the age of 18 he joined the Canadian Army and attended the Royal Military College of Canada, in Kingston, where he received a degree in Economics and Commerce.
Upon graduation from Royal Military College in 1984 he was posted to Vancouver, BC, the start point for a 19-year posting history that alternated between the West Coast and Canadian Forces Base Petawawa, Ontario. During this period, he served in a variety of finance, combat service support positions, and was deployed on overseas missions in Central Africa and Bosnia. In 2003, NDHQ finally brought him to the Ottawa region where he enjoyed a number of rewarding positions, and a third deployment to Afghanistan in 2008. LCol Kevin Steele retired from the Canadian Armed Forces on February 4, 2019 after 38 years of loyal and dedicated service.
His many military recognitions were the defining hallmark of Kevin’s professional life. However, his personal legacy is his deep love and his dedication to his family and close friends. Kevin was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving spouse Carole Joanne Joanette; brother Robert Andrew Steele; daughters Sarah Elizabeth Steele (Michael Adlington) and Hannah Marie Steele; stepdaughters Emilie Chanelle Williams (Tyler Williams) and Stephanie Gabrielle Joanette; and grand-children Ava Margaret MacLarty, Alivia Grace MacLarty, Maverick Steele Adlington and Evan William Adlington.
Kevin could be described as someone with a lust for life and a passion for learning. He was incredibly proud of his daughters and enjoyed playing with his grandchildren and watching them grow. In his down time, he loved to ride the open roads on his motorcycle, spend summer nights sharing meals and laughs with family and friends, and tinker around with tools in the garage on weekends. Kevin was a fixer of many things and had a natural ability to understand and overcome any obstacles put before him whether it was repairing an engine, building a deck or renovating his house. His incredible intelligence, witty sense of humour, and limitless generosity will be sorely missed but never forgotten.
Family and friends are invited to a Visitation at Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa), on Thursday, December 29, 2022, from 5 pm to 7 pm, and on Friday, December 30, 2022, from 9 am until the time of Service 10 am, followed by reception. For those who wish to make a donation in Kevin's memory, you may do so to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Digital Guestbook
Roger Reeves
Barbara & Randy Wiseman
Our deepest condolences to Carole, Emilie, Stephanie, all of the family and all of their friends. We knew Kevin for too short of a time but enjoyed each time we were together. He was taken to young and yet still he had such a rich and full life. You and your smile will be missed Kevin.
Dr. Lynn Perreault
We share this deep heartbreak with Carole, Stéphanie & Émilie, and with the Steele family. There are no words that can cover you all in the warmth you need, nor any amount of love that can release you from your grief.
And so we are walking (sitting, running, stumbling, tripping) right alongside you in your journey.
We've got you les belles, on est vraiment là pour vous aider à traverser la peine et les mémoires ?
Sincères sympathies xxoo
Sarah McDougall
I am saddened to hear about the passing of Kevin. Kevin and I worked together at DND many years ago when he was a civilian and working in the ADM(IM) group. Kevin and I problem solved together and he always looked to do the right thing and achieve cost savings. He was easy to approach and was a caring person. He spoke so highly of his wife and totally adored his children. My days in the office were brighter because of him and I feel fortunate to have worked alongside him. Sending my sincere condolences to his family. May your memories of Kevin bring you comfort in the coming days.
Andy and Lorrie Hopf
Sending our love and deepest condolences to the whole family as you grieve this incredible loss. Kevin was a wonderful gentleman.
Francine et Marc deLaplante
Chère Carole et famille,
Nous avons appris la nouvelle du décès de votre mari avec beaucoup de tristesse. Il va beaucoup vous manquer. Je sais que vous formiez un couple heureux et aimé de tous. Que son âme repose en paix. Sincères condoléances.
Sharon Ring
Stephanie and family, our deepest condolences during this time of sorrow. Sharon, Patrick and Caitlin R. xo
Michel Gagne
My condolences to Kevin’s family and close friends. This tragic loss must be quite a shock.
Anne Harper
Sending sincere condolences
Kim & Duane Hayes
Our deepest condolences to all of you. May your memories of Kevin bring some peace during this difficult time.
My most sincere condolances to you and your family. Kevin was my first year roommate at Roads and helped me through one of the most difficult years of my life. He was great bud und will be dealy missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.