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
Melanie Fisher
Aunt Donna, cousins Dan, Lori, Mike & families
We are all saddened by the passing of our cousin Kevin. Even though we didn’t see him very often, he will be remembered as a sweet, funny person. Our deepest condolences to his family.
Lorne Zens
It is with great sadness and surprise that I learned of Kevin's passing. A true professional, Kevin committed his life to the service of the Army. His only greater love was his cherished family. His smile was infectious, as was his laughter. My deepest and most sincere condolences to his family. May his memory be as strong as his commitment to life was. Rest in peace my friend.
The Walls Family
Our deepest sympathies Carole to you and your family on your loss of Kevin. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Rosanne McNamee (née Lavallée)
I wish I knew the perfect thing to say to make it all better dear cousin, but those words don’t exist, nothing about this is fair or easy,it just hurts. Perdre une personne aussi importante est déchirant. Que ta banque de mémoires joyeuses adoucisse tes moments de tristesses.
Sincères condoléances.
Deepest Sympathies.
Rosanne, Brent & Cédric
Maureen Kearns
I am so sorry for your loss.
Randy and Debbie Buhrow
Our deepest condolences to Carol, Sarah, Hannah and to Bob. Although we could not be there in person, we are thinking of you all at this time. As a cousin of Kevin's, I remember the family gatherings and visits to our house in our younger days. I have nothing but great memories of Kevin! He will be missed!
Pat Dale
Our heartfelt condolences for Carole and family. An incredible
loss indeed. Kevin will be missed forever for everyone who knew him. Pat & Paul Dale
The Sagriff Family
So very sorry to hear of Kevin’s passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
I always used to run into Kevin at work and he always took the time to chat and exchange updates on Ava and Alivia. He was very proud of his grandaughters.
Lauren Suchit
Deepest sympathies to the family, you will live on through great memories and remembered stories and adventures (like taking Flat Stanley to Afghanistan)
My sincerest condolences. Kevin will be missed. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have worked with him over the last few years - he was very knowledgeable and I admired his dedication to his work and to us (his clients). My thoughts are with you.