On June 30, 2022, Stephen James LaBelle died peacefully in Chesterville, Ontario of ALS. He was 46 years old.
Steve is survived by his children James and Thomas (children of Laurie MacMillan), his parents Dora and Tony, his sisters Karen (Christopher), Lisa (John), his brother Mike (Shari) and his nieces and nephew. He is predeceased by his father Ralph.
Steve was born on August 14, 1975, in Montreal, Quebec.
Steve was active and was always in search of understanding why and how things worked the way they did. He loved golfing, hockey, biking, travelling, exploring new things, and spending time with friends and family. He loved being a father to James and Thomas and was passionate about teaching them new things. They were his greatest love and the hardest thing for him to leave behind.
He had a distinguished military career with the Canadian Armed Forces since 1993 until he could no longer stand his post. Throughout that time, he had the opportunity to travel to various places across the world and was dedicated to his work, leading others, and keeping our country safe.
A memorial service for Steve is scheduled for Tuesday July 12, 2022, at Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa, ON. Friends and family are invited to arrive at 12pm where a memorial service will take place at 1pm followed by a burial ceremony and a reception from 2:30-4:30 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to ALS Canada, in memory of Steve. http://support.alsevents.ca/stephenlabelle
Digital Guestbook
Tony
Nick Korbel
Shocking news. Steve embodied youth, energy and professionalism, a model to follow. Grateful that our paths crossed and that Steve got to make his mark.
Fair winds and following seas PO.
Derek and Anna Best
Laurie, Tony and Dora and family. It is with great sadness that we have learned of Steve's passing. Our heartfelt sympathies at this most difficult time.
CPO1 Craig Calvert (Ret'd) and Evelyn Surrey
We are so very sorry to learn of Steve's passing. We met Steve only briefly but as one sailor to another, I recognized a proud and confident shipmate that I would like to have known better. Our deepest sympathy to all of Steve's family and friends.
Jean-Charles Marseille
Stephen was a great man and an amazing soldier. May he rest in peace.
Zach Charlton
My sincere condolences to Laurie, Dora, Tony and family and to Steve's boys James and Thomas. I will remember Steve for his unfailing frienship, integrity and the many adventures he led us on. My sympathies and prayers are with his family. I will miss you my friend
Veejay Leswal
James and Thomas. We have never met. And in fact it has been over 20 years since I last saw your father. I met your Dad in basic training in 1993. Due to alphabetical order he was in the bunks next to mine. Your dad was amazing. He always had a smile even on the hardest days during basic. I have thought of him often over the years and recently through another person who was at basic found out the news. I am sorry for your loss. I have pictures of your Dad from that time please feel free to contact me and I will digitize them and share if you want.
Rick Stoyles
LaBelle Family.
I've crossed paths with Stephen a few times in my career in the CF. It is with sadness I just learned of this news today.
My heart goes out to the LaBelle family. Stephen will be remembered well among his former CF 291'er buddies.
God Speed.
Lara Evans
I had the absolute privilege of working with Steve whilst he was serving in HMCS Winnipeg. He was extremely funny and we often joked about how Aussies and Canadians were definitely cut from the same cloth
A couple of years later, I was honoured to meet Laurie during their time in Lincoln and through the occasional long-distance e-mail shared their joy of bringing James and Thomas into their life
My sincere condolences to Laurie and the boys
Fair winds and following seas, Mate
Henry
I just heard about Steve's passing. I'm so sorry to his family and his loved ones he's left behind. Steve was the first friend I've ever had since grade 2. I've been meaning to reach out to him for years and I know I'll be regretting this the rest of my life.
Heartfelt condolences to family and friends.
Steve, the world is a better place for having had you in it, and I am a better me for having been part of your world.