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10 months 1 week
Submitted by sarney@beechwo… on Thu, 07/10/2025 - 10:46:AM

Steve was born July 7, 1937 in New Waterford, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. After completing Grade 12, he joined the RCAF in 1955. After serving his three year hitch, he decided to return to school enrolling in Xavier Junior College in Sydney, NS. After two years, and short of funds, Steve tried his hand at working in the coal mine (what else) going to classes on the weekends. After a year of doing hard labour (not at Dorchester), Steve attended St. Francis Xavier University (the Big X) in Antigonish, NS where he completed his B.Comm, rejoining the RCAF in 1963. Steve spent the next 23 years serving on various military bases throughout Canada and the US and was forced into service retirement in Ottawa as a Squadron Leader at the ripe age of 48. He stayed in Ottawa working at National Defence Headquarters (NDHQ), finally ending his career as the Acting Director of Finance in the Personnel Branch in 1996.

Steve’s extra-curricular activities included: Chairperson of the Queenswood Heights Community Association (1978-1980); Bookkeeper, Treasurer, Service Officer, and eventually President and Life Member of the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 632 – Orleans); a member of the Rockliffe Rovers Club in 1988 for a short stint until he switched to the Orleans Volkssport Club as Treasurer and then President, followed by the Ottawa Voyageurs Walkling Club as Treasurer and Life Member; and, devoted and lifelong member of the Friends of Petrie Island. He always enjoyed curling, walking (he put a few 1,000 miles on his feet over the years!), gardening, swimming, and bowling with his grandson James.

Steve was predeceased by: his parents, Donald John MacPhee of New Waterford and Agnes Learmonth Clarke of Scotland, and his siblings, Flora MacPhee, John Patrick MacPhee, Jean Flemming, and Viola Troke.

He is survived by: his wife Dolores (Dolly) Duquette; his daughters Danielle MacPhee and Renée MacPhee; his grandson James MacPhee; his stepson Mark Laforge (Mia); his siblings Teresa (Joseph Lee), Frances Smith, and Margaret Hornung; many nieces and nephews; and his best pal, Tom Toffoli (“Mr. T”).

Thank you to the Community Paramedics of the Ottawa Paramedic Service (OPS) for their unfailing compassionate care and support.

Cremation has taken place, and his ashes will be laid to rest at Beechwood Cemetery. Visitation will take place on July 18, 2025 beginning at 10:45am St. Joseph’s Catholic Church (2757 St. Joseph Blvd, Orleans) followed by mass at 11:30am. A celebration of life will be held on the same day from 1-4pm at the Royal Canadian Legion - Branch 632 (800 Taylor Creek, Orleans). 

Donations in memory of Steve can be made to:

Friends of Petrie Island: https://www.petrieisland.org/donations

Movember: https://ca.movember.com/support-us/donate

Or a charity of one's choice.

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Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 07/12/2025 - 12:34:AM

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Denise & Michel Jacob

Dolly & family, our deepest sympathy, our thoughts & prayers are wit you at this difficult time

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 07/12/2025 - 06:38:AM

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Rosemary Ricciardelli

Renee, sending much love to you and yours. I am so sorry for you having to experience this loss. I hope all can cherish every memory.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 07/12/2025 - 08:00:AM

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Kate and Craig Kurtz

Dear Renee
We are so sorry for your loss, and our condolences to your family.
I have many fond memories of your Dad, especially when we were teenagers and getting ready to go out for the night.
He loved you dearly. I know his memory will live on through you, Danielle and James.
Love,
Kate, Craig, Stefanie, Erika and Alison

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 07/13/2025 - 02:38:PM

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Tom & Yvonne Toffoli

Sorry for the loss of great friend. We had a lot of laughs and great times.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 07/16/2025 - 08:21:AM

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Sally Heath

So very sorry for the loss of your father, who sounds like he led a very full and rewarding life.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 07/16/2025 - 04:49:PM

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Wilson, Cynthia, Jason & Christopher Ford

Dolly, Danielle & Renëe,

Our deepest sympathy in the passing of your husband and father.
We both bought our houses in 1978 and were fortunate enough to have Steve as our neighbour for 34 years. There was never a hesitation if we needed to call on each other for anything.
We still kept in touch over the years as we moved away.
Steve will always be remembered.

Wilson, Cynthia, Jason & Christopher.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 07/19/2025 - 10:40:AM

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Dawn Stacey

Danielle, sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family,

Dawn

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