Steve George Kowbel
December 26th, 2019
Steve George Kowbel, late of Regina, SK passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 26, 2019 at the age of 82 years after a long hard-fought battle with cancer. He will be immensely missed by all his family and friends. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Marguerite; his children Kerry (Bev), Deb, Chris (Dave), Darren, Lori (Rocky) and Brian (Stacey); grandchildren Colin, Jessica, Sean, Kyle, Nick and Jayden; sisters Jeanne Shipman (predeceased by Bill) and Adele Tremblay (Ray); in-laws Bertha Boutin (predeceased by Ross), Roger Petit (predeceased by Beth) and Joyce Hawes (Dennis); and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Steve was predeceased by his parents Nick and Rose Kowbel; siblings Helen Fedorchuck (Joe), Albert Kowbel, Mary Tirk (survived by Joe) and Verna Wasylenko (Bernie); and in-laws Cyrille and Denise Petit, Ray Petit and Bernie Petit.
Steve was born in Humboldt, SK on November 17, 1937. Steve’s passion had always been farming. He farmed with his dad as a young boy until he moved to British Columbia at 17 years old, where he worked in a sawmill in Port Alberni. He returned to Saskatchewan in 1958, choosing Regina as his home. He worked for Curly's garage and service station and continued to help with the family farm for several years.
Steve met the love of his life, Marguerite, in 1962 and they were married on July 27, 1963. In 1966, Steve bought the family farm in Lanigan, SK. By 1967, he had three young children and decided to start his own service station business to provide for his young family. He partnered with a friend and bought the Arcola Esso.
Steve worked hard to provide for his wife and 6 children, farming and running service stations for the next 25 years. In 1970, Steve bought his own franchise, Crosstown Esso. He then sold the family farm in Lanigan to purchase the farm in the area of Estlin, SK in 1984.
After retirement, Steve enjoyed travelling. He and Marguerite enjoyed travels to Panama, Hawaii, Greece, a European river cruise, Africa, Palm Springs, Arizona, New York, Las Vegas and other American cities. In 2013 they did a road trip from Regina to Labrador. Much time was also spent visiting family and friends across Canada and the USA.
Steve was kind, honest, and never quick to anger, and he loved his family and friends deeply. He taught through example, and he treated everyone fairly. He was witty with a dry sense of humour and except for the sly smile that would follow you might have taken him seriously. Even at the times he would be in hospital, he would fire off his one-liners to the staff. He was a strong, courageous man and never complained about his illness, remaining positive until the end.
Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, January 2, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Martin de Porres Roman Catholic Church, 4720 Castle Road, Regina, SK. Private family interment in Riverside Memorial Park, Regina, SK. The family would like to thank Dr. Chalchal and the Allan Blair Cancer Centre, along with the nurses and staff of Pasqua Hospital Unit 3B for the care they provided Steve. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan, 200 – 4545 Parliament Avenue, Regina, SK S4W 0G3, or a charity of your choice.Messages:
Dear Auntie Marg and family, we are so very sorry to hear about Uncle Steve's passing. Our hearts go out to all who knew and loved him, he leaves a big void because of the wonderful man he was. My favorite memories as a child involve our boisterous family get togethers! Uncle Steve was always so kind and generous and oh so smily! What a true "gentleman" he was. May your hearts find peace in this sad time and may Uncle Steve rest im peace until we all meet again. I know mom was there (with everyone else) welcoming him with open arms. Much love and many hugs xoxo
Dear Auntie Margerite and family, Sincere condolences from us and Paul, Robb and Nic and their families on the loss of my favourite Uncle and a truly wonderful man. May his love continue to shine through you. Joe and Judy Fransoo
We are so sorry to hear the loss of your father Deb. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Doug, Judy, Colin, Shaun, Carly and Amanda
Marguerite & Family It is with a very heavy heart that I write this. Steve was one of the kindest most genuine persons I have ever met. You were such a great couple - a pleasure to be around. It is at times like these that the miles between us are so great. I want to be there with you. You are all in my thoughts & prayers. Take Care, Love, Georgia
Lori and Rocky and family - I am so sorry for your loss of your dad. He sounded like a great dad. He is at peace now and has no more pain and that is what is most important. I pray the many great memories will fill you with love and happiness. Jackie Hubick
Our deepest sympathy Lori and Rocky on the loss of your Dad, Lori.Thinking about you. Howard and Rosemary
Our deepest condolences to the whole family. We will remember Uncle Steve as a kind person who was always ready to lend a helping hand and who cared deeply about his family. His courage and strength these past years has been truly remarkable. He will be missed very much.
Dear Chris, Dave, Nick and Jayden; David and I wish you peace and strength during this difficult time. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. He is in a better place! Let us know if we can take care of Ginger for you. Love, Sharon and David.
Chris, Dave and all your family... please know we are thinking about all of you...our deepest sympathy for your great loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Love and hugs.
Our deepest condolences Marguerite and family! We are so sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. He was such a kind sole and always there to lend a hand. You could always count on him to have a smile on his face, have a story to tell you about the farm or be outside tending to the yard. We are so blessed to have you as our neighbours! Please reach out if you need anything. It only takes a moment to put the coffee on or to grab a beverage for the deck (when it’s warmer). Sending lots of love and hugs!
Dear Marguerite, my sincere sympathy and condolences to you and your family in the loss of Steve. Though our paths did not cross often, I'll always treasure the times I did get to enjoy yours and Steve's company. I still smile thinking of Steve telling his tales with a twinkle in his eye at your kitchen table on your farm during a visit long ago. What a kind sweet soul we were blessed to have in our family. God bless you and your children at this sad time. I'm certain Steve is watching over you all. Much love, Marcella