Geoffrey Leonard Steele
April 9, 1933 to July 22, 2024
Obituary
Geoffrey Leonard Steele passed away at St. Patrick’s Mercy Home on July 22, 2024,
at the age of 91 years. He was predeceased by his son, Watson, his father, Victor, his mother, Sybil, and his lifelong friend, Bill Marshall.
From graduating Dalhousie Law School (1958) until his retirement (2002), Geoffrey was respected by his peers, first as a lawyer, then as a judge. He was first appointed Judge of the District Court (1975) and Chief Judge of the District Court (1977); he was then appointed to the Trial Division of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador (1982) and the Court of Appeal (1989). He practiced law and meted out justice as he lived: quietly, gently, and with compassion. Geoffrey contributed to his profession through involvement with such bodies as the Judicial Council of the Provincial Court of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Canadian Bar Association, the Legal Aid Commission, the Newfoundland Labour Board, and the National Council of the Administration of Justice in Canada. He also presided over several public commissions on behalf of the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Geoffrey also engaged in athletic and community endeavours. He was inducted into the Newfoundland and Labrador Athletics Association Hall of Fame as a builder; founding president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Amateur Sports Federation; Honorary Life Member of the St. John’s Regatta Committee; member of the Pippy Park Commission; Boy Scouts of Canada supporter, and Chair of the Advisory Board to the Curator of Memorial University Art Gallery. For his exemplary community contributions, he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee Medal by the Governor General of Canada (2002). Well into his retirement, he was an avid sports fan, watching contentedly from the sidelines at St. Bon’s Arena as his daughter and her friends made their best efforts to play hockey.
Surpassing all these achievements was Geoffrey’s dedication to his family and friends. Over the decades, the Steele family home was filled with Jane’s music students, as well as the friends of Watson and Suzanne. Throughout it all, Geoffrey’s warm, patient, and friendly nature made everyone feel welcome. During the weekends, Geoffrey and Jane would go to their cabin where Geoffrey enjoyed snowmobiling, tinkering in the shed, and feeding the rabbits and birds.
Left with loving memories of a life well lived are his wife, Jane, his daughter, Suzanne (Margaret Dunphy), his brothers, John (Dorothy), Ron (Mary), Harold (Marilyn), Bill (Margaret), Martin (Sybil), his brother in-law, Peter Sodero (Elizabeth), and his sister-in-law, Susan Seely (Rick).
Special thanks to Dr. Kathleen Halley, Helen Osmond, Nora Coombs, and Bernadette Dunn who helped care for Geoffrey while he was home. The family would also like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Sandi Ennis and the caring and dedicated staff of 3 North/South at St. Patrick’s Mercy Home. The kindness and compassion shown to Geoffrey and his family will never be forgotten.
A private celebration of Geoffrey’s life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to The Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, St. Patrick’s Mercy Home Foundation, or charity of choice. Care entrusted to Carnell’s Funeral Home.
Sincerest condolences Jane, Suzanne and Margaret, on Jeffrey’s passing. He was such a quiet, kind and caring man. I know he will be very much missed by all of you. Hugs to everyone,.
Sharon and Joe
Send condolences to all the family so sorry to hear about your loss. Prayers are with the family in their time of sorry. ( If you need anything you know you can count on us.
Suzanne and Mrs. Steele,
Sincere condolences from myself and my mother , on the passing of your father/ husband. . I had not seen Mr. Steele in many years, but have some memories of the Halley, Hickman, Hunt days when they were joined by “Steele “. I also remember seeing you all in Whycocomagh in our younger years when our family would drive to PEI.
May he rest in peace
Heather
I had the honour of meeting Mr. Steele when my husband (deceased) started the Track and Field Hall of Fame. My condolences to all who loved him.
I had the honour of meeting Mr. Steele when my husband (deceased) set up the Track and Field Hall of Fame. A true gentleman. Condolences to all who loved him.
Suzanne , My Deepest sympathy on the passing of your Dad. May he soar with the Angels
Jane and Suzanne,
I am sorry to read of Geoffrey’s passing and I wish to offer my condolences to you..
Geoffrey’s contributions to our provincee in both Law and Sports were outstanding and remarkable.
Mrs. Steele and family,
On behalf of my parents Gerald and Yvonne Lang, we wish to offer our condolences on learning of Judge Steele’s passing.
My father was quite moved by the news.
He asked me to share that he remembers his colleague from the Supreme Court and Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee fondly.
Dad considered him a friend, stating Judge Steele was a great athlete and a great judge.
May he rest in peace.
Gerald, Yvonne and Raylene Lang
Jane
Sorry to read about Geoff. The “Jane and Geoff” name combo brings back great memories of medicine bottles anf fire finales. We will always remember the good times.
Jane, Suzanne & Family,
So sorry to hear of Geoffrey’s passing sending my deepest condolences to you all.
Suzanne and Mrs. Steele,
I am so sorry for your tremendous loss. Though I haven’t seen your Dad for a along time, I remember his gentle nature, his kindness, and his quiet pride during our Riverdale days as he watched you from the sidelines as you excelled on the tennis court.
May he rest in peace.
Catherine Craig
Suzanne, I am so very sad to hear of your dad’s passing. Beautiful obituary, your dad touched many people lives and was indeed a gentle soul. May he rest in peace. My deepest condolences to you, marg and your mom.. Linda Pelley
Jane and Family, we are so sorry to learn that Geoffrey has passed. I have fond memories of him when I was very active with the City of St. John’s and the St. John’s Regatta Committee. He was a great man who did a lot for his community and was highly thought of as a Humanitarian , athlete and a very respected.Judge. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this sad time. Please accept our sincere sympathies.
Mrs. Steele and Suzanne. So sorry for your loss. He was a kind and gentle soul. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Jane: Linda and I send our sincere condolences on the passing of your husband. Geoffrey. I spent many hours in you beautiful sunroom waiting for Andrea to finish her piano lessons and had the pleasure of meeting him several times. RIP
Jane and Suzanne. Sorry to see the death notice. Geoffrey was the ultimate gentleman, whether dealing with gaggles of teenage girls in your house or dealing with difficult people in the court room. I always got the impression that he quietly enjoyed all the comings and goings at home!
My thoughts are with you both.
Janet Henley
Jane,Suzanne and Marg,Sincerest condolences on the passing of Geoffrey. So sorry to hear.❤️He was a very special part of your lives ,and our thoughts and prayers are with you. He was a Kind and wonderful person
Jane, Susan and I send our sincere condolences to you on Geoff’s passing. I consider myself lucky to have know Geoff in several different capacities: first, as a lawyer representing me many years ago, then working with him at Halley Hunt (although I was an articling clerk for much of the time), appearing before him in court following his appointment to the bench at all levels of court and as a family friend for many years. At all times he was a true gentleman and I always admired his gentle, thorough approach to any problem. I know he will be missed by his family but he will also be missed by the community. We need more Geoff Steeles.
Sincerely, Jim and Susan Adams
To the Steele Family my thoughts are with you in your time of sorrow. Thinking of you always Helen
Jane and Family – Geoff was 11 years older than I which is not much of a time span. However when I was called to the bar even then Geoff was a greatly respected senior lawyer. Shortly after my call to the bar I commenced practicing in a solo practice. Geoff kindly made himself available from time to time to offer sage advice to me which I greatly appreciated. I ultimately joined the Halley Hunt firm after Geoff had moved on to the court so we never practiced in the same firm. I tell you this bit of my history just to point out to others who may read my comments that Geoff was a great lawyer, fabulous judge and a true gentleman.
You have my sincere condolences on the occasion of your loss.
Bob Hall
To the Steele family. I had the pleasure to work with Justice Steele at the Trial Division. He was a true gentleman and one of the best people I have ever had to pleasure to deal with. He is remembered with great fondness and will surely be missed. My condolences to all the family. Godspeed.
Suzanne and Jane,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family following the loss of a very special father and husband. I have many treasured memories of Justice Steele and Jane having spend much time at their home on Winter Place growing up being friends with both Suzanne and Watson and Rhonda having been a classmate of Suzanne’s for many years. Judge Steele always greeted you with a warm hello and smile on his face. Both Geoff and Jane were great supporters of their talented kids as they successful participated in many tennis tournaments at Riverdale Tennis Club . We hope you take comfort in the many happy memories you must have of such a wonderful Dad and husband.
Suzanne, although our paths crossed only briefly at SPMH, I truly appreciate your kindness in the initial days after moving my husband. You have been an inspiration to me on how to handle long term and palliative care with grace. I hope I can be as caring and compassionate when meeting “newcomers” to 3S as you were with me. Please accept my condolences on the passing of your father.
Suzanne, Marg & Mrs. Steele,
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Suzanne and family, it was such a pleasure to get to know your dad at SPMH! He was such a lovely, gentle man! May he rest in peace with all of his family that preceded him to heaven!
To Suzanne and your Mom, I am sorry to hear of your Dads passing. His suffering is now over and her can now rest and is free of sickness.
Please give your Mom a warm hug from me.
Condolences from Karen Norman and family.
“You’re St. Patrick’s Mercy Home friends.” My Dad Kevin was there with your Dad. God Bless.
To Jane and Suzanne,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Though I haven’t t seen Geoff in many years, only a short time ago I saw two of the Steele brothers who shared a great story or two about Geoff. I know you will have many happy memories.
Please accept my sincere sympathies.
The Steele family
I had the pleasure to have appeared before Judge Steele on several occasions during my career- those were early days for me starting out.
He was always engaging and helped me get my footing in the Courtroom. He was a remarkable person indeed-
On various occasions thereafter we had many wonderful interactions and he was always interested in many aspects of life in general.
Justice Steele was truly a man for all Seasons.
He will be remembered fondly by his multitude of friends and colleagues .
He is now at rest and may that rest be in peace.
Godspeed Geoff
Jane, Suzanne and family
Sincere condolences on the loss of one talented man.
Hold your memories close to your hearts.
May his gentle soul rest in eternal peace and rise to everlasting glory
Oh Suzanne and Jane so sorry for your loss. Memories of being with your Dad annd all your family through out the 70’s. What joy and love and you dad’s smile forever engrained.
Suzanne and Mrs Steele.
I am so very sorry for your loss
May you lifetime of memories give you peace during this difficult time
Suzanne and family, I’m so sorry for your loss, my deepest sympathy. My prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Noel
Jane and family,
So sorry to hear of Geoffrey’s passing. Sending sincerest & heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Denise and Gary
Jane and family,
One of my more professionally challenging assignments was working many years ago with Justice Steele on a judicial inquiry to which he had been appointed commissioner. As the gentle and thoughtful soul that he was, he navigated that delicate scenario perfectly. He was skilled at resolving disputes with the least anxiety possible for everyone. A consummate judge!
In more recent years after he retired, we only met once and that was socially. He was gracious and engaged, despite the challenges of age that he was experiencing..
My condolences to all on his passing after a long a fulfilling life. I will remember him fondly.
John Roil
Suzanne and family. So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Sending condolences from the family and staff of Tulk’s Glass & Key Shop. May your beautiful memories comfort you in the difficult days ahead.
Oh Jane and Suzanne. I’m so sorry to hear of Geoffrey’s death.. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Jane and Suzanne
So sorry to hear of Justice Steele’s passing. He was a wonderful man…a great citizen of our province and well-respected member of the legal profession. I remember when he worked with my father at the law firm and later served on the bench together. I also respected him for his involvement in the sport community.
Sincere condolences to you and all his family and friends.
Ron and family,
So very sorry to hear of your brother’s passing. Our deepest sympathy to all.
Mrs. Steele I am thinking of you and your family. A beautiful man with a tender soul. My deepest condolences.
Jane thinking of you on the passing of your beloved family member.
My deepest sympathies are with Jane and family at this time, I remember spending time in the Steele home as a child with grandparents Mary and Don Barter.
Mr. Steele will certainly be missed by many.
With love from me and my son Declan.
Jane & family,
My heartfelt condolences for your loss…..a remarkable life well lived & well loved… . May your many memories bring you peace , joy & comfort.
Our sincerest condolences to Jane, Suzanne, Marg, and all of Geoffrey’s friends and family. He had the respect of admiration of many and was truly loved by the people who mattered most to him. Geoffrey’s memory will remain in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved him.
Suzanne and family,
My heartfelt condolences to you. May the lifetime of wonderful memories of your Dad bring you much peace and joy.
Take care 💜
Mrs. Steele and Suzanne. Sincere sympathy on the passing of your highly respected husband and outstanding father. I remember back in the day when I baby sat for Watson and Suzanne. Mr. Steele was always the gentleman with a calming manner, always pleasant and kind. Until you all meet again, may Mr. Steele rest in peace. Godspeed sir.
Suzanne, I didn’t know your father but I do know the care and support you and your family offered him. He was cared for and respected and I trust you have wonderful memories. His career was certainly noteworthy and his legacy will live on. Take care, Barbara
Mr. Justice Geoffrey L. Steele was a wonderful, kind and gentle man! I had the privilege of working with Judge Steele at the District Court when he was appointed in 1975. I also worked with him at the Supreme Court a few years later. Judge Steele, as I knew him, was always so patient, kind and supportive. He was one of the most respected Judges in the Judiciary and I was blessed to have worked with him for many years! My condolence to Jane and his family! Rest in Peace dear Judge Steele.
To His wife, Jane, and daughter, Suzanne, thinking of you at this very difficult time. Hold on to the precious memories. I was so glad to see your smiling faces and have a chat when I was visiting my mom, Shirley Birmingham, at St Patrick’s. Sending hugs ♥️
Jane , Suzanne and Margaret,
It is with great sadness that I offer you my deepest condolences on the passing of Geoffrey. He was indeed a true gentleman, who will surely be missed.
It has been my privilege and honour to care for such a precious person ! I will never forget the kind and compassionate family who cared for this man so deeply and with all their hearts.
May his love and guidance carry on in each of you and may you lean on each other , and , your friends and family for support.
Sincerely. Tanya Tucker