Stephen Michael Pellerin
July 9, 1962 to September 25, 2022
Obituary
To view the service for Stephen Pellerin on Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at 11 a.m. please click the following link:
https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/authorise.php?k=1664569196211099
The second son of Dorothy (Harmer) and Franck Pellerin Sr. arrived happily on the 9th of July 1962. He joined his older brother, Franck Jr. and would soon be joined by his younger brother and sister; Marc & Colette. Steve enjoyed a happy, normal childhood playing organized and unorganized sports throughout his Winnipeg, River Heights neighbourghood (hockey, soccer, road hockey, tag football, biking on the Monkey Trails, X-country skiing, etc.).
Steve attended school at Sir John Franklin Elementary, J. B. Mitchell Jr. High and Kelvin High. His educational pursuits culminated in a Civil Engineering degree obtained from the University of Manitoba which led to a long, rewarding professional career in the field of engineering. His professional pursuits involved a multitude of various projects all over Canada. He began his working life headquartered out of Winnipeg and would spend time living and working from Calgary, Vancouver, and finally St. John’s, Newfoundland.
Though Steve had enjoyed a variety of sports during his youth, his true love was sailing! As a young adult he became heavily involved in the Manitoba sailing scene. He cut his teeth on boats like the Fireball, Y-Flyer and Tasar at the Falcon Yacht Club but he really found a connection sailing solo in the ultra competitive Laser fleet. Steve competed in regattas all across the country and was routinely recruited to be a part of crews on all manner of keelboats on Lake of the Woods, Lake Winnipeg and in the waters off the British Columbia coastline. In BC Steve also switched gears and for a time competed heavily in the Star fleet, sailing mainly out of the Kitsilano Yacht Club. Sailing was truly Steve’s happy place.
He maintained a very active lifestyle for most of his adult life and for a time he had believed that it may have cost him one significant accomplishment; fatherhood! Fortunately for Steve he did experience the utter joy of parenting, welcoming daughters Hannah & Rachel and son Jack into his happy family. Steve loved his kids and was devoted to their happiness. His children will miss him dearly.
Steve was predeceased only by his mother. He will be missed by his father (Franck); his older brother (Franck Jr.); his younger brother (Marc – niece Lindsay-Matt, nephew Bryce-Danielle); his sister (Colette – nephews Rémy & Michel and their father Michael) and by his wonderful children (Hannah, Jack & Rachel). We take comfort knowing that somewhere Steve is enjoying the sail of a lifetime, hiked out on a broad-reaching Laser, spray in his face, mainsheet between his teeth and feathering the tiller in his fingertips as his boat dances in the waves…he is grinning from ear to ear and in pain no more.
A Service will be held at 11:00 October 4 in the Chapel of the Carnell’s Funeral Home in St-John’s, NL. It will be posted on the website of the Funeral Home with a live stream link.
His ashes are coming home to Falcon Lake at a later date. Family and Friends will be invited to bid him goodbye at the columbarium. A celebration of life will follow.
Schedule
funeral
11:00am, Tuesday October 4th
The Carnell Memorial Chapel
329 Freshwater Road
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I’m only just hearing of Steve’s passing now and wanted to extend my sincerest condolences to all the family. Steve was a mentor of mine early in my career and was an absolute pleasure to work with. He always believed in me, which gave me confidence to grow into the position I am now. I owe this to him. Thank you Steve. Rest easy now.
I did not know this sad news until today ….busy lives, long distance, and different (now) professional careers all contributed to the sudden shock I am feeling. Steve and I worked together for many years on many challenging issues and projects. He was always focused, serious and thoughtful working well with a Team. I extend my condolences to all family, friends and those who were fortunate to have worked with him.
Steve hired me for my first job after I graduated UBC in 1996. I have rarely been privileged to work with a better supervisor or mentor. Regardless of the project or its level of pressure, he had that uncommon combination of knowledge, trust, leadership ability and unflappable good humour that inspires colleagues to do their best work. He will be sorely missed. My condolences to his whole family.
I am truly saddened to hear today of Steve’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with Steve for a number of years at Nalcor. He was always willing to give of his time to help others. I remember how he never missed a moment to introduce his dear children to his work colleagues in the office as he was very proud of them. My condolences to the entire Pellerin and extended families.
Hi,
I am very late seeing this! I knew Stephen from his time on a project he worked in in NL. He was always on top of it and professional. I am very sorry for your loss and trust fond memories will carry you through this. Take care
I was so saddened to hear of Seve’s passing. We had lost touch over the years but I have such fond memories of our friendship. He was an amazing person and I wish I would have tried harder to remain in contact after he was gone from Winnipeg for a few years. I am grateful that he was a man of faith and that I was able to watch his service of Christian burial. I look forward to seeing him again in heaven and will say a prayer for his family at this incredibly difficult time.
I worked with Steve at Dillon, originally in the Winnipeg office and again when we started up the St. John’s, NL office. My deepest condolences to the Pellerin family and his 3 kids.
Stephen was a great all around person. Kind, generous and selfless are words that come to mind.
I had the privilege of working with Steve on both the west and eats coasts over a period spanning close to twenty years. Initially, he was a mentor and colleague, but I came to know him as good friend; we had many good times over the years.
I’ll always remember the honour of being ‘rail meat’ at a regatta from Jericho thanks to Steve, and the many good times we had in St. John’s, including celebration of his 50th.
Sincerest condolences to Steve’s family from ours.
I had the pleasure of working with Steve for several years and am saddened to hear of his passing. I’ll always remember his great kindness, patience and professionalism and, of course, his wonderful sense of humour. He’ll be missed by all. My deepest sympathies to his family.
Such an enormous loss, my deepest sympathies to his children and of course family and friends old and new. In my 20’s Stephen introduced me to sailing and LOWISA, fine wines, fine dining and the art of cooking.. Your laugh will never be forgotten
A toast to absent friends
So very sad to receive the news of Steve’s passing.. He had a wonderful personality and was always quick with a story and a laugh. Condolances to the Pellerin family.
I had the honour of working with Steve for over a decade at Dillon. It was mid-September 1986 when Steve flew to Regina to get me started on my first project, which he was leading from Winnipeg. While an outstanding mentor and consummate professional, what I will remember most of Steve is person he was. I remember him sitting at our dinning room table in Regina that September and feasting on wild duck… He complimented my wife over and over. but I never realized what a compliment that was coming from Steve being the chef that he was. I learned about his cooking skills when four of us moved to Vancouver to start the new Dillon office. Living in a townhouse together for a number of months you learn a lot about people. His stories, his love of life, his passion for sailing, his passion to make Dillon better, and his laugh …. we will all remember his laugh.
To all of Steve’s family, my profound condolences. To Hannah, Jack, and Rachel …. your Dad was a special person. He touched so many people in such a positive way in his life. He will be missed.
God Bless you Steve. Rest easy my friend.
I am fortunate to have learned much from Steve regarding the management and rules of sailing. Many long, fun and enthusiastic discussions after races – always with a smile. “Fair winds and following seas” my friend…
To Hannah, Rachel and Jack. Your Dad was so incredibly proud of you. I will never forget how he was so pleased that I had a chance to meet you in St John. Your Dad was an amazing guy, a great friend and was so excited that he could show you off. I extend my heartfelt condolences to you.
My deepest sympathies to Franck, Franck, Mark and Collette. We will all miss Steve terribly.
Steve’s contribution to sailing in Manitoba was legendary. He was a leader in our sport and was always willing to see the potential for the sport to grow. He and Richard Walls presided over some of the most prolific years of the sport. Steve was President of the Manitoba Sailing Association, a Director of Sail Canada, a certified judge and certified race management officer, an often time Regatta Chair and an amazing enthusiastic sailor.
During his time Manitoba achieved Olympic team qualification, hosted the Canadian Keelboat Championships, hosted CYA Board meetings, ran record Lowisa’s, hosted over 15 National and International Dinghy Championships. Steve was always there, always involved and always incredibly supportive. On behalf of all the Sailors in Manitoba Steve will be missed deeply.
The Great Pellerini was an amazing friend, great sailor and above all a kind hearted soul. He loved people and was friends with them all. He will be missed dearly by us all.
We are very sorry and shocked to hear of Stephen’s passing. He was a great roommate of mine for a few years in Vancouver in the 90’s. Steve’s contribution to our life was his introduction to my beautiful wife Veronica and the great happiness we enjoy as a family.
We remember Steve’s great cooking skills, his laugh, his love of sailing, his connections to friends old and new, and his gentlemanly nature.
We reconnected with Steve in the summer of 2021. Steve was a proud and loving father. Our hearts go out to his children.
Sending condolences to all of Steve’s family.
Growing up at Falcon Lake in the summers, I have many great memories of the fun we all had sailing.
Rest in peace, Steve.
So sorry to hear of Steve passing.
Sincere Condolences to all the family. I was in Steve’s company on many occasions,, he was a fine gentleman. .
Rest In Peace Steve.
Mary and Pete Ducey
My deepest condolences to the Pellerin family. I remember Steve as being very kind and gentle. Always a gentleman. He was also a very good chef.
He will sure be sadly missed by his children.
There is a level of sadness one gets in hearing news of a mentor passing which is unique. My condolences to the Pellerin family. I love telling the story about how I started my career and it started with Steve. I got a hold of Steve’s number while living in Winnipeg and would phone him every Thursday for months looking for work. Then one day I actually flew to Calgary and showed up in his office. So he interviewed me but still no job. So I figured that was my best shot, so I stopped phoning. After a few weeks I get a call from a friend saying Steve wanted to talk to me. I phone him and he said “why did you stop phoning? We have a job opening and you are the only person on the list”. Consistency is key to success and always gets your name to the top. And I still have my photo in my desk where I dressed up like him for Halloween, always will. Take care sir.
I had the pleasure of working for Steve in the mid 1990s. Steve was passionate about all aspects of life, work, and play, and his zest for life rubbed off on everyone around him. He was a great leader and mentor, and had a great sense of humour. I have nothing but fond memories of Steve, and felt a very deep sadness when I heard this news today. My heartfelt condolences to Steve’s family.
I am so saddened to hear the news of Steve’s passing. My condolences to the Pellerin family. I had moved to Toronto from Saskatchewan in the late 80’s for work and was fortunate to meet Steve almost immediately afterwards. With a common bond of the prairies, we became fast friends both at work and socially. I remember all of the great stories that he had, his joy of cooking, a passion for having fun and caring about people. It has been a few years since we last saw each other but my memories of Steve are lasting. So sad to see you go my friend.
I was utterly shocked and saddened to learn of Steve’s passing.. I worked with Steve for a period and Steve was always calm and collected, an utter professional. Seldom flustered, always wise, Steve had one direction, forward, even if to go forward, sometimes you have to go around something. The province is worse off for Steve being gone. My heartfelt condolences to the family.
I’m extremely sorry about Steve’s passing. Steve was an extremely important partner for me during my career with Dillon Consulting. He was willing to join me at our Toronto office in the late ‘80s returning to Wpg when I relocated there in 1989. Without hesitation Steve headed to Vancouver with me in 1994 to start up Dillon’s office there before willingly heading to Calgary in the early 2000’s to build Dillon’s presence in Alberta. Without question Steve contributed in a huge way to my career success and Dillon’s corporate success in Western Canada. I am truly sorry for the Pellerin family’s loss and the loss of a trusted colleague and friend.
Sorry to hear of Stephen’s passing. Condolences and deepest sympathies to his family.
Thinking of you
Oh Steve. I am so sorry you are not with us anymore. I have so many fond memories of you. You were such a kind caring soul. My dearest and heartfelt condolences to your family. I so wish I had maintained contact with you. Love Rowan.
My deepest condolences to Jill and the family. I had the privilege of hiring Steve as a summer student at Dillon and watched him grow and mature as an engineer and a wonderful individual. I remember with fondness how he would give me a call when he was back in Winnipeg and we had time to catch up. He has passed on far too soon as he still had so much to give.
It was with great shock and regret that we heard about Steve’s passing. He was a good friend, colleague and shipmate. Together we faced many professional challenges and enjoyed some personal adventures including winning the Ocean One International Yacht Race. In each case our success could not have been achieved without Steve at the forefront.
We are sad to see him gone but we were enriched by having had him in our lives.
Sincere condolences to the Pellerin family. I worked with Steve, we had many great conversations about our children.
Rest in Peace, Steve.
Sincere condolence to the Pellerin family. I worked with Steve for many years, and can say that Steve was always a consummate professional.
Steve was a great guy, a fierce competitor and always a gentleman. I have fond memories sharing the course with him on the Laser circuit in Manitoba..
My condolences to his family, close friends and colleagues.
Sarah Isaac Chapnick
We were so sorry to hear of Steve’s passing – far too young. Our condolences to his children and family.
We first met Steve at an after race party on Lake of The Woods. Impressed by his sailing credentials and obvious rum drinking abilities we convinced him to become a regular crew member on Relentless II. Although dingy sailing was his passion Steve quickly adapted to racing on a keelboat siting the benefits of indoor plumbing, well stocked galley and liquor cabinet and a comfortable berth to crash into at the end of the night. (although he was often found sleeping amongst the sails on deck.
Thus began many years of friendship enjoyed through sailing adventures on LOWISA and other club races, dancing and singing along with Finkleman’s 45’s on Saturday night, dinners, and any other excuse to eat and drink fine wine with fellow sailors.
We have so many memories and pictures of Steve flying the chute, cooking a meal, celebrating the LOWISA wins and loses.. We also valued getting to know Steve’s family through visits to Falcon and working at regattas.
Those are fond memories that we will keep forever.
Our sincere condolences to all his family for their great loss..
Steve has now set his last anchor and is safe in the harbour.
Richard and Pat Walls
Relentless II
My goodness. I played hockey with Steve in Winnipeg. Fine young man. I had no idea he was in St. John’s. He lead by example.
Collette and family, it was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Steve. I met him in 1980 when we were both 1st year engineering students. Although he did not join the geo gang (he went civil) he was always included in our group. When we graduated, we had a monthly engineering theme night dinner and always waited for Steve’s turn (great chef).
Steve was a wonderful kind hearted person. Always willing to participate, help, and most importantly being a friend.
My sincere condolences to his children and the family.
Our sincere condolences to the Pellerin family. We remember Steve when he started out as a young sailor at Falcon Lake.. We’re so sorry to hear of his untimely passing.
Sincerely,
Brian & Penny Kelly
Stephan has been our neighbor for several years ,along with his pal Luna .We have met him on several walks on the trail behind our house with his young son and dog..
I only recently stopped to have a chat with him by his front door ,to see how things were going .
So sorry to hear of his passing and the sadness that must be felt by his family and children that he seemed to enjoy so much .
Rhonda and Herb Gibbons