May 2, 1967 - February 1, 2024
In loving memory ~
It is with profound sadness and a great sense of loss that we announce the passing of Steven Norman Ballegeer. A beloved son, brother, uncle, great uncle and friend to so many.
Steve was born in Squamish BC on May 2, 1967, and was found passed away in his apartment in Vancouver on Feb 1, 2024. He was predeceased by his mother, Audrey Winquist (Jan 14, 2019) and is survived by his father Henry, siblings Tony (Bev), Teri, Craig, Darryl (Tracy) and Mark (Candi) and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
The family moved from Squamish to Ladysmith in late 1972 where Steve grew up and attended school, graduating from Ladysmith Secondary School in 1985, receiving the BC Science Teacher Book award and was the top Male Student in Academics in his graduating class. Steve enjoyed playing both the tenor and baritone sax in the school band program, being part of an award-winning group. He was also active in sports throughout this time, playing rugby, football and baseball.
After graduation, he enrolled in BCIT and received a diploma in Pulp and Paper Analysis and moved to Port Alberni to work for MacMillan Bloedel.
While in Port Alberni he met Angie Macnab and they were later married on Sept 10, 1994, in Ladysmith. They had a shared passion for sports and for travel. Their journey together came to a close in 2005 when they parted ways.
In 1994 Steve transferred to MacMillan Bloedel's research lab in Burnaby and worked there until 1998 when the facility was closed. Steve took some time to consider his options and decided to enroll in further schooling at Capalino College, graduating in 1999 with a Business Administration - Computer Specialist Diploma. This led to his future work in IT in the lower mainland.
After graduating, he worked for a short time in the public school system in North Vancouver and then moved to VRX Studios as director of operations, working on leading-edge technology. From there he moved to Syncronet for 3 years and then started with Norwest Corporation in late 2013. Norwest was taken over by Stantec in 2018 and Steve worked for them in their IT department as a Server Administrator until his passing.
Steve came from a large family and always enjoyed the times when we got together - Christmas, Labour Day, Grey Cup Sunday and other times throughout the year. He took great pride in being an uncle and especially enjoyed the title of "Great" uncle. He loved to interact with the younger members of his extended family - no matter how shy or reserved they might be, he soon had them laughing and having a good time.
Steve enjoyed travelling. One of his favourite passions was to visit baseball parks - especially the historic ones. Counted on the list are Candlestick and Fenway parks. He also took a "backpack" trip to Europe in 2006. As part of his travel, he took many photographs to catalogue his adventures. These photos and many others can be found on his Flickr page - https://www.flickr.com/photos/uncle_buddha/
He always enjoyed sports - both participating in them and as a spectator. The last few years he and a small group of friends had season tickets to BC Lions home games and had good times together both in and out of the stadium.
He has already been and will continue to be greatly missed by his family and friends. We shall always remember his smile and his laugh. We love you Steve.
A gathering of family and close friends will take place at the family home in Cassidy on Saturday, March 23, 2024, from 12:30 to 4:30. It will be an opportunity for Steve's Island family and Vancouver family to gather and share some memories, laughs and an occasional tear.
Flowers are gratefully declined. If you wish, please donate to the Canuck Place Children's Hospice in Steve's memory.