Stephen Archie Fairweather passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his sister Betty and her husband Jim, on Thursday, November 21, 2024. Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Stephen was the eighth child of Albert Lewis (“Bud”) and Ann Mary (Campbell) Fairweather.
Stephen was born with Down syndrome at a time when society often excluded individuals with intellectual disabilites. In the 1960s, many children like Stephen were hidden away, denied an education, and rarely seen in public. But this was never the case in our family. Stephen was at the heart of our home, included in every activity, embraced by every family member, and welcomed among their friends.
Stephen began school at five years old in Halifax and graduated at age 21 in Newmarket. From there, he joined a day program in Bradford and later in Alliston. C.L.A.S.S. (Community Living Association of South Simcoe) became a source of stability, familiarity, love and caring. All the staff at C.L.A.S.S. were a reassuring constant in his life for 45 years. He loved them all, and they loved him.
Stephen enjoyed a variety of activities from bowling, art classes, swimming, Bingo, canoeing, card games, vacations at the cottage and celebrating every holiday, were sources of great joy. Music held a special place in Stephen’s heart. He loved partying, dancing, and singing to his favourite artists, including Elvis, the Pointer Sisters, the Monkees, and his mom’s favourite, the Irish Rovers.
Stephen loved watching the Maple Leafs play hockey, but was a diehard Chicago Blackhawks fan. Hockey cards and wrestling videos were a must have gift at Christmas and birthdays. I have never seen Stephen mad, only miffed, when one of his dog’s tails knocked over his pristine stack of hockey cards. Stephen loved his dogs and even joined a work program making dog biscuits to earn extra pocket money. Stephen and his caregiver Suzanne would regularly visit the cats at the Humane Society, or ride horses at the local farm. He loved big and laughed loud and often.
Stephen is survived by his brothers, Michael, Bill (Barb), Cyril (Debbie), John (Joanne) and his sisters, Catherine Rose and Betty Ann (Jim). He is predeceased by his dad, Albert Lewis, mom, Ann Mary and sister Mary Elizabeth.
Stephen will be lovingly remembered by his niece Kaitlyn, his nephews, Maurice and Campbell, and as a very special uncle to Amy and Lindsey, his many cousins in Cape Breton, but most of all his wonderful friends from C.L.A.S.S.
Most of us have to wait to earn our wings, but Stephen wore his wings proudly here on earth and straight on through the pearly gates.
A heartfelt thanks to all the staff at C.L.A.S.S.: Diane, Suzanne, Barb, Linda, Heather, Bonita, Sahar, and so on, for your dedication, love and commitment to creating an inclusive community. Thank you to CCAC and all the staff, nurses and PSWs (Raj and Raphael) from Spectrum for all their gentle care of Stephen to the end.
Funeral Mass will be held at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, 16066 The Gore Road, Caledon on Thursday morning, November 28 at 11 o’clock.
Interment Holy Cross Cemetery, 8361 Yonge Street, Thornhill.
In lieu of flowers, donations to C.L.A.S.S. (please click on the name to donate online), 233 Church Street South, Alliston L9R 2B7 would be greatly appreciated.
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Pamela Folster
We are so sorry for your loss. Steve’s passing will, no doubt, leave an enormous hole in your hearts. Catherine has always spoken of Steve with love and devotion.
Mark Robson
My condolences to the family. Stephen was such a great guy. He will be missed.
Jean Storring
My sincerest condolences to all who knew and lived Stephen.
He was a bright light at class no matter the day! All of us at class will miss him.
RIP Stephen
Debbie White
My Condolences to all of you. ❤️
Steve will be Truly Missed. May he Rest In Peace
I was thinking back to all of the times I had the pleasure to see Steve and the first thing I remembered was the fact that he was a very happy guy with a big smile on his face. He was proud to be working and everyone who knew him was Proud of the Wonderful Man that he had become. He was raised in a Very Caring and Loving Family who always made sure that he was supported in every possible way. I admire Betty, Kaitlyn and Jim’s dedication to Steve and the way they provided such a Wonderful Life for him! There wasn’t anything that they wouldn’t do for Steve. The bond they shared was extraordinary. God Bless All of You!
Shaun Barnes
I feel sorry Stephen he makes me happy
Rafiu Are
My condolences to all of you. For the little time I spent with him, it was a time well spent.
Stephen, rest in peace.
Diane Kruck
My deepest condolences to you Betty and Jim,,, and ‘all’ Stephen’s family and friends. Stephen touched our hearts… his laughter and smile were infectious and his warmth for others always made you feel special. My memories spent with Stephen will be remembered and treasured in a celebration of his life. We will miss you Stephen… never forgotten Rest in peace.
Tom & Nancy Hansford
Dear Betty & Jim, our hearts break for you and your family. What a beautifully written tribute, may his “wings” forever flutter within your hearts and may you feel his dance in every breeze.
Irene Rutherford
Dave and I were fortunate to have shared dinners out with Stephen, Betty and Jim
Stephen was a delight, brought the meaning of life in to focus, always happy.
Betty, Jim and Kaitlyn have already earned their wings
Community Living for South Simcoe (CLASS)
Stephen has been a cherished member of CLASS’ day programs since 1987. He was a person who truly loved life and brought joy to everyone around him. His infectious smile had a way of brightening anyone’s day, and his love for dancing and a good party was nothing short of inspiring.
A fan of WWE wrestling and an avid crossword puzzle enthusiast, Stephen shared his passions with those around him, leaving a lasting impact on our community.
Stephen will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Please keep his family and loved ones in your thoughts during this difficult time.
Community Living for South Simcoe (CLASS)
Stephen has been a cherished member of CLASS’ day programs since 1987. He was a person who truly loved life and brought joy to everyone around him. His infectious smile had a way of brightening anyone’s day, and his love for dancing and a good party was nothing short of inspiring. He will be greatly missed by all.
Sylvia Fait Barwell
I remember Steve when I was a teenager, when my sister & I visited Catherine in the neighborhood we all lived in. To this day I remember Steve’s happy smile & the love that permeated from his heart ❤️.
Dear Catherine, my heart-felt condolences to you & all your family. Steve will be missed by everyone but his memories are a treasure that will continue to live on.
Heaven just received a precious soul!
Love & prayers sent your way: Sylvia Fait Barwell.
Bryan Osborne
I miss you, Stephen. I bet you’re having fun in heaven. We sure had fun together, didn’t we?
Ana Chalupa and Family
Our deepest heartfelt condolences to Catherine, Maurice and Campbell and the whole family. Stephen will be dearly missed. I had the great privilege of meeting Stephen and will always remember his kind soul and wonderful smile. May beautiful memories help you through this very difficult time.
Catherine
Dear Catherine , Maurice , Campbell and all the family. We are so sad and sorry to hear of Stephen’s passing. Stephen was such a pleasure to be around and always lit up the room when we would gather. He has a bounce to his step and always a smile like no other. He will be missed and will never be forgotten Rest in peace. Love. Catherine , Tim and family xo
Mike Mainolfi
Our Deepest Condolences
To John and Joanne, Betty and Jim, Cyril and Debbie, Cathy and families.
I always remember Stephen smiling
From Mike, Nancy, Giancarlo and Roberto Mainolfi
Howard Krupat
Dear Catherine and Family,
My sincere condolences on your loss. I hope you will be comforted by your warm memories of Stephen.
Sincerely,
Howard Krupat
Joy Webster
My depeest condolences to your family and friends, Stephen. You were such a devoted family to Stephen and his abilities. He loved to listen to music before we started serving customers at CLASSic luncheon. Just a bright fun loving individual that would brighten a room when he walked in. Many wonderful Thursday afternoon memories with your friends and your favourite part was the grill cheese. Rest in peace, Stephen. You changed lives for the better. ❤️
Joy