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 the 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 enjoyed 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.
The family will receive their friends at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, 16066 The Gore Road, Caledon on Thursday morning, November 28 from 10 o’clock until time of funeral mass at 11 o’clock. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery, 8361 Yonge Street, Thornhill.
In lieu of flowers, donations to C.L.A.S.S., 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!