August 26, 1944 – September 6, 2024
Steen passed away peacefully and pain-free on September 6, 2024, with his wife and children by his side.
He will be remembered as a good man.
Steen was a devoted husband for 57 years to his wife, Merrilyn; a loving father and father-in-law to his son, Paul, daughter-in-law, Alison, and to his daughter, Jana Vamosi; a proud grandfather to three grandchildren, Finn and Iben Vamosi, and Kaia Laursen; a caring brother-in-law to Ron Cann and Chuck Csuka; and a cherished uncle to many nieces and nephews.
At the age of 50, Steen discovered he was adopted. This life-altering revelation set him on a journey to find his birth parents in Denmark. He not only found them but was warmly embraced by the Laursen family, forging new connections with many cousins and their children, whom he grew to love deeply. He continued his connections with his Heilbuth clan as well which was all the more reason for trips to Denmark!
Steen was raised in Denmark until he was five, then in Calgary by his adoptive (Heilbuth) parents and joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1963. During his three years of service, he had the incredible opportunity to embark on a nine-month world cruise aboard the HMS St. Laurent. On this tour, he learned the rewards of duty and hard work, which formed the foundation of values that served him throughout his life. He also gained an appreciation for the ocean, which he continued to explore through sailing and traveling. His thirst for adventure was infectious, and he will be fondly remembered for contributing ideas and fearless leadership behind many of the journeys enjoyed with friends and family.
After a fulfilling 30-year career as a first responder with the Burnaby Fire Department, Steen retired to Craig Bay on Vancouver Island, where he enjoyed many wonderful years with Merrilyn. He cycled with his Chain Gang friends and traveled extensively, creating countless memories. Steen’s love of cycling was paired with his deep commitment to community. For many years, he participated in the Cycle of Life Tour, fundraising for the Oceanside Hospice Society, and donated over 150 litres of blood throughout his lifetime. He also coached soccer and volunteered for many causes, including numerous 24-hour charity relay runs. In his beloved Craig Bay community, he served on the Strata Council as "the Maintenance Guy." His generosity with his time and energy touched many lives.
Steen was always grateful for the full life he had and for the compassionate care he received from his medical team, especially Dr. Waite, his family doctor, and his oncologist in Nanaimo, Dr. Robinson, whose efforts gave him and his family precious additional years together.
He left this world knowing he was well-loved.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Steen on November 10, 2024, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. at the Beach Club in Craig Bay. Please RSVP to Merrilyn at [email protected]
"When you are sorrowful, look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth, you are weeping for that which has been your delight." ( Kahlil Gibran)
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