LEBEL, Joseph “Steven” Mark

May 18th, 1959 – March 8th, 2018

Passed away unexpectedly in Sudbury. Steven is fondly remembered as the eldest son of Jeannine Lebel (nee Ringuette) and the late Rhéal Lebel of Powassan. He is remembered as “Willis” by his beloved partner and best friend Gisele Lyons of Wawa. Gisele and Steven met in 2009 all because of a fishing trip at White Lake gone wrong. Remembered as “Dad” by his “Darling Daughter” Rebecca Lebel (Dustan Knee) of Wawa and his late son Ryan Lebel. Also remembered as the “Big Brother” by his late brother Jason Lebel and his younger sister Cheryl Lebel of Powassan. Steven will be remembered by his extended family, his step-daughter, his “Wingman” Christine Johnstone (Corey Black) and his step-son “Eager Wood Burner” Todd Prud’homme all of Wawa. “Papa Stevie” and Hero to Lindsay, Kassandra, Joshua and Jacob. Also remembered by his mother-in-law Jeannine Lyons of Azilda, brother in law of Diane Benard (Marc) of North Bay, Ed Lyons (Lynn) of Azilda and Jacqueline Morneau (Rob) of Chelmsford. Also known as “The Fishing Technician” by his friends and special neighbours. Known for his infectious smile and big hearty laugh, one could say his heart was as big as he was.

Born and raised in North Bay, he attended Ecole Secondaire Algonquin. At a young age he discovered his love and passion for fishing. He graduated from the University of Guelph in 1983 with an Honors Bachelor of Science Degree from the Fishery and Wildlife Biology program. He participated in various sports and social activities. His first summer job brought him to Kormak Lumber Company near Chapleau for which he was hired by his size.

The following year lead him to Wawa where he worked for the MNR cutting part of the Lake Superior Voyageur trail, then to Park Warden at White Lake park. He then moved on to work for Weyerhaeuser Strand Board Mill where he stayed for 12 years, working his way up to a supervisory role. When the mill shut down, he returned to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry in Wawa, working many different contracts and roles.

He achieved his life-long goal of becoming a Management Biologist. He truly enjoyed his role especially with the moose and salmon surveys. He adored participating in Sturgeon Projects and being on the big boat with crews from Fisheries and Oceans Canada. He brought countless wildlife home overnight till accommodations were provided.

A big reason for loving his job was working with awesome co-workers in which he considered all as family and friends. He really enjoyed those out-house parties. He loved social gatherings, funny songs and telling corny and inappropriate jokes. Steve always had lots of time; he enjoyed every nap and favorite foods he could sneak in.

When salmon fever came a calling on Lake Superior, 6 am was never too early. He enjoyed fishing, curling, dances, 70’s music, “dressing up” and shopping at Costco. But mostly his piece of paradise on Anjigami Lake; where beautiful memories were created with family, friends and the Anjigami clan. It was the only place he enjoyed doing chores; like his “million dollar” floating dock the grandkids can never get enough of. Always loved by many uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews & friends.

“May you be in peace on the big Lake in the Sky!”

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Monica’s Church on Saturday March 17, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Michael Asorgoe officiating. Following mass, a luncheon and time of fellowship will be held at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.

If desired, memorial donations made to the charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.

Arrangements entrusted to the P.M. Gilmartin Funeral Home.

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11 comments

  1. Amber, Denver, Bryce and Freya

    May you Rest in Peace Mononcle Steve you will be greatly missed and we will always have a place for you in our hearts and minds with beautiful memories visiting you and Matante GIGI at camp. xox Amber, Denver, Bryce and Freya

  2. Bernie,Lori Erechook

    Giselle, Rebecca and entire Family

    We were shocked and so saddened to hear of Steve’s passing. He was certainly bigger than life and will be remembered by all for so many reasons. We send our condolences and will keep you in our hearts and thoughts during this terrible time.

  3. Wende D. Cameron

    Rebecca & Family,
    Our deepest condolences to you. Steve was such a kind, compassionate person who was always so good to my daughter Amber & I. We have such wonderful memories of your dad. From the bottom of our hearts, know that we are thinking about you.
    Wende & Amber Cameron
    Harley J. Botham

  4. Cheryl and Mrs Lebel,

    so very sorry to here about Steve
    I remember Steve always smiling and a kind heart

    my deepest sympathy to both of you and his family

    Nicki (Lamothe ) Pavone

  5. Rebecca, Gisele and family,

    It was with great sorrow that Bob and I heard of the passing of your father/partner. I enjoyed Steve as a colleague for quite a number of years and enjoyed bumping into him now and again and sharing a laugh. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers and hope that in time the great memories will sustain you both. God bless.
    Bev and Bob Boyd

  6. Gisele, Rebecca and your families: I was speechless to read of Steve’s newest adventure. I’m sure he was welcomed at the pearly gate with wide open arms. I remember Steve’s huge smile and laughter. He will be missed by all who knew him. May he Rest in Peace.

  7. Gisele, Rebecca and family,

    So sad to hear about Steve. I can still see him standing in our doorway, bigger than life itself. He always had a smile on his face and was the kindest soul I knew. We wish you peace and strength at this difficult time.
    John & Linda Guindon

  8. We were saddened to hear of Steve’s passing. Please accept our sympathy att his time. I enjoyed Steve as a co-worker for the yrs in Wawa.

    Joe Couture

  9. Jude and Don Charbonneau

    So sorry to hear this news. Condolences to all the family.

  10. Ken & Luanne Brezenski

    Sad Condolences To The Lebel Family For Their Unfortunate & Untimely Passing Of Another Of Wawa’s Finest . We Had The Honour Of Working With Steve In Many Capacities At Weyerhauser As Well As The MNR. Steve Touched A Lot Of People In Wawa & He Was Known As A “Great Guy” !!! If Someone Needed To Get A Job “Done” , Steve Was “Always” “The Guy”, To Get It Done !!! The Community Is In Great Loss Today & From This Day Onward !!!! Gone Way Too Soon !!! RIP Our Friend Until We Meet Again Steve……From Ken & Luanne

  11. George Bazijanec

    My deepest condolences to Lebel Family. Steve will be greatly missed by all who had contact with him. You are in a better place now Steve Rest in Peace