Kevin Leslie Steele passed away suddenly on Saturday, December 17th, 2022, at the age of 61. His last moments were spent surrounded by his loving family and friends.
Kevin was born in Windsor, ON on November 1, 1961, to father Andrew “Bud” Steele and mother Mary Margaret Steele. At the age of 18 he joined the Canadian Army and attended the Royal Military College of Canada, in Kingston, where he received a degree in Economics and Commerce.
Upon graduation from Royal Military College in 1984 he was posted to Vancouver, BC, the start point for a 19-year posting history that alternated between the West Coast and Canadian Forces Base Petawawa, Ontario. During this period, he served in a variety of finance, combat service support positions, and was deployed on overseas missions in Central Africa and Bosnia. In 2003, NDHQ finally brought him to the Ottawa region where he enjoyed a number of rewarding positions, and a third deployment to Afghanistan in 2008. LCol Kevin Steele retired from the Canadian Armed Forces on February 4, 2019 after 38 years of loyal and dedicated service.
His many military recognitions were the defining hallmark of Kevin’s professional life. However, his personal legacy is his deep love and his dedication to his family and close friends. Kevin was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving spouse Carole Joanne Joanette; brother Robert Andrew Steele; daughters Sarah Elizabeth Steele (Michael Adlington) and Hannah Marie Steele; stepdaughters Emilie Chanelle Williams (Tyler Williams) and Stephanie Gabrielle Joanette; and grand-children Ava Margaret MacLarty, Alivia Grace MacLarty, Maverick Steele Adlington and Evan William Adlington.
Kevin could be described as someone with a lust for life and a passion for learning. He was incredibly proud of his daughters and enjoyed playing with his grandchildren and watching them grow. In his down time, he loved to ride the open roads on his motorcycle, spend summer nights sharing meals and laughs with family and friends, and tinker around with tools in the garage on weekends. Kevin was a fixer of many things and had a natural ability to understand and overcome any obstacles put before him whether it was repairing an engine, building a deck or renovating his house. His incredible intelligence, witty sense of humour, and limitless generosity will be sorely missed but never forgotten.
Family and friends are invited to a Visitation at Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa), on Thursday, December 29, 2022, from 5 pm to 7 pm, and on Friday, December 30, 2022, from 9 am until the time of Service 10 am, followed by reception. For those who wish to make a donation in Kevin's memory, you may do so to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Digital Guestbook
Lois Whelan and Paul Priestman
John Tattersall
I had the privilege of serving with Kevin on two separate postings in our Army careers, and came to know him as a dedicated professional, a true gentleman, and an all-round great guy. He will be missed. To the entire Steele family, my deepest condolences at your loss of son, husband and father.
Kamla Bulchand
My deepest condolences to Sarah and her family.
Monique and Elico Macaranas
Our deepest condolences to Carole and all of Kevin's family and close friends. May you find comfort in the cherished memories of Kevin and the support of loved ones.
Nancy Lockman
Sarah and family, my deepest sympathy in the passing of your Dad. Remember the wonderful memories you have to get through the days ahead. Big Hug my friend.
Alexandra & Mano Della-Vedova
Our deepest & most heartfelt condolences to you Sarah & Mike, your children & your families. We are here if you need anything.
Sophia Hu
May Kevin Leslie Steele Rest in Peace. Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. We are very sorry for your loss; May God surround you with his loving comfort. We are praying for you in your time of sorrow.
Colin Murray
Heartfelt thoughts and prayers for Kevin’s family…….from a long-a-go college ‘running’ mate.
Dan and Debbie Argue
Our sincerest condolences to Kevin’s family, Sarah, Hannah, Ava, Alivia and Mav. He was a wonderful father and grandfather. Our hearts go out to you and your family
Love to you all.
Sarah Hanley
I had the pleasure of working with Kevin most recently. His direct yet kind nature helped me learn a lot in navigating financials. He will be missed. I am so very sorry for your loss.
We send our deepest sympathies to Kevin's family. Paul and I had the privilege of serving with Kevin in the Finance Branch in Petawawa during the mid 1990's. He was a valued colleague who was steadfast and the personification of integrity.
We are saddened with the news of Kevin's sudden passing, and send heartfelt condolences to his loved ones.