With deep sorrow, the loving family announces the passing of John Malverne “Mal” Steele, age 100 years, on Friday, August 12, 2016 in Hogarth Riverview Manor.
Mal was born in Fort Frances on August 7, 1916 to John and Nellie Steele. He met Hazel Harnett and they were married in 1941, building a life and family in Fort Frances.
Mal attended Teacher's College in North Bay and spent his entire career in the Fort Frances Board of Education, as a Teacher, Vice Principal and Supervising Principal. Lastly, he became the first Director of Education, in the Rainy River District, retiring in 1975.
Following retirement, Mal didn't quit. He started completing pieces of art – pencil sketches, oil and acrylic painting. Many family members have pieces produced by him. He also enjoyed refinishing furniture and travelling with his wife and family. In his younger years, Mal was an avid singer, providing music for many weddings and events in the Fort Frances area. One of Mal's great accomplishments, was establishing the Fort Frances Museum. Not only was he the original curator, but Mal collected, organized and displayed many of the pieces that are still on display today.
Mal was a longtime member of the RTO and was a former president. He was also a Mason and involved with the Kiwanis Club in Fort Frances. Mal was a longtime member of Trinity United Church, in Thunder Bay.
In 1990, Mal and Hazel moved to Thunder Bay to be closer to their daughter Trudie, who was living here, and their son Raymond in Niagara Falls, both of whom were delighted to have more frequent access to their loving, kind-hearted, generous and caring Father. He was a wonderful man with a fun sense of humour and will be deeply missed. The family's thoughts of Mal leaving are “God took him home, it was His will, and in our hearts, he liveth still”.
Mal was predeceased by his beloved wife, Hazel; parents, John and Nellie; three brothers, Bob, Mervyn and Glen as well as his great-grandson Nicholas Steele and other relatives.
Mal is survived by his son Raymond and wife Johan; his daughter Trudie and her husband Dennis LeBlanc; five grandchildren: Jana Steele (Nizam), David Steele (Rebecca), Sarah Vass (Scott), Michael Steele and Scott LeBlanc; and five great-grandchildren: Amarah, Paul, Erica, Owen and Lukas. Also surviving are several dearly loved nieces and nephews and their families.
The family would like to thank Doug and Tracy Steele and Glenda (Steele) MacGregor for their love and support. A special thank you as well to the staff of Jasper Place and Hogarth Riverview Manor for the wonderful care and compassion shown to Mal. He truly loved and appreciated all of you.
A memorial service for the late Mr. Mal Steele will be held on Wednesday, August 17, 2016 at 11:00 AM in Trinity United Church, with Rev. Randy Boyd officiating. Private interment will take place in Fort Frances at a later date. Should friends so desire, donations to Trinity United Church or a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Everest Funeral Chapel, 299 Waverley Street at Algoma.
