It is with great sadness that we announce that following a long and courageous battle with cancer, Stephen, age 59 years, passed away at home in the arms of his devoted wife Amber, whom administered home hospice care throughout his lengthy illness. Stephen and his wife fought hard for his life when they finally found out he had advanced bladder cancer in October 2016 and were determined to beat this cruel and devastating disease.
Stephen will always be lovingly remembered and cherished by his beloved wife Amber, his parents Steve and Mary Sipos, his brother Joe (Sharon) and his sisters Mari-Anne (Ernie Leunenberger), Kim (Scott McDonald), Sally, Kelly, and Poppy. “Uncle Gonzo” will also be remembered by his 13 nieces and nephews.
Stephen was born in Wicksteed (Hornepayne), Ontario. He went to mechanics school and worked in several towns across North Western Ontario, including Ignace, Dryden, Sioux Lookout, Vermilion Bay and finally settling in Thunder Bay.
Stephen was an entrepreneur all his life and had a vast wealth of working experiences. He owned a Theater/Restaurant in Sioux Lookout and became certified as a movie projectionist. Stephen owned a Pool Hall in Dryden. He became very good at playing pool and, whenever he found time throughout the years, was very successful at many pool and dart competitions with many proud trophies to show for it. He owned his own body shop in Vermilion Bay where he applied his creativity to professionally fixing and painting vehicles, and professionally painting signs for businesses and locals around the Dryden and Vermilion Bay area.
Stephen was a certified welder and heavy equipment operator where he applied his knowledge building bush roads and clearing and hauling wood on the ice roads during the winter. During the summer, he applied this knowledge while working on the Railway.
Stephen was a gifted artist and created the designs for many tattoos including his own.
He was the designer of and built pellet stoves while working for James Town Pellet Stove.
Stephen was the designer and creator of the bike magazine “Freedom Rider” from which he created the character “Bruno the Biker”. He featured this character in special greeting cards that he made for his family and friends.
Stephen was an accomplished musician. He played in many bands over the years as a guitarist. He also played the drums and the keyboard. Whether it was one of his electrics or acoustics, he loved playing his guitar every day. Whether on the road, or by the campfire, or just simply at home strumming the guitar and singing with his Amber.
He loved his bikes and spent many hours cruising the highways on his prized Harley “chopper”.
Aside from his deep love for his wife Amber, one of their greatest passions was fishing. He spent many years guiding north of Vermilion Bay where he was known for his abilities to catch lots of fish especially walleye and bass and of course the elusive Muskellunge (Musky). He competed in many walleye and bass tournaments. He loved fishing with his friends and fishing with his Amber. There wasn’t an area lake that he wasn’t successful on and he always had an endless number of fish stories of accomplishments or mishaps to tell.
Stephen was always a protector of the ones he cared for, he had a great sense of humor and was very giving and generous to his friends and family. Known to many as “the Gonz”, he was a very hard worker always working long hours, doing anything at any time for those that needed him. He finally felt complete and was able to settle down when he finally found the love of his life Amber. Their love for each other was unconditional and the two of them were inseparable enjoying every moment with each other and with the ones they loved.
Stephen was a true inspiration to others, and he will be sadly missed by his family and many friends but most of all he will be immensely missed by his very best friend and wife Amber.
At Stephen’s request, no funeral will be held. Internment of Ashes will take place at a later date with his family, as they celebrate his life at a private memorial. Any stories and pictures or words of condolences that anyone would like to share with his wife and family would be greatly appreciated.
Expressions of sympathy may be emailed to: pinkflueger@hotmail.com.
