Steven Alexander “Steve” Weatherall

Steve passed away peacefully at home in Cranbrook, B.C. on August 17th. He is survived by his wife Joanne and children Kevin (Jenn Elliot), Neil, and Amanda, granddaughter Robyn, as well as his three sisters, Patricia (Doug) Brealey, Sheila (Ross) Cory, Nancy (Ron) Cliff. He is predeceased by his parents Helen and Bill Weatherall.

Steve was born and raised in Vancouver BC where he attended Lord Kitchener Elementary and Lord Byng Secondary (1974). He graduated from UBC with a degree in Engineering Physics (1980). In 1986, he returned to UBC to embark on a Masters in Pulp and Paper Engineering. Steve’s work in the Pulp & Paper Industry took him to many towns throughout British Columbia. Beginning his career in Prince Rupert, Steve met his wife, Joanne, while acting in a community play. They married in 1987 and started their family. Later, they moved to Quesnel and eventually, in 1999, to Cranbrook where they put down their roots.

Steve loved biking, swimming, and squash, and was up for an adventure. In his early days he enjoyed lifeguarding, cutting a rug at the Hot Jazz Club, and in 1978 Steve and a friend cycled across Canada. It was an adventure of a lifetime, and many great stories came from the coast-to-coast journey.  He enjoyed time spent working with his Dad at the summer cabin on Bowen Island. As a young boy, he joined the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club and sailing became a key interest. Many sailing trips and family adventures along the coast of BC and Alaska peppered his storytelling.

Retiring in 2012, Steve quickly threw his boundless energy into a bevy of projects.  He joined a local Rotary branch and embraced giving back to his community. His passion and commitment saw him become President of the Sunrise Rotary Club of Cranbrook in 2023. He wholeheartedly embraced the We Bike Program, the Kootenay Rockies Gran Fondo, and the Cranbrook History Centre, where he was a Director.

Despite his very busy volunteer life, Steve found time in recent years to pursue his other interests.  He rekindled his love of sports cars and proudly acquired 2 Porsche convertibles on which he loved to tinker.  Lending a helpful hand to Jo’s many home and garden projects, together they created an oasis on their property.  The Weatherall family had many beloved pets and Steve loved every one of them for their unique personalities; raising and breeding Airedales became a family venture.  He never forgot his Vancouver roots and frequently embarked on the long drive to visit family and friends on the coast.

Steve made friends easily.  He had a larger-than-life personality and was a true people person, able to engage anyone in conversation. His voice and laughter were instantly recognizable. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Cranbrook History Centre on Oct 5th at 2pm.  For more information and to RSVP, please visit this link to fill out the form. https://forms.gle/ixv6XFBR9otDraJ69

In Lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Sunrise Rotary Club of Cranbrook.  E-transfer at crksunriserotary@gmail.com or cheques can be mailed to P.O, Box 765, Cranbrook, BC V1C 4J5.