BLEAKLEY, Stephen Louis Bleakley

He was born in Acton, London on September 6, 1956, landing in Canada with his parents as a young boy. His family was from London but harkened back to Irish roots. He spent his formative years in East York(Toronto).

Steve always loved fishing and often spoke of his childhood playing and fishing along the Don River near his home.

A northern fishing trip to the Timmins area led him to meet his future wife, AnnaMae, through his friend Tim Bell, her brother. Tim and Steve were then known as ‘Frik and Frak’, infamous for their ‘double trouble’ jokes and laughter and both passed away on March 9th 27 years apart.

Steve had a long and fulfilling career with the City of Toronto, beginning at 18 and retiring after many years of service.

Father to Rachel (Brent) and Robert. Proud grandfather to Benjamin and Brooklyn, who referred to him as “Granddad”. Brother to Robert and Michael, and predeceased by his sister Lorraine. Son to Louis (Marion), and predeceased by his mother Margaret. Uncle to many nieces and nephews on both sides, and will be missed by a large extended family.

In his early 30’s Steve and AnnaMae moved to a rural property an hour east of Toronto where Steve raised chickens and turkeys, making Christmas turkey deliveries in his old truck. Those were his best years-raising children and country living with a pet menagerie. His family enjoyed his antics, lively sense of humour and love of movies.

Unfortunately those good years were far too brief when at 40 Steve had his first heart attack, a disease that would years later take his life. He also struggled with leukaemia . In his early 50s, Steve began experiencing significant challenges with his memory and mental health, and over time his mind deteriorated.

Through all his struggles, he held on to his sense of humour, and that’s what people will remember most about him.