Stephen was born in Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne, England, on May 11, 1936. As a young man he entered his apprenticeship as a fitter at Parsons completing it in 1957. There, he worked on the turbines that would eventually become the foundation of Lakeview Generating Station. His working life was briefly interrupted by his years of National Service with the Royal Engineers, during which he served in Holland, West Germany and Italy.
Stephen Wilson Kendal emigrated from England in May 1965 moving to Canada to begin what would be a proud 30-year career at Lakeview GS with Ontario Hydro, now OPG. He took great pride in his work and in supporting his fellow workers, serving as a CUPE shop steward and remaining a proud union man throughout his life.
That same year, Stephen met the love of his life, Katie, who predeceased him in 2011. Their romance was a whirlwind, and by December they were married. They shared 46 wonderful years together, building a life filled with love, family, friendship and music. For many years, Stephen and Kay were part of the Homelands community in Mississauga, and their home was a place of warmth and welcome, where family and friends gathered, laughter was shared, and there was always music.
A Freemason and member of Southgate Lodge, he also volunteered for many years at Sunnycrest Nursing Home. His kindness and dedication were recognized with Volunteer of the Year honours in 2012 and the Power Workers Union Community Volunteer Award in 2014.
Stephen had a song for every occasion and a way of making everyone feel special. He was a loving father to his daughters, Stephenie (David) and Victoria, and a devoted and much-loved Grandad to Iain (Kaitlyn), Christine, William, Jacqualin and Charlie. He was also a cherished uncle to Christine (Colin) Curtis and Kevin (Susan) Kendal. We all will carry his songs, his stories, his kindness, and his memory with us always.
A very proud Geordie, Stephen will be remembered not only for the life he built, but for the way he lived it: with pride in his work, devotion to his family, a genuine willingness to give his time to others, and a song for everyone he met.
The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Viva Retirement Residence for the happy years Stephen spent there and the many friendships he made. They are also deeply grateful to the palliative care teams in Northumberland County and Durham Region—Stephanie, Cailin, Melanie, Vicky, Roxanne, Ping, and Dr Kassirer—for their compassion, kindness and exceptional care during his final days.
OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME
