“If you want a job done well do it yourself!”
Author Unknown
Steve liked doing things right the first time. He was also fiercely independent, almost to a fault. He would never ask for help, yet was one of the first to offer his hand to assist family, friends, neighbours and customers when there was a need. He was always proud of his workmanship and would often be heard saying, “that is a good looking building.” Thankfully, his memory will live on in the craftsmanship he has left us for years to come.
Steven Douglas Beecroft was born in Newmarket to parents William Colborn and Vera Lorren (Yule) Beecroft. He joined older brother, Bill, twenty years his senior. Sadly, Steve’s father died when he was two and he and his mother settled in the Beeton area. He attended Tecumseh North Central School before completing his high school education at Banting Memorial High School in Alliston, graduating in 1982. Steve then enrolled in the Electronics – Digital Equipment & Systems program at George Brown College in Toronto. After completing his one year program he returned to Alliston to find work. Over the next few years he tried his hand at a variety of jobs, looking for the right fit.
In 1992, while enjoying an evening out at the Loretto Inn with friends, Steve was introduced to Kathy Cation. In the months that followed they continued to meet up, often at the same Inn, where they first met. They then began dating and were married the following year, June 18, 1994 at Mayfield United Church in Caledon. The newlyweds soon settled on Torbam Road in Caledon, where they began their life together. The joy of Steve’s life arrived on March 16, 1997, when daughter Julia Ann was born. As Julia grew Steve continued to shower her with love and provided unwavering support.
In the late 90’s while visiting family friends, Bill and Nancy Hewson, Steve’s next career was born. Apparently it was a month or so after Christmas and Bill had yet to remove the Christmas tree from the family home. As we all know, Bill and Nancy’s conversation went back and forth until Bill blurted out… “call the other husband!” The seed was planted. Shortly after, Steve began his own business, calling it “The Other Husband” and helped a variety of people with their renovation needs and odd tasks. Steve was a jack-of-all-trades and could fix anything. He had a large collection of tools, sometimes collecting more than one of each if you know what I mean, but he could never have too many of them. He later went on to work for the Hewson’s maintaining properties. There was no task that Steve would not attempt, usually succeeding. He spent time at Home Depot in Bolton and Darta, also in Bolton, where he enjoyed setting-up the interior electronic components of police cars. The icing on the cake was when he got to drive the police cars back to the local detachments. A job I am told he thoroughly enjoyed… I wonder why?
In 2017, Steve and Kathy made the move to Port Elgin, as they looked to slow down and enjoy life a bit more. They built a new home on Buckby Lane, near Pierson Avenue, and enjoyed settling into the community. Steve soon took a job at the Home Hardware in Port Elgin and eventually settled in at the contractors desk. He absolutely loved working there. They were an extension of his family, and he treasured the friendships that were created.
When time allowed for it, Steve enjoyed hunting, fishing, and had a particular fondness for hockey during his youth. He also enjoyed restorations, vintage trucks and carpentry work. Steve loved Halloween and all the preparations that went into the evening. He was known for his elaborate set-ups at the family home and loved carving pumpkins with Julia. He liked a variety of Rock & Roll music, often louder than the rest of us preferred, with Meatloaf being one of his favourites. Steve was also known for his ringtones. Each individual and notification was unique, so he was quick to know who was reaching out to him. Most of these tunes where very easy to recognize and often very memorable. He enjoyed a good shot (or shots depending on his company) of Tequila or a cold Ex. Steve was a fabulous cook and was known for his famous homemade Mac & Cheese and chili. He had a particular fondness for salt & vinegar chips or a pizza from Airport Pizza… don’t forget the anchovies. Steve was always up-to-date on the most recent technology and he had a fondness for TV. Their home featured 6 TVs (yes, you read that right) for two people… enough said. Any programming that featured any type of restoration of vehicles, houses or a cooking show were favourites of his. He also enjoyed the History Channel, Curse of Oak Island, Yukon Gold and the movie, Ghostwriter, just to name a few. Reading was another pastime Steve enjoyed, with magazines being his go-to. Hot Rod, woodworking and comic books were only a few of the subjects he enjoyed losing himself in. Finally, no one can talk about his life without mentioning his love of animals, especially cats. Marley and Mackey were considered part of the family and were spoiled accordingly.
Steve was normally very quiet and liked to keep to himself. He was also known not to enjoy getting his picture taken. In fact he probably could of been a hand model as there are countless photographs of his right or left hand in the middle of the picture! He was also facetious, enjoyed a good joke and teasing those around him… in a good way of course. He was a collector, and some might say he enjoyed collecting too much stuff, right Kathy? Like most of us, he was also a tad bit stubborn and was known to procrastinate, in other words… why do it today if it will be there tomorrow? However, if you had the pleasure of really getting to know Steve, you would know the funny, loving man who would do anything for anyone.
In recent years, when considering a career path, Julia decided to follow in her dad’s footsteps and pursue a career as a carpenter. He was so proud of her. Not only was she following in his footsteps but she was also becoming a strong, independant woman. What he was not happy about was the fact that his little girl, was now taller than him! Joking aside, Steve will be dearly missed and unfortunately left us all too soon. We must take comfort in the wonderful times and great memories we shared with him. This storytelling will allow his memory to live on in his family and friends for years to come.
Sadly, Steve passed away suddenly on Thursday, May 7, 2020 in his 57th year.
Beloved husband of Kathy (Cation). Cherished father of Julia and her partner Selina Dias. Steve will be dearly missed by the entire Beecroft, Yule and Cation families. He was predeceased by his brother Bill and parents William and Vera (Yule) Beecroft.
The love and support of family and friends are so important at times like these. Please consider leaving a detailed condolence, or perhaps a favourite story, or a way Steve touched your life – something to inspire a measure of comfort and hope to all who read these comments.
A public visitation for friends, neighbours, co-workers and extended family will be held at Rhody Family Funeral Home, Chesley on Tuesday, May 12, 2020 from 1 – 3 p.m. Please remember that current gathering restrictions are still in place and only 10 people are permitted in the funeral home at one time. Thank you in advance for your co-operation. Private family services and cremation will follow.
Memorial donations to Diabetes Canada would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
