Adored husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather – Harold Stefano passed away peacefully at the age of 87 with his family at his bedside in Elk Valley Hospital on March 21, 2013. He was born December 3, 1925, to parents Pete and Ethel Stefano in Hill Crest, Alberta.
Harold is survived by the love of his life and wife of 66 years, Annie Stefano. He was dearly loved by his children, Larry Stefano (Jackie) of Cranbrook, and Leslie Siska (Don) and Lee Stefano (Anna) of Fernie. Loving grandfather to Peter Stefano (Sheila), Tracy Ball (Mathew), LeeAnn Smith (Chad), Shawna Fancy (Jeff), Chad Siska (Lindsey), and Michael Stefano (Kristie) and very proud great-grandfather to Tyler, Aiden, Zavier, Charley, Keegan, Ava, Mya, Wyatt, Easton, Aspen, Dylan, Kylie and Corbin.
Harold first attended elementary and high school in Hill Crest and Bellevue, Alberta, before serving in the Navy for two years. Prior to graduating Harold courted his childhood sweetheart and later married Annie on July 20, 1946. Together they settled in the communities of Bellevue, Natal, Albert Canyon, and finally, Fernie. It was during these years that their family began to grow. In his later years, Harold retired after working for East Kootenay Power and BC Hydro for many years. He was a welder by trade, and later moved on to become a crew supervisor within the company.
Harold delighted in his family and deeply treasured the time spent with them. Nothing made him more proud than the mention of his growing family. Harold was an outdoors enthusiast, who shared his passion for fishing and hunting with family and friends alike. There was never a day when he fell short of fishing and hunting tales to share. He will also be remembered as a curling enthusiast, an avid gardener, and a lover of dogs. Harold exuded personality. He was blessed with a kind heart, a great sense of humour, a stubborn mind and an adventurous spirit.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and sincerest gratitude to the medical staff at Elk Valley Hospital for their many kindnessess and wonderful care during Harold’s last days. With Harold’s love of the outdoors in mind, a private family service will occur at Loon Lake (his happy place) at a later date. Also, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in honour of Harold to: the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 36, PO Box 549, Fernie BC, V0B 1M0. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at
www.cherishedmemoriesfs.com Arrangements entrusted to Cherished Memories Funeral Services Ltd.