December 30, 1927 - February 15, 2019
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Steve on February 15, 2019 at age 91.
Steve was born December 30, 1927 in Spiritwood, Saskatchewan, the fifth of eight children born to Anna (Benczkober) and Ignace Wurst, colonists of Hercegfalva, Hungary.
His parents, with sister Annie and brother Joseph came to Canada October 16, 1923 sailing on the ship Andania via port of departure at Cherbourg, France with arrival at Quebec City. Their destination was Wakaw, Saskatchewan with eventual homesteading at Norbury.
In 1941, the family left Saskatchewan and bought a dairy farm at Aldergrove, BC near Lefeuvre Road and then a second home at Otter Road. Steve attended the local school of Aberdeen, and from an early age helped with the work on the family farm. A few years later the family moved to Cloverdale, and purchased the iconic Clovermeadow Dairy Farm, with its beautiful red barn, the historic Shannon House and acres of farmland. The farm location is now the home of Kwantlen Polytechnic University's Cloverdale campus.
For many years Steve managed the daily operations of Clovermeadow Dairy and was a constant neighbourly fixture in the community, easily identified by his token cowboy hat and truck. He enjoyed the Cloverdale Rodeo, Country Fair, Fraser Downs and the history of the Fraser Valley but mostly reminiscing about the prairies.
Steve was married to Erminia Lucy (Ginger) Artico, until her passing in 1991.
He will be lovingly remembered by his sister Mary; many nieces and nephews, brother in law Bill, sister in law Donna and family of Ginger. Steve was predeceased by his parents (resting at Murrayville cemetery), his siblings Anne, Ignace Jr, Joseph, Kathleen (Kay), Elizabeth (Betty) and youngest brother Ignace.
In recent years it became difficult for Steve to manage alone and his short- term memory was quickly fading. He found a home-like atmosphere of holistic care at Zion Park Manor where his caregivers described Steve as their resident Cloverdale Cowboy.
The family extends sincere thanks to Zion Park Manor and caregivers for providing dignity and respect to Steve's quality of life. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Zion Park Manor 5939 180th Street, Surrey, BC V3S 4L2 (604 576-2891) zionparkmanor.com
Please join us Friday, February 22 at Arbor Chapel, Valley View Memorial Gardens, 14644 72 Avenue Surrey, BC for Public Visitation from 1:30 pm - 2 pm, Funeral at 2pm with Reception to follow.
Rest in peace Gentleman Cowboy.