Obituary of STEPHEN MICHAEL NEALE

STEPHEN MICHAEL NEALE

APRIL 4, 1960 – MAY 15, 2025

Stephen, as we all supported him, was the gentlest soul you could ever come across. He came to be supported by Visions of Independence on July 6, 2021, moving into Tamworth Bay with his colleague, Darcy, from St. Amant, where he had spent most, if not all, of his early adult life. He was born in Winnipeg with his three surviving siblings; a brother Ben, and two sisters, Deborah and Virginia; to parents who are both deceased.

I came to have a deep affection for Stephen when I started managing the home he shared with Darcy, Holly, and Kaylee. Stephen had a unique, quiet and gentle way of communicating, to let those around him know his thoughts and needs. We came to realize that Stephen recognizes the people around him by touch and sound. Stephen was a lively soul who didn’t let anything dampen his spirits. He really showed me and everyone around him what it means to live a day at a time, in the moment, showing everyone his resilience.

He loved Hot-Rock music and would always demonstrate his excitement by banging against his chair handles. People who knew Stephen described him as Energetic; Affectionate; Unique; Social; Expressive; Powerful, and Outgoing. Despite the challenges he was born with, he grew up experiencing the love of his family, companions at St. Amant, his house mates and the people that knew and supported him at Visions of Independence and those that met him along the way.

 Stephen left us unexpectedly and the silence he leaves behind is felt deeply by all who knew and loved him. As a person of faith, I believe he’s in a better place enjoying a brighter, sunnier, and livelier life than “Winterpeg, Manisnowba”. He still exhibited the characteristics that we knew and loved about Stephen to the very end of his life. His Housemates miss him every day and the people who knew him will miss his quiet demeanor and have many memories of Stephen. One of those memories was recently celebrating his 65^th birthday. He threw a big party inviting many of his friends and enjoyed the big 65 balloons and of course cake!

To know Stevie was to know warmth and sincerity. He was the kind of person who made the world feel gentler just by being in it. Though he is no longer with us and has joined his parents and grandparents in the great beyond. Stephen's memory will live on in the quiet moments, the gentle breezes and unspoken gestures that remind us of his enduring spirit. Our condolences to the family, may he find rest forever more. He is deeply missed and will forever remain in our hearts.