Obituary of Stephen John Cantwell

Stephen John Cantwell, age 80, went to be with the Lord on Saturday March 21, 2020 in Ottawa, Ontario.Stephen was born December 25, 1939 on Bell Island, NL to Fred and Annie (Doyle), before escaping to Avondale during wartime, as iron ore ships near Bell Island were under attack in 1942. At a tender age he joined the Armed Forces Signal Corp which eventually led him to the Ottawa area and into the arms of Marie Côté.Stephen is survived by his wife Marie and 7 children, Chisel (Colleen), Ellen (Fintan), Anne (Jon), Joan (Tony), Steven “Stan”, Marcus (Tracey) and Benjamin (Mandie).Stephen liked to do things in a big way, starting things off with being born on Christmas Day followed by being eldest of 10 siblings, then raising 7 children and being blessed with 13 grandchildren.He was pre-deceased by his siblings Mary (Phil), Theresa (Reggie) and little baby Michael. He is survived by siblings, Elizabeth (Russell), Fred (Licia), Josephine “Josie” (Jean Guy), Joe (Carol Ann), Bernie (Marlene), Ellen (Gus) and Wayne.As are his own children, Stephen’s cherished grandchildren are also his legacy and were so important to him. He remembered all their names, Samantha, Adam, Jesse, Madison, Christopher, Laura, Michaela, Sierra, Emily, Sophia, James, Kyler & Alek. He never failed to ask what his grandkids were up to and how they were.Stephen attended Eastern Pentecostal Bible College (now Masters College and Seminary) in 1976/77 while raising 7 children and working for Kaufman of Collingwood. He continued with Kaufman for many many years. Stephen always brought his passion to every line of work or fun. He joined the Ottawa Real Estate board, where he was involved in both residential and commercial sales. He thoroughly enjoyed working with Ottawa area builders such as Tamarack and others.When not working Stephen loved his road trips, particularly those which included his golf bag. When his children were young, he often planned adventurous vacations which frequently included boating, fishing, camping and trying to pretend we were lost on a hike.Stephen will be remembered as easy going, humourous, entertaining and full of courage.