Obituary of Stephen Lloyd VanBlarcom

Stephen Lloyd VanBlarcom, loving husband and father, volunteer, athlete, story teller, and accomplished musician, died of heart failure peacefully at home on Monday, September 23, 2019.

Although cut too short, Stephen lived a life full of love, joy and laughter. Stephen is survived by his beloved wife Stacey Darlene (Connors), son Jesse Tate and daughter Shyloh Stephen (partner Sam Huyer); his mother Madeline Moir (Cook) siblings Frank (Glenda), Donna Ekstedt (Jan), John (Yvonne), sister in-laws Cathy Matheson (Kevin deceased), Wendy Connors-Beckett (Andrew) and brother–in-law Shawn Connors (Sarah) as well as sister by choice Jennifer Brothers (Dave). He was predeceased by his father Lloyd VanBlarcom, step father Gerry Moir and brother-in-law Brian Connors. Steve adored his many nieces and nephews Mia, Randi-Marie, Kelsey, Tara, Adam, Jordan, Katie, Kayleigh, Brian, and Christian; great nephew Nik, and great nieces Eden, Irelynn, Jill, Julia and Alice.

It was not unusual at a family gathering to see Stephen sitting a bit off to the side and just watching and listening to the stories, smiling from ear to ear, his beautiful blue eyes full of joy, pride and love. His wife, Stacey and children were his greatest joys. He relished in their every word, the music they would create together and infectious laughter they would share with each other and among the friends who so frequently dropped by and joined in. Stephen cared deeply about his community and was generous with his time and talent. He volunteered as a soccer coach at the HMCC and supported and played hockey for years. Stephen had a strong desire to provide and care for his family. He worked hard and he worked often. Stephen always gave his all. A gifted musician, Stephen could play many instruments; his favourite perhaps was his trusted banjo. He and his brothers, and close friends, would often be seen busking around Hantsport raising funds for the IWK hospital. While Stephen was a natural musician and athlete the same cannot be said of his storytelling abilities. He loved to share stories but often struggled to be succinct and bring the story to an end. Upon reflection, perhaps he was more connected to the spiritual world than most, for his story has not ended it has transitioned to a new chapter.

Stephen never failed to see the positive in everything. He loved his time with family at Fall’s Lake and in recent years his favourite place in the world was the cottage at the river. A tranquil place where love and music and the celebration of life was a daily occurrence.  Today if you stand facing the river you can still hear the first haunting notes of his banjo as they dissipate and form a joyful echo over the tree tops. His was a life well lived.

Please bring your instruments and stories to a drop-in in Stephen’s memory at the Churchill House in Hantsport on Thursday, October 3, 2019 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the IWK Hospital.    Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, 34 Coldbrook Village Park Dr., Coldbrook, NS, B4P 1B9 (902-679-2822).