Obituary of Stephen Paul Jones

Stephen Paul Jones launched at 1:50 AM Friday, November 25, 2022, he was 74. It was a smooth and gentle liftoff with a quick ascent and little turbulence. After a heroic 367 days of being “locked-in” after a severe stroke Steve is no longer restrained by gravity and is now free to travel the cosmos - a place he always dreamed of discovering.

Steve was the third child of Ken and Anne Jones and was flanked by his older brothers Hugh and David and by his younger siblings Elisabeth, Debbie, and Rolfe.

Steve was a gifted student and his curiosity fueled his love of learning throughout his life. He had a passion for anything that flew or moved fast. He loved motorcycles (a life-long Triumph Bonneville, Vespa & Chopper aficionado); cars (hot rods in particular); airplanes (both home-built balsa and anything professionally manufactured); the Bluebird hydroplane; but most of all - rockets of which he built many and launched magnificently!

This curiosity and love of learning extended beyond the mechanical, leading him to read a plethora of books across domains of philosophy, psychology, theoretical physics, electronics, and various religions/spiritual beliefs. Although Steve never truly saw himself as a scholar, he amassed a wealth of knowledge across a breadth of subjects and could maintain seamless conversations no matter how a discussion might progress.

Steve possessed a clever sense of humour which brought out the best in all. He had a gift of personal magic. Those who met him always came away feeling better.

Stephen was also a magnificent confidant and friend. His quick wit and quirky humour belied a nuanced view of the world and its inhabitants. Steve was never quick to judge or dismiss, believing that acceptance and compassion were instrumental tools in understanding and connecting with others. He had a rare ability to see the good, the bad, and the potential in people with impartiality and kindness. This kindness was not restricted to people alone, as Steve saw a beauty in nature and all life. It was not uncommon for Steve to care for animals who were found injured or distressed.

For the many who knew Steve, few knew about the constant depression he fought; and he did, valiantly. Stephen is survived by his loving wife, Sherry; son, Liam; stepson, Merlin (Jamie); partner Jamie; and granddaughter, Rowyn; sister-in-law Bruce; David (Grace); Lis (Ian); Debbie (Harold); Rolfe (Susan); and by nephews and nieces Deindre, Cheratien, Kate, Ben, Simon, Jack, and Joel.

Stephen was predeceased by his parents Ken, Anne, his stepfather Poul, and his eldest brother Hugh.

A celebration of Stephen’s life will be held at a later date. In memory of Stephen, a friend, or a family member who is battling or has battled depression, donations may be made to The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia https://www.mentalhealthns.ca/ or the QE II’s Unit 7.4 General Neurology, Acute Stroke Care Unit, & Epilepsy Monitoring Unit where Steve was so wonderfully and professionally cared for: https://my.qe2foundation.ca/donations. Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, 34 Coldbrook Village Park Dr., Coldbrook, NS, B4R 1B9 (902-679-2822). Online condolences may be made by visiting:  www.serenityfuneralhome.ca