Stephen Carline

We are devastated to share that our beloved Stephen passed away on October 23 at the age of 37 years. To all who knew him, Steve was a kind and considerate soul with a great sense of humour.

He was the best big brother imaginable to Nick, and a thoughtful son who provided years of joy, countless hours of entertainment through his sports, music and the many endeavours that he embraced wholeheartedly.

Steve played every team sport offered throughout his school years and developed close and enduring friendships with his school and sports buddies. Although he had little interest in formal music education, he taught himself to play guitar and became a brilliant guitarist - constantly seeking people to jam with - his brother being his drummer and various friends drawn into his musical world.

Family vacations to Vancouver Island introduced Steve to surfing at a very young age, and his life-long passion for surfing began. Steve loved being by the ocean and travelled to Central America and Mexico often, where he surfed, learned Spanish, and played guitar. He met and made friends everywhere he went.

Following High School Steve applied himself with fervor to his goal of becoming an EMT Firefighter (he graduated top of his EMT class) and joining the Strathcona Fire Department. He was selected for the Elite Rap Attack Helicopter Fire Fighting Team in 2007 and terrified his family by rappelling out of helicopters.

Steve lived large and fearless, fuelled by his sense of adventure and always filled with caring and compassion for others.

In his early 20’s Steve's interior world became dark and we realized over time that he was struggling with a serious mental illness. Over the next 15 years of his life, he battled a two-headed beast-schizophrenia and substance use. Like many illnesses, his was a progressive one. He began to lose connection with his circle of friends, lost the ability to work, and faced homelessness. We all tried everything, as did Steve, to find escape from the beast.

We are grateful that the last days of Steve's life were in the safety of a hospital where we could visit, hug him, hold him, and express our love to him.

We will be forever grateful to the ACT Team, all the doctors, nurses and mental health people who worked to help Steve over the years. And to all those who showed Steve kindness and compassion.

Steve will be forever remembered by his: Mom-Glenda (Sartore), Dad-Dan, brother Nick, his step-dad Wayne (Adam, Steph), Grampa-Bob Henley, Grama-May Carline. His Aunts, Uncles and Cousins: Brenda Henley (Greg Anderson, Scott, Mark), Melinda Giebelhaus (Dale, Katie, Geoff, Christie), Sue Siemens (Ernie, Jenn, Greg), Carolyn Saccucci (Frank, Janelle, Kevin, Brent), Joanne Andrews (Brad, Lauren). Steve was predeceased by his grandparents Ed Carline and Margot Henley.

A celebration of Steve's amazing life will be held on Saturday November 9th, at 2 PM at Broadmoor Golf Course in Sherwood Park.
Traditional funeral attire is not expected. Please wear what you like and come comfortable.

In Steve's name, please consider making a donation to the Hope Mission in Edmonton and always be kind to those struggling on the streets.