Obituary of Stephen Alexander Todd

To participate with Stephen's family in the livestream service, please click here.

Passed away, surrounded by loving family, on May 27, 2020, after a short stay in Emmanuel House Hospice in Hamilton, ON.  

Born on June 25, 1952, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Stephen lived in Lisburn, near Belfast, until emigrating to Canada with his parents and little sister, at age nine.  Since then, his family has spread to cover the globe, from the UK and the US, to all parts of Canada.  

As an elementary school teacher, a long-time member of the KW Cycle Sport Association, an original member of two bands (Failte and Thorne ’n’ the Sides), and as Professor Spark of Mad Science, Stephen was a lifelong learner, loved riding, playing the bodhran, singing, and sparking the light in the eyes of children.  He always found that special “something” that connected him to those around him.  He loved people of all ages and we loved him.     

Stephen is survived by Ellen McIntosh, his wife and best friend for 35 years. He will always be cherished by his daughter Sarah (Adam Lees) of Kelowna, BC, son Cameron (Heather MacNeish) of Newmarket, ON, and daughter Shannon (Brock Reinhart) of Hamilton, ON.  His favourite form of exercise started the moment he was spotted by any one of his granddaughters, Miya or Aislynn (BC), or grandsons, Liam, Rowan or Alistair (ON), and his call to “get this party started” was the only cue they needed!  His baby sister, Sharon (Gary Charbonneau), Sisters-in-law Martha Hopkins (Jack), Beth McIntosh, and Joanne McIntosh (Chris Braithewaite), Aunties Vera, Barbara, Alice, Eileen, and Isabelle, Uncles Walter and Glenn, many nieces, nephews, and cousins will miss him forever.  

Stephen is predeceased by his father, Harry Todd (Grandpa),  mother, Della Shuh (Nana), Step-father, Ward Shuh (Papa), Uncles Andy, John, Joe, Roy, Jack, Stanley, Raymond, Billy and Horace, and Aunties Greta, Frances, Zenda and Margaret.  

We are grateful to the staff at Juravinski Cancer Centre, the Cancer Assistance Program, and Emmanuel House Hospice, and will remember the loving care Stephen received during the past year.  

Cremation has taken place. A private memorial service will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Sunday, May 31, 2020 at 12:30 pm. Stephen’s extended family and friends may view the service via livestream at www.erbgood.com.

Condolences for the family and donations (in lieu of flowers) to Juravinski Cancer Centre, CAP,  or Emmanuel House Hospice may be arranged through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.