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Stephen Steve Hetherington
March 13, 1942 - January 19, 2012
Tribute
Hetherington, Stephen John. Beloved husband, father and grandfather went home to be with Jesus after a thankfully brief battle with renal cancer on January 19, 2012
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has Promised to those who love him.
Stephen John Hetherington was born March 13, 1942, at the Royal Columbia Hospital in New Westminster, BC. He attended the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, BC and became a high school teacher- a career he desired since childhood.
He began his career as a teacher in Quesnel, BC and it was there that he met Betty-Jo. They were married on June 30, 1967. They had two sons: Eric in 1968 and Brock in 1972.
A born educator, he undertook further educational training at Queens University in Kingston, ON and later at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, BC during his early years as a teacher. After a long career teaching Mathematics and Social Studies, he returned to SFU to study ESL, which he taught until the end of his career in 1998.
Steve’s desire to serve led he and his wife, Betty-Jo to Japan for a brief stay to teach English. During the first 5 years of retirement, Steve and Betty-Jo tutored Asian students in ESL.
Steve served on Church boards, sang in many choirs and for the past 6 years was a very active volunteer and president with the Okanagan Gleaners. This work truly was his passion. “Feed the hungry” was his mission.
A man of honour and integrity, a gentle man who did not want any honours for himself, Steve only wanted to get the Gospel of Jesus Christ out to the world.
Steve was a loving husband and best friend, a father and a grandfather. He is predeceased by his parents, Violet and Jack. He is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife, Betty Jo, sons Eric (Kimberley), Brock (Mary), granddaughters Abigail and Ainsley, brother Eugene (Bonnie) and sister, Jill. Steve has four nephews and one niece, many cousins and many friends who made up his spiritual family.
A memorial service to be held at the Oliver Alliance Church on Saturday January 28, 2012 at 2:00 P.M.
Donations may be sent to the Okanagan Gleaners at www.okanagangleaners.ca.
He fought the good fight and completed the race.
Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com
Arrangements entrusted to Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service & Crematorium, Oliver & Osoyoos.
Condolences
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From: ashok k parashar
Relation: colleague -banting jr.secondary
Dear Betty-Jo : I was shocked to read about Steve’s sudden passing.It feels like it was just yesterday that you,Steve and I were teaching at Banting That,however,was nearly18 years ago! I have fond memories of Steve.He was a loyal,caring and dedicated colleague and an amazing human being. God bless his soul.My heart and thoughts go out to you and your sons. Take care,Ashok.
From: Carolynn Kelly
Relation: friend
There is simply not enough words to tell you how sorry I am for your loss Betty-Jo . Steve was a good man and will be dearly missed by family and friends who loved him, so sorry. Hugs and Love to you Betty-Jo. Love Carolynn xxxx
From: Dante/Sylvia Dizon
Relation: Friendship Baptist Church
Our deepest condolences to you and your family, we will be praying for you for comfort, peace and strength. God bless and be with you always.
From: A. Reuben & Mercy Unaegbu
Relation: Friendship Baptist Church,
Dear Betty-Jo and Family: On behalf of my wife Mercy, our family and the Friendship family, I send my heartfelt condolences to you. The news of Steve passing came to us as a shock. Steve was a loving and friendly gentleman, a loving brother and a man of integrity. His love for our Lord and others and your love for each other were exemplary. My greatest memory of Steve is his cheerful attitude and his service for the Lord while you were here. He will be greatly missed by all. May the Presence of the Lord be your comfort at this time Betty-Jo. And be consoled with the assurance that we will meet him again (1 Thess. 4:13ff). Reuben Unaegbu
From: Mary and Vern Ritchie
Relation: Friend
Our brief time well spent with Steve was witnessing and experiencing
his earnest desire and ability to live Philippians 3:13. Well done
good and faithful Steward. Love and blessings Mary&Vern
From: Diana Erbe
Relation: Friend of Family Member
To the Hetherington Family,
My dear friend Susan McDonald has spoken so lovingly of Steve over the years. I know that you will miss him in ways that are not yet apparent to you, but you serve the Lord God who will lift you up into His arms to comfort you duirng this time of grieving and who will understand the depth of your loss.
For each of you, I am praying for His peace to surround you and to be in your hearts.
From: Care Team From Steele Heights Baptist Church
Relation: Church member
We remember Stephen’s winning smile and his readiness to volunteer whenever possible. Our hearts are saddened by your loss Betty-Jo. May God be your comfort and strength and also for the rest of your family as you go forward in life’s journey. Our prayers are with you.
From: Gerry and Betty Patterson
Relation: friends
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Betty-Jo and family. It was a priviledge to be friends with Steve. He truly is a friend of God and God is his friend. He now is getting to know God’s friendship in a new and wonderful way as he sees Him face to face.
Love Betty and Gerry
From: Helen Volkow
Relation: Betty -Jo and Coquitlam College
I am so sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. I always enjoyed his presence whether it was on field trips with the Japanese students when I was teaching at Coquitlam College or when I visited with you when you were in PoCo. I always got a kick out of Steve’s attempts at trying out his Russian with me. I know that this is a great loss for you and the boys and grandchildren,but you have your faith which will guide you through the next step in your journey. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Much love to you.
From: Richard & Dorothy Cummings
Relation: Old Friend
Betty-Jo: …….. Linda just sent us the link to Stephen’s Obituary. What a fine man to have as a husband, father, grandfather, or friend. Apart from the years of dedication as a teacher to thousands, Steve’s list of post-retirement volunteer work indicates to me what a quality gentleman with whom you have shared your life. Please pass along our thoughts and prayers to Eric and Brock. I’m sure they must be fine gentlemen with the grandparent heritage they received that I’m familiar with…… Hugs for all the family from Rich and Dorothy Cummings
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Date & Time:
January 28, 2012
Beginning at 2:00pm
Location:
Oliver Alliance Church
36853 - 99th Street
Oliver, BC Canada V0H 1T0
A memorial service to be held at the Oliver Alliance Church on Saturday January 28, 2012 at 2:00 P.M.
36853 - 99th Street
Oliver, BC Canada V0H 1T0
Memorial Gifts
Memorial Gifts may be sent directly to:
the Okanagan Gleaners at www.okanagangleaners.ca.
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
Flower Fantasy Flowers & Gifts Inc.
6049 Main Street, Oliver, BC
https://www.flowerfantasyoliver.com/
Local: (250) 498-0088 Toll free: (844) 498-0088
Flowers on Main & Reis Boutique
5859 Main Street, Oliver, BC
https://www.oliverflorist.com/
Local: (778) 439-2270 Toll free: (800) 665-9983
Gems and Stems at Eastside
6496 Park Drive, Oliver, BC
https://gemsandstems.com/
(250) 826-0438
Polka Dot Door Floral Design Boutique
8522 Main Street, Osoyoos, BC
https://www.polkadotdoor.net/
(250) 495-2226
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