Douglas Gordon Steen, age 74, passed away peacefully Thursday, October 21, 2021 at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre after a short but courageous struggle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
Doug is survived by his 2 sons David (Susie Campbell Steen) and Darren (Lynn Banks Steen), his 3 grandchildren Kayla (Steve Andrade), Devin and Alexis Steen and 3 great-grandchildren Aiva-Lynn, Trenton and Isaiah. He also leaves behind his dear friend Sally Koss and the mother of his children Brenda Winter (Jeff Gibson). He was predeceased by his parents Donald and Betty Steen and his wife Fran Stewart.
Doug was born in the former Port Arthur (now Thunder Bay) on November 6, 1946, the only child to parents Donald and Betty. He spent his early years in the family home on McKibbon Street and made many good friends in the neighbourhood.
After graduating from Hammarskjold High School he set his sights on becoming an accountant. He worked toward an RIA (now CMA) designation while employed at Abitibi Provincial Papers. He continued there as a cost accountant for 18 years.
Doug then discovered his passion and talent for real estate. He became a Licensed Real Estate Broker and a Registered Property Manager. In 1994 he established Steen Property Management Inc and presided as President for 27 years. He was the building manager for Waverly Park Towers for 23 years and a Founding Member and Past President of the Canadian Condominium Institute (CCI) Northwestern Chapter. He also served on the board of the National Condominium Institute for 10 years and on the board of the Thunder Bay Agriplex, as well as a member of the United Commercial Travellers (UCT).
He avidly supported the local business community and had a reputation as an honest, caring, and classy business associate, as well as a good friend to many.
Doug was not all business though. He enjoyed family gatherings for birthdays and holidays with family and friends laughing and “singing” at the karaoke parties. His hobbies included golfing and boating. In his early years he loved to scuba dive and do karate. Unfortunately, he lost money over the years betting on his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs.
Doug also enjoyed travelling. He escaped the cold for golf in Florida and Arizona (visiting lifelong friends Doug and Brenda Arthur). He cruised on the Caribbean with Dave and Susie, visited Cuba with Darren and Lynn and also took trips to Las Vegas and Mexico.
The family wishes to acknowledge the outpouring of love and support from everyone who has reached out during this difficult time. Also a big thank you to the incredible, hard-working staff at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, especially the staff in 1A and the team in ICU. Your tireless work did not go unnoticed.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Doug’s life will be held on Saturday, November 20th at the Moose Hall, 434 Fort William Rd. from 1-4pm, where words of tribute will begin at 1:30pm. To accommodate the capacity limit in accordance with the Province of Ontario, COVID protocols will be in place requiring proof of vaccination, as well as face coverings.
For those who are unable to attend, a live feed will be streamed online via the Sargent & Son Facebook page. Should friends desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Northern Cancer Fund- Thunder Bay chapter.
