With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to a very special dad, husband, and grandfather, Arthur Stefan. He passed away peacefully in the early hours on May 18, 2024, just shy of his 87th birthday.

Arthur is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Emmi; his children Joyce, Jeanne (Craig); sister Gerda (Albert); and his grandsons Erich, Ethan, Jordan and Jacob. Arthur was born in 1937 to Ida and August Stefan in Alt-Rokin.

His early years were marked by the war-time death of his father, after which his mother gathered her two children to return to their homeland of Germany where they ultimately settled in Westenholz.

It was there that he learned his craft as a stonemason and later met and married his bride Emmi (nee Schulze) in 1958. That same year, the newlyweds immigrated to Toronto, Canada to build a new life together.

In the mid-60’s, the couple bought their first home in Agincourt where they raised their two daughters, and enjoyed many friendships.

Arthur continued to successfully build his business throughout the years, took on the financial role at Christ Lutheran Church, and always had time for a laugh, a joke or some fun with his family.

Road trips with a cooler filled with refreshments were part of many weekend outings in the summer to provincial parks and lakes. Arthur’s sense of delight in the world, his clever wit and a ready smile brightened the room. He was devoted to his grandsons, spending time playing, teaching and laughing with them.

His patience was endless and his quiet demeanor drew everyone to him. Arthur always found the good in a situation, the silver lining in a dark moment.

His belief in goodness prevailed throughout his life, even as his body began to fail him in the final years.

We are comforted knowing that he embarks on this next chapter of his journey in peace. The family would like to extend a special thanks to all who kept Arthur in their prayers and thoughts over the past two years while he was in continuing care.

Thank you to the kind staff at Taunton Mills. We feel a deep gratitude for the strength and patience of those who cared for him each and every day.

A funeral will be held for Arthur on Thursday, May 30 at 11:00am at Peace Lutheran Church, 928 Liverpool Rd, Pickering, Ontario.

Arrangements with McEACHNIE FUNERAL HOME .

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice or the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada.