MCPHEE, Steven Joseph Neil, Maj (Ret’d), CD, RCAF, RCLS

McpheeSteve who passed 0n 6 July 2025 was born July 7, 1937 in New Waterford, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. After completing Grade 12, he joined the RCAF in 1955. After serving his three-year hitch, he decided to return to school enrolling in Xavier Junior College in Sydney, NS. After two years, and short of funds, Steve tried his hand at working in the coal mine (what else) going to classes on the weekends. After a year of doing hard labour (not at Dorchester), Steve attended St. Francis Xavier University (the Big X) in Antigonish, NS where he completed his BCom, rejoining the RCAF in 1963. Steve spent the next 23 years serving on various military bases throughout Canada and the US and was forced into service retirement in Ottawa as a Squadron Leader at the ripe age of 48. He stayed in Ottawa working at National Defence Headquarters (NDHQ), finally ending his career as the Acting Director of Finance in the Personnel Branch in 1996.

Steve’s extra-curricular activities included: Chairperson of the Queenswood Heights Community Association (1978-1980); Bookkeeper, Treasurer, Service Officer, and eventually President and Life Member of the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 632 – Orleans); a member of the Rockliffe Rovers Club in 1988 for a short stint until he switched to the Orleans Volkssport Club as Treasurer and then President, followed by the Ottawa Voyageurs Walkling Club as Treasurer and Life Member; and, devoted and lifelong member of the Friends of Petrie Island. He always enjoyed curling, walking (he put a few 1,000 miles on his feet over the years!), gardening, swimming, and bowling with his grandson James.

He is survived by: his wife Dolores (Dolly) Duquette; his daughters Danielle MacPhee and Renée MacPhee; his grandson James MacPhee; his stepson Mark Laforge (Mia); his siblings Teresa (Joseph Lee), Frances Smith, and Margaret Hornung; many nieces and nephews; and his best pal, Tom Toffoli (“Mr. T”).

Cremation has taken place, and his ashes will be laid to rest at Beechwood Cemetery. Visitation will take place on July 18, 2025 beginning at 10:45am St. Joseph’s Catholic Church (2727 St. Joseph Blvd, Orleans) followed by mass at 11:30am. A celebration of life will be held on the same day from 1-4pm at the Royal Canadian Legion – Branch 632 (800 Taylor Creek, Orleans).

Donations in memory of Steve can be made to: Friends of Petrie Island (https://www.petrieisland.org/donations, Movember (https://ca.movember.com/support-us/donate

Or a charity of one’s choice.