Just 2 months shy of his 92nd birthday, Steve passed peacefully at East Kootenay Regional Hospital of heart failure. Born on the farm in Wroxton, Saskatchewan to Emily and Alex Bahrey, he was the 9th of 10 children.
A spiritual man with a generous soul, he leaves behind a legacy of learning and knowledge through the many students and co-workers he mentored as a teacher and principal. His career took him to schools in Manitoba, Northern B.C. and several institutions in Cranbrook including Cranbrook Central, Mount Baker Secondary, Tenth Avenue Elementary and Amy Woodland Elementary. Retiring in 1983, he chuckled at the fact he collected a teacher’s pension for as many years as he worked!
Steve’s healthy and vigorous lifestyle kept him busy in retirement starting with his duties as a marriage commissioner. He loved to travel, garden, ski and golf with his beloved wife Alice, whom he met at the Cranbrook Central School in 1949. Their marriage followed in 1950 at the Cranbrook United Church where they remained active members to this day. Steve enjoyed many roles at the church including the choir.
Alice and Steve had two sons, Douglas and Christopher. Sadly, Doug passed away only 7 months ago. Doug’s children, Kirsten and Michael, have grown into fine young adults and will carry on the Bahrey tradition of living a life filled with love and optimism.
It is possible Steve was the oldest 2013 student at College of the Rockies, as he had recently embraced the computer era. His latest dilemma was whether to skip the last class in order to throw the “first rocks” to commence the 2014 curling season. He was a member of the elite “Eight Ender” club and skipped many winning rinks.
His son Chris will cherish the memories of skiing with his dad on his 89th birthday and playing a final round of golf with him just 4 months ago.
Many thanks to the family, friends and community who contributed to his rich and fulfilled life. We will welcome you to a celebration of Steve’s life which will take place in the New Year. (To be announced)