Skip to content

Steve Tadeusz 'Steven' Bain

December 19, 2021

K0X7J3K4-20220121101224
July 31, 1979 - December 19, 2021
In Loving Memory ~
The "youngest old" Sooke guy from Utopia Ontario! Steve was a big-hearted, witty, creative DIY-er.
Generous and thoughtful, a deep diver into all his passions, he was a lover of brewskis, blunts, babes, beaches, breaks, bike polo, building beautiful bikes, bourbon, and bluegrass.
Steve loved to surf (the Prince of Poonies!) and stoke up anyone within range about the magic of surfing. He also relished farming, the NFB, fluffies and cleanliness (not godliness!), preaching hand washing years before COVID was a proud "told-ya so".
Steve savoured great food, stories, people, the wonders of the natural world and really treasured grandpa cardigans, a good pair of slacks and that one red party blazer.
Steve was an unapologetic paradox of deep loves and poignant dis"Stains". Prone to rants and passionate unfiltered opinions, he'd spark many conversations and respectful debates, building enough character that Steve became a character in Sooke and beyond.
He took such pride in creative pursuits like natural building (multiple pizza ovens and a sauna), woodworking, songwriting, his best waves (cue stylish cutbacks), his friends, that incredible GEVO trade, a perfectly timed cover crop, and the sense of accomplishment in seeing things through, be it tool organization, a project, a bar of chocolate or a wave.
Steve could talk to anyone, bringing people together and making folks feel at ease. Known for his "this one time" stories, the simplest things he liked in a person could become a captivating tale that made you want to know everyone in his orbit. His generosity was endless and often part of a long game for him to gain new surfing buddies. Agreeing to a simple "walk" with Steve regularly turned into a full day excursion of bushwhacking adventures and magic beach moments.
A true Sookie and lover of community, he'd, in Jan Johnson inspired fashion, cut out the funniest letters from the Mirror to hang on his fridge; quirky Sooke was his jam. Steve was an enthusiastic promoter for everyone around him to appreciate the artistry of a song as much as he saw worthy and his knowledge of deep cuts across genres and eras never failed to impress. His ideas and methods were always ahead of the rest of us and when it came down to doing the task, the beauty, efficiency and preciseness leapt out as inspiration. A dreamer and schemer, he envisioned the future down to the detail before a dollar was spent or pen was on paper.
Steve passed away unexpectedly on December 19, 2021, and is survived by his parents Dorothy and Larry Bain, brother Kevin Bain, many aunts, uncles, cousins and family members and an incredible swath of friends from many places and communities, all who can't believe he's gone.
Due to the challenges of gathering at this time, celebrations of life/memorials will be varied and ongoing. In lieu of flowers please consider pouring a little sip of something delicious, putting on some Cowboy Junkies, Blue Rodeo, Springsteen, Tom Waits, Ry Cooder, Zappa or Ween and having a surf or beach walk for Steve.