It is with deep regret that Vanier learned of the passing of retired teacher David Stephen on May 3, 2013. David joined the Physics Dept of Vanier in 1970 and retired in1997. He was an active department member, supporter of the Library, and member of the first organization of Vanier retired personnel. Our sympathies are extended to his family: his wife, retired Vanier Biology teacher Luisa Ong-Stephen, and son Vincent.

Full obituary:

David Stephen, birth: August 25th, 1943 / death: May 3rd, 2013

David Stephen, 69, of Montreal, died Friday, May 3rd at the Montreal Neurological Institute. Struggling with ALS since 2008, he was admitted on Wednesday for abdominal pains, but after an unexpected seizure and other complications, the situation escalated. On Friday, in complete lucidity, and with the support of his wife and son, David requested to be taken off of life support and died peacefully in his sleep thanks to morphine and sedative.

Born on August 25th, 1943 in Hong Kong, David was the proud founder of the Anode Science Association and graduated from St Paul’s College in 1961. He then left Hong Kong for Montreal to study at Sir George Williams University where he completed a BSc in 1965 (and BCom later). He continued at the University of Massachusetts, where he completed an MSc and PhD in Physics in 1967 and 1970. Following this he returned to Montreal, where he taught Physics at Vanier College and met his wife Luisa Ong-Stephen, a “great lady”, in his own words. He continued at Vanier until his retirement at age 54.

David had fond memories of the Boy Scouts and was a tinkerer all his life, finding novel solutions to everyday problems. He always enjoyed a tasty meal, from roast duck to late-night donuts. Despite the ALS, he was able to enjoy a good quality of life, listening to music, watching TV shows and movies, and playing the stock market on his computer.

David and the family wanted to thank Patricia Francisco for her patience and excellent care in David’s last 3 months of life, the staff at Constance Lethbridge wheelchair and technical aid services, CLSC Metro home care team, the doctors, nurses, and staff at the Royal Victoria Resuscitation Centre, MNI intensive care unit and ALS clinic, and friends and family for their constant support.Â

David is survived by his wife Luisa Ong-Stephen and son Vincent Stephen-Ong.

At David’s request there will be neither funeral nor wake however we encourage those who knew him to spend a few minutes to think and reflect upon memorable times you shared with David.