Stephen Paul Hargest

 

September 17, 1960– February 9, 2022 

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The family of Stephen Hargest sadly announce his sudden passing, at his rural Chatsworth home, on Wednesday, February 9, 2022, in his 62nd year. Loving husband of 3 1/2 years to Lisa Tannahill-Hargest. Proud father of Christopher Brent Hargest of Kitchener, Kendra Marie Hargest of Owen Sound, Lucas Tannahill (Sara) of Owen Sound, and Lindsay Tannahill of Victoria B.C. Doting Daddy-O to grandson Carter Feltis. Dear brother of Lee Anne O'Leary (Brian), Greg Hargest (Karen), and Pam Coulter (Ted), all of Owen Sound. Fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Evan and Marie Hargest (nee Priebe).

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Steve was born and raised in Owen Sound, a proud part of the ‘Fifth Street Circle’ community, where everyone knew everyone and kids played outside till dark.  He attended Bayview Public School, Strathcona (where his mom kept a watchful eye) followed by the OSCVI.  He enjoyed football and sports more than the academic part of school; so much so that he attended “Grade 14” for another year on the gridiron.

 

The house on Fifth was a home filled with love, shag carpet, delicious pie and freshly baked bread.  Friends were always welcome. The dinner table usually included the whole family plus Grandma Leila who lived with the family during the week cooking, baking, making school lunches, cleaning, sewing and spoiling all 4 children before she returned to her farm in Sullivan Township on the weekends.  Steve spent a lot of time during the summer at the farm helping with chores, gardening, haying and preserving.  Grandma was cherished by the whole family, especially Steve, who would often catch the school bus and spend time during the week at the farm.  Early in life, he developed a love for animals and a work ethic that would last a lifetime. 

 

Steve started his working career at Ev Mar’s Gulf on 10th Street and then spent over 25 years as a concrete dispatcher at Sutherland’s Construction.  His knowledge of concrete dispatching started as a kid when he got to go to the Clarksburg concrete batching plant with his dad.  During his working life, Steve was usually up before the sun to get everything at the plant fired up for that first load of the day so everyone understood why he was usually early to bed unless his beloved Maple Leafs were playing.  Steve continued his work at Grey Bruce Electric where customers were well served and there were lots of laughs. 

 

For years Steve enjoyed golfing at Men’s Night at Stone Tree.  It was extra special for him when he got to play a round of golf with Chris.  Family gatherings were special for Steve whether it was celebrating a birthday or just a hot Sunday afternoon around the pool with the BBQ going and Alan Jackson on the stereo.  He was always up for a game of hide-and-seek or frozen tag with the nephews. 

 

He was a strict but fair dad who “loved in his own way”.  Steve was so proud of his 2 children who he affectionately called “Jackson” and “Doll” and their graduation from College and their careers.  He spoke often about Kendra’s nursing career and was so proud of her as a young mom.  Steve was only ever a call away for Kendra who counted on her dad to fix everything.  Steve loved a clean car and insisted on cleaning others' cars so that they were cleaned just right. 

 

Steve’s generosity and love of sports also extended to billeting Owen Sound Attack players, who called him Steve-O.  Steve didn't like to spend on himself and was proud of how long he could make a pair of jeans or T-shirt last.

 

In later years, Steve found love again with his Lisa, and together they enjoyed the blending of their two families. He found it amazing when they met that she had a full set of tools. She never hesitated to put on her boots to help with the snow blowing, lawn mowing or cleaning the chicken coop, and he admired her work ethic. It can't go without saying, however, that chores like snow-blowing and lawn-mowing had to be done in their own, ‘Steve approved’ way.

 

Steve liked nothing better than to slip on his favourite, well-worn leather moccasins to enjoy a morning coffee on the porch, gazing at the straight lines he had created with the lawn tractor. Their home in Chatsworth was their pride and joy and their time together there will be forever cherished by Lisa. He loved the relationships he had with his bonus family; joking with Lucas over his well-worn Value Village shirts or sharing the thrill of his passing the bar exam and enjoying Lindsay's cooking. Lindsay fondly referred to Steve as “New Dad”. During quiet times, he enjoyed family BBQs, playing Pepper with the neighbours, and cherished time with his grandson, Carter that involved lots of teasing, play fighting as well as fun games of Jenga. He liked the sun, but didn't like to fly, so trips to his favourite location Cabo San Lucas, Mexico were enjoyed most once his feet hit the ground. He and Lisa loved fishing in their new boat at Williams Lake; it was one of few ways she claims she could stop him from working so hard. It was always a competition between them who caught the biggest fish!

 

He and Lisa enjoyed watching TV together; especially the Food Channel shows like Beat Bobby Flay and Guy's Grocery Games, and binge-watching Friends. Pets were welcomed to their home, a chihuahua named Charlie and a golden retriever Phoebe (from her namesake Friends character), who was a wonderful surprise for Steve’s 59th birthday. They also rescued two cats, Priscilla and Elvis, and even their hens, especially “Sweetheart”, would get a kiss at nighttime.

 

Steve leaves a large hole in the hearts of the family so dear to him. He felt that he had lived a full life, and his love of family, and respect for animals and nature, will long endure.

 

We love you to the Moon and Back Steve.

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Arrangements have been entrusted to the Garafraxa Hill Funeral Home, Chatsworth, Ontario. A private funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel. Pastor Roseanne Judge presiding. All attending the funeral service must observe Covid 19 protocols.  If desired, donations to the Grey Bruce Animal Shelter or Owen Sound Animal Shelter would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.garafraxahillfuneral.com

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