Tribute

It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Steve Funfer passed away peacefully on January 5, 2022.

Steve was born in Bellevue, AB where he met and married Malvina (Montegani). They moved to Calgary, AB in 1955. During this time, they had two sons D’Arcy and Brian. He enjoyed attending the boy’s sporting events and building go-carts in their childhood years. He worked at NU West Homes as head purchasing agent. The family moved to Prince George, BC where he started his first business with his brother Ben called B&S Brake.

Steve was eventually remarried to Geraldine (Armitage). Gerry had a daughter Glenda (Adams) and son Michael (Armitage). They decided to move from Prince George, BC to Cranbrook, BC where Steve started his own business which he named Kootenay Pacific Industrial. At that time, his sons moved back to Calgary to reside with their mother.

Steve was very proud of his industrial brake business, and it showed through his integrity with working with customers and his mechanical skills and professionalism. He eventually sold Kootenay Pacific Industrial and retired from the business. In his retirement years, Steve enjoyed watching the wildlife on his acreage, landscaping and operating his D3 Cat.  He loved the outdoors and spent a lot of time walking around his area sometimes stopping to visit neighbors along the way. He would pack a picnic lunch on Sunday and go on drives to Bow Falls, AB.  He thoroughly enjoyed fine dining at restaurants when he came to Calgary to visit family. Steve also loved football and was an avid Calgary Stampeder’s fan.

After Gerry’s passing Steve married Maxine (Ryan). It was during this time that Steve underwent heart surgery.  Sadly, Maxine passed away a couple years later from heart complications of her own. Steve then met Florence Tomicki, and they lived together for a few years. They shared the same passion for exploring the countryside.

Steve remained in his home that he loved until 2021 when he moved to the Joseph Creek Care Center in Cranbrook. Over the past many years, Lynn Townsend cared for Steve and became his close confidant and friend. The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Lynn and her husband Wayne for their overwhelming support during this time.

He was the beloved father, grandfather, brother, and uncle of many. Survived by his son D’Arcy Funfer (Wendy); son Brian Funfer; granddaughter Conni Davis (Jeremy); great granddaughters, Taylor Lafferty, and Kirsten Davis; and his brother Rudy Funfer (Heather). Steve is also survived by his brother-in-law Gerald, and sister-in-law Gina, as well as many long-time friends and neighbors.

Steve had several siblings who are now passed.  He is predeceased by Eileen Funfer (Roy Garrett), Joe Funfer (Ann), John Funfer (Margarete)(Mary), Ann Funfer (Steve Ewashen), Margaret Funfer (Chibber Evans), Rose Funfer (Gerald Bakken), Ben Funfer (Gina)(Caroline). Steve is also predeceased by his parents John and Helen Funfer who moved to the Crowsnest Pass from their birthplace in Vitanová, Slovakia.  Their family home was in South Bellevue, AB beside the Crowsnest River at the base of Turtle Mountain called “River Bottom”.

Steve will be missed dearly by his family, friends, and business acquaintances. Steve’s wish was to simply spread his ashes at his favourite place of peace and serenity at Bow Falls, AB.

The family also wants to thank Dr. Van Rensburg and Dr. Blumenauer, and all of the Green Clinic and Joseph Creek Senior Care staff for the loving care he received in the past year.  If family and friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to your local Royal Canadian Legion.