Steve passed away peacefully in his sleep at 98 years young on January 1, 2020 at 12:45am.
He was predeceased by his wife, Fern (2016), and eldest son, Ralph (2019). He is survived by his six children: Dave & Charmaine Makarenko; Judi Makarenko; Sara Makarenko & John Ostrander; Cheryl Muth; Cindy Makarenko & Vernon Miller; James & Sophia Makarenko; 18 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren.
Born on December 6, 1921 in Craigellachie, BC, Steve served in the Canadian Navy as a radar operator from 1942 to 1945. He worked as a trapper, truck driver, carpenter, contractor, and building inspector. He loved baseball, hockey, curling, hunting, fishing, camping, and square dancing. Many happy years were spent with family and relatives at Mabel Lake and later at their cottage on Okanagan Lake, where projects and parties were always on the go. Steve was very proud to be a Legion member for over 60 years.
Steve will always be remembered as a truly dedicated husband, father, and friend whose main goal in life was to provide for and support all with strength, creativity, and humour. Anyone who stopped by for a visit would always be treated to a witty comment or funny story.
Special thanks go out to the staff at Heaton Place in Armstrong who helped provide an amazing living experience in his final years. Much appreciation goes out to the Community Care Workers who cared for Steve in his home. The family will be forever grateful to the compassionate staff at Vernon Hospice House for making his final days so comfortable.
If you wish to leave donations, please send them to North Okanagan Hospice Society in Vernon, BC. A memorial service for family and friends will be held in the summer of 2020.
"And now goes the Sailor upon the seas, the Hunter with the forest, the Father inside our hearts, the Man into our memories."
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