Stephen Heder

Stephen (Istvan) Heder was born in Budapest, Hungary. He left the country during the 1956 revolution, alongside many of his professors and fellow students from Sopron University. The group was then famously sponsored by the Faculty of Forestry at the University of British Columbia to come to Canada, leading most to start a new life in Vancouver. Stephen maintained lifelong friendships with fellow Soproners, attending Sopron reunions well into his 70s. 

Stephen married Kay (Catherine) Fleming, and the next phase of his life was focused on raising his three daughters with Kay - he would joke that even their cat was female – and making a home for their family. He excelled at gardening, creating the largest vegetable garden the neighborhood, and home improvement projects. 

 Stephen’s successful career in sales was largely due to his old-world European charm. His impeccable manners, kindness, and genuine interest in other people, made a lasting impression on those he met. In social situations, his propensity for kissing women’s hands upon meeting them, was a source of delight for the recipients. His silly sense of humor and creative twists on the English language resulted in memorable sayings that continue to bring smiles to his daughters’ faces—one of the tamer examples being, “Eat everything on your plate, it will put feathers on your chest.” 

In retirement, Stephen embraced life, enjoying traveling, playing golf, socializing with friends, and indulging in his love of expensive clothing and shoes. He was very fit until the last years of his life and would often go for long walks up and down the steep hills of White Rock, taking great pleasure in passing younger walkers. 

Stephen died after struggling with dementia and heart failure. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He was predeceased by his wife Kay. He is survived by his daughters Iren, Heidi, and Mara, sons-in-law Alan and Jonathan, granddaughter Maya, companion Linda, and nieces Rita and Gabi, along with other relatives in Hungary, Ontario and Newfoundland. 

The family wishes to express its thanks to the staff in the long-term care ward of Chartwell Crescent Gardens who took care of him in his final years. Donations to the Alzheimer Society of Canada in Stephen’s memory would be much appreciated.