Obituary of Stephen Cherry RCDD

 

 

In the early afternoon of Friday, June 19, 2026, Stephen took his final breath in the comfort of his home, after a courageous battle with Lewy Body Dementia,

knowing his devoted wife, Paula, and his adoring son, Chad, were hugging him tightly as his pal, “Poppy,” lay at his bedside.

 

Stephen was raised on the family farm, “On The North Russell Road,” by his parents, Maynard and Joyce (Stanley), alongside his four siblings.

Growing up, Stephen always kept his parents and oldest siblings on their toes.

His mischievous adventures were often a “going concern,” but his big smile, twinkling eyes, and quick wit meant he was always forgiven (eventually).

He brought laughter, fun, and more than a few stories to the Cherry and Stanley families.

 

Those same qualities would help him meet and win over the love of his life.

Through friendly banter and persistence, Stephen eventually convinced a coworker to give him her daughter's phone number.

On March 4, 1995, he met Paula for dinner at the Mayflower Restaurant.

He arrived late, a fact Paula never let him forget and one that conveniently gave her permission to be late for every outing they attended over the next thirty-one years.

 

Their love story led to a fairytale wedding at the Château Laurier on January 18, 1997, and grew even more complete with the arrival of their beloved son, Chad, in 2000.

Together, their life was filled with ups and downs, but through love, acceptance, maturity and the wisdom that comes from life's lessons,

Stephen became an exceptional husband to Paula and an outstanding dad to Chad.

 

The work ethic instilled by his parents, combined with his outgoing nature and his inherent ability to connect with others,

led to a successful career spanning more than forty years in the structured cabling industry.

He earned the respect of colleagues, competitors, and clients alike, not only for his knowledge, but for the genuine, long-standing relationships he built along the way.

 

Stephen will be missed and in the hearts of his devoted wife of 29 years, Paula (Hayes), and their cherished son, Chad, until the end of time.

He was loved and will be forever missed by his mother-in-law, Gayle Hayes; his siblings, Don (Mary Wall) of Erin, Ontario, Doug (Donna)

of Kingston, Ontario, Beverley (Chris Jackson) of Fox Island, WA, and Bruce (Tami) of Russell, Ontario;

his sister-in-law, Bonnie Towell-Cherry of Summerside, PEI; his many nieces and nephews; and Paula and Chad’s extended family members.

Stephen was predeceased by his father, Maynard, in 2001, his dear mother, Joyce (Stanley), in 2017, and his father-in-law, Phil Hayes, in 2019.

 

Paula and Chad will be forever amazed by Stephen’s endless determination and his quiet courage battling the ravages of Lewy Body Dementia.

They will forever treasure the simple things shared with Stephen—his laughter, the spirited conversations and the quiet heart-to-hearts on the drive to the rink or the golf course,

talking over our day during supper at the kitchen island, watching the game or Seinfeld together in the living room, getting his opinion and valued advice on all things big and small.

 

Paula and Chad want to thank Brady Akeson for his kindness in always reaching out to support them throughout Stephen’s journey.

They also want to extend their appreciation to Stephen's family physician, Dr. Marcia Spooner, and his neurologist, Dr. Neil Thomas,

and the team at the Bruyère Memory Clinic for their compassionate care.

Special thanks to Scott Burnie of Paramed, whose steadfast support, kindness, and lively conversations brought comfort to Stephen and his family.

 

Lewy Body Dementia gradually took his big smile, the twinkle in his eyes, and his outgoing nature, but the love he had for Paula and Chad never faded.

You are in our hearts until the end of time.

 

 

Stephen’s private arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Pilon Family Funeral Home in Arnprior.

 

In Stephen’s memory, please consider a donation to the MS Society of Canada would be appreciated.