Yvonne, Kristen and Justin. Our deepest condolences, its been many years since we first met in Kensington, and then ur dad popped up at C3. What a great pleasure to know and work with him, and your mom at KLM. Many hugs Yvonne. RIP Steve.

I first met Steve at Harmony Airways when he interviewed me and did some of my simulator training. I first flew the B757 to Hawaii as a brand new First Officer with Steve as my Captain and Chief Pilot. He was a true professional, remarkable aviator with a wonderful sense of humor. He was a great mentor to me and I’m fortunate to have crossed path with Steve as he gave me opportunities and inspiration along the way. He will not be forgotten.

To his wife and family I am truly sorry for your loss,

Annie Lagueux

I had the pleasure of meeting Steve on several occasions and first impressions spoke volumes. Funny, fair and unselfish, a consummate professional and the epitome of resilience. Admirable qualities in this industry. He will be missed.

Deepest condolences to Yvonne and the family.

Dearest Yvonne, Kristin, Justin and family

There is always a reason why people come into your lives at the time they do. Almost 30 years ago we became neighbors and friends. Their love and family values were inspirational then and now. Very grateful to have attended Steve's celebration of life yesterday. Much love and hugs

Char Dan and Shayne xo

Dear Yvonne - Sharon and I were so saddened to hear of Steve's passing. He was a great man having left a impressive professional legacy. More importantly though was the wonderful family you and he created and your memories of him will always embrace you as you spend time together.

It was a privilege to be able to attend Steve’s funeral service livestream and bear witness to his wonderful life, loving family and friends. I so appreciated those who spoke, especially Dan Oakes whose stories and tributes made me laugh and cry at the same time. I met Steve (and Danny) at a Walkathon when in Grade 10 and have many fun memories with the gang through High School. I think Steve and Danny taking myself and my friend Jane to Jesus Christ Superstar concert was a first date for us girls. It was wonderful to get a larger perspective of his life from his family and friends. My prayers and condolences go out to all the family and I give thanks to God for Steve’s life well-lived in all aspects of family, career and friendships. Julie Petrie, Vancouver

Steve and I started our adventure in Emirates together in 2007 and he has since then been a friend, a role model and a mentor. He was always available for an advice and always with his unmistakable humor. I will never forget the way he managed to navigate through every difficulty in life with this apparent nonchalance that made everything seem easy and problems just vanish.

I will miss you my friend.

My most sincere condolences to Yvonne , Justin and Kristen.

Roberto and Chiara D'Alba

Yvonne and family,

Steve was a great friend and will be sorely missed. I've had the pleasure of his friendship since 1980 in Abu Dhabi.

I will miss his sense of humour and flying stories.

My condolences,

Rob Fisher

Burlington, On

I first met Steve at Harmony Airways and we got to be good friends over the next four years as we worked closely together in Flight Operations. Steve was the ultimate professional, never lost his sense of humour, and always remained cheerful and optimistic through often challenging times at Harmony. It was a privilege and an honour for me to have known Steve. My sincere condolences to Yvonne and family on your loss.

Bob Palmer

Stephen touched so many lives in the very best way. I’m grateful I got the chance to know him as both a colleague and a friend.

Gerry Wissiak

Steve was a great friend and a fabulous father. I remember when he called me and asked me to help run a simulator he had bought to help his son Justin gain confidence before embarking on job hunting for a pilot position. It was great to see all Steve’s skills both as a mentor, a pilot, a recruiter and a father come together. He has left a void hard to fill.

We will miss the times we had with him and Yvonne through the past 18 years.

May-Britt & Michael

I write this with a heart full of great memories of Steve, whose stay at our Hotel Keflavik in Iceland from 1996 to 2000 as a captein for Canada 3000. It marked the beginning of a remarkable friendship. Steve was not just a guest or a colleague from Canada 3000; he became a friend whose warmth and kindness knew no bounds, both to me and to my family.

Our bond deepened as we embarked on the Harmony Airways adventure together, a testament to his professional dedication and innovative spirit. However what truly stood out about Steve was his unwavering love and pride for his family. Every conversation with him would inevitably lead to him speaking fondly of Yvonne and the children, his face alight with joy and affection.

I had the pleasure of meeting his wonderful family during visits to Calgary and I remember how his eyes sparkled when he introduced them. Similarly his visit to Iceland with his daughter Kris was a delightful experience showcasing the deep familial bonds he cherished.

Steve's passing is a profound loss not only to those who had the honor of knowing him but also to the many lives he brightened with his presence at work and everywhere. He will be remembered as a loving family man, a loyal friend and a true gentleman.

To Yvonne and the family, please accept our heartfelt condolences. His stories, his laughter, and his love for you were the melodies of his life's song and they will be with us forever.

With deepest sympathy,

Steini and Hildur

I had the privilege of working with Steve at 3 different airlines. It was always a treat to see him on one's flight schedule. Always known for his sense of humour and mastery of one liners, perhaps more importantly was Steve's being quick to listen no matter who was speaking. He wanted everyone's input and encouraged all of his teammates. Everybody on his team felt valued and important. I'm going to miss that impish grin and youthful sense of adventure.

Our deepest sympathy and love to you, Yvonne and family.

We’re heartbroken to hear of Steve’s passing. Outer thoughts are with you all.

Madeleine and Doug Abbott

So many great memories of both flying and socializing with Steve over the past few decades. The best part is, every single one puts a smile on my face when I recall them. A dear friend, mentor and confidant. They just don’t make ‘em like that anymore.

I’ll see you on the other side my friend. Keep a cold one handy for when I arrive.

Love and respect,

Dave Reny

I had the pleasure of working in the flight ops training department at Harmony from 2003 to 2006 while Steve was the Chief Pilot. I will always remember his sense of humour, joy of life and guiding hand! He will be missed by all who knew him!

Dearest Yvonne and family

Carole and I were truly heartbroken to hear the news about Steve. We found ourselves reminiscing and remembering all of the good times that we shared with you and Steve, especially our 'dinner and a movie' date nights in Dubai! Steve touched the lives of so many people. We will remember his infectious laugh, his loyalty to friends, his adoration for you Yvonne and the love for his family. He will be truly missed.

"You completed me"

My heartfelt sympathy to Steve's family and friends for the loss of such a wonderful person. As a past Canada 3000 crew member, I always enjoyed flying with Steve - he always showed up with incredible humor, kindness and comradery. We shared many laughs during our flights but during challenging situations, Steve never failed to offer guidance, leadership and support to his crews - a few of the many reasons he was so loved and respected by all who worked with him. A great human gone far too soon, but never forgotten.

We are deeply saddened to hear of Steve’s passing. He was a true gentleman and together with Yvonne they were the ultimate love story. Every time we would see Steve he had stories to tell and would light up the room with his smile. A happy, gregarious man who loved life, his wife, his children and grandchildren. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Our hearts go out to Yvonne, Justin, Kristen and all family members.

Yvonne and family. Many years have passed since I worked with Steve at Canada 3000 but he was one of the pilots you just never forget. The fact he lived in Calgary, there were a few occasions that we got to socialize with both Steve and Yvonne outside the office. He was a lovely man and will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure to meet him. My condolences to Yvonne and family

Elaine Punchard

McLaren Family,

My condolences to you. I had the pleasure of working with Steve and know that he will be missed immensely, both in your home and mine. I’ll always cherish his wonderful wisdom and fantastic leadership and will think of him often.

To: Yvonne, Justin, Kristen and families:

I am honoured to be one of the first to post something about my friend - my "brother" in arms, who was my roommate when we flew together in Emirates Air Service, Abu Dhabi in early 1980. To be honest, I get teary just thinking of him not with us anymore and I can just imagine what the family is feeling right now and for that, I offer my deepest sympathies. There are just no words really.

I will save most of my words for the service, but Steve was an honourable man whose word was his bond. If you were a friend, or even if you weren't, he was there if you needed help of any kind and it was in his power. He was a great aviator, as evidenced by his career - the tenacity he exhibited - and the sheer doggedness to overcome medical obstacles to finally command big jets - which, I can attest was both our dreams. I was the first to reach that dream and he was very proud of my achievement - there is always luck involved in aviation - but even though there were so many obstacles, he never, ever, gave up. And in the end, he commanded the 747 replacement and that is the B777....I was so happy for him and I knew he was so proud the first time he was able to take Yvonne away with him on a trip.

That goal would never have been reached were it not for the support he received from his life partner in "crime". I know her as Gronski, and had to ask Steve ( Brakes, long story ) what her real name was at one point in Abu Dhabi before she visited our flat - so long ago I can't even remember the year, probably 1982.....

In sum, not only is this a love story, but Brakes is a Canadian Aviation Legend. The story of how he ended up with Emirates Airlines would fill a very interesting book, and I leave it up to Justin, ex Emirates Airlines 777 pilot himself and the family to fill in the blanks at some point. Of course, Brakes had an interesting career once retired from Emirates as well.

Finally, and I am sorry to have gone on a bit here, the goal was achieved - with a beautiful family and grand kids to boot. You did well mate, it still astounds me, with what you had to work with, and I was honoured to be your friend. I am going to sign off as you wanted me to as you were proud of me too.

Love you, RIP, Fish

Captain Chris Fisher (RET)

747, L1011, Airbus 330, 340-300, 340-600

So sorry to hear about his passing. Many of us knew Stephen while we were in high school in Ottawa. A very intelligent guy who was into sports, the arts, and loved aviation. We always crossed ways at parties while we were younger, or downhill sking at the local ski hills, he had a great career as a pilot , loved family life with his wife Yvonne and his children and grandchildren. Got to travel many exciting places. My thoughts go out to Yvonne and the family at this time . Way too young. Rest peacefully and fly high in the skies Stephen.

Barb ward

Kelowna bc