Obituary of Stephen Wayne Gratton

January 20, 1985 - Cranbrook, British Columbia

August 5, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Stephen Gratton of Calgary, AB, passed away on Monday, August 5, 2024, at the age of 39 years.

Stephen was born with multiple medical challenges; he was determined to embrace all that life could offer him. This is evidenced by the number of friends he enjoyed. Whether it was school, hospital, sport, church or family friends, he treasured them all. As a family, we are overwhelmed and so thankful for all your love and support.

He never stopped reaching for success.

During COVID, he needed a new challenge and took the opportunity to learn bookkeeping online. This provided a means to work very part-time and to supplement his income, always wanting to have some financial independence.

He never gave up on the dream to be a Para-Olympian. He knew that was probably never possible due to the kidney disease which ravaged him all his life. Still, the dream remained.

Here, we would like to thank all the medical personnel who helped us through his life. Too many to list here, however, you know who you are. You always treated him with respect and love.

His next great love was travel. On the Saturday before he died, he hit me up for a cruise. “You know Mom, you haven’t taken me on a holiday for five years, I think you and Dad could take me on a dialysis-at-sea cruise”. Ever the marketer, a list of the available cruises on his phone, “They even go to Norway”.

Two great loves remain: His relationship with the Lord and his relationship with his family, especially his nieces and nephews. His siblings, Mom, and Dad were okay but these kids, WOW.  If he hadn’t heard from them, I was ordered to find out what they were up to. Once they had their own phones and iPads, he was happy to have a direct line to them. I know he did keep close contact.

His faith never wavered. He consumed the Word, and his favourite authors were Max Lucado and Philip Yancy. Undone is presently on order for him. I would have lengthy discussions with him about books and our faith, especially regarding the challenges of living with infirmities. Always resolving that God is good.

Stephen is survived by his parents, Cheryl and Dan; siblings, David, Sarah (James) Matthew, Jennifer (Ethan), Isabella, Ryan, and Izaac; nieces and nephews, Kaine, Kailynn, Rachel, Katareena, and Malachi; as well as his aunts, uncles, and cousins who are too numerous to list here.

Stephen was predeceased by his grandparents, his sister Elizabeth, his brother Sasha, and uncles, Lyle and Dick.

A Celebration of Stephen’s Life will be held at Southview Alliance Church (20200 Walden Boulevard SE, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Church Hall. Graveside Service to follow at Mountain View Memorial Gardens, Heritage Gardens (1515-100th Street SE, Calgary, AB).

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr. Gratton’s service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Stephen’s family here.

In living memory of Stephen Gratton, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.

Click to Watch the Celebration of Stephen's Life

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