It is with broken hearts that the family of Stephen Roger Fage, aged 66, announce his sudden passing on February 9th 2023.
Born in Amherst Nova Scotia, he was the son of the late Roger and Doris (nee Mingo) Fage. Beloved husband and best friend of 38 years to his soulmate Robin (nee Burke), devoted father and hero to his children Stephanie (Daniel) Small and Elliott (Jillian) Fage and adoring "Gaga" to grandchildren Sadie Louise Small, Robert (Robbie) Stephen Small and Stephen Daniel Fage. He is survived by brothers Ernest (Elaine), Stan (Joan), sister Charlotte (Bob), sister-in-law Margaret Burke as well as nieces and nephews Jillian, Isaac, Adam, Ben, Roger, Clayton and Kyle. He was predeceased by his parents as well as infant brother Douglas, brother-in-law Barry Burke and special brother by heart Mark Lawrence.
Raised on a family farm in Hastings, Steve got his hard-working nature from his father and his huge, caring heart from his mother. After attending Acadia University, he continued to farm working alongside his brother Ernie and building a successful dairy operation in both Hastings and Nappan. He was a calm and steady farmer who cared deeply for his animals (even the "hay burning" horses Robin brought home). He was an integral part of the farming community and his knowledge and professionalism were valued in organizations such as the Federation of Agriculture, Athol Forestry and Scotsburn Dairy Board of Directors.
Steve was an avid outdoorsman, he loved to walk in the woods, go hunting and spend time back at the camp telling stories and playing cards with family and friends. He loved to fish almost as much as Robin and sometimes she even let him catch a trout. In cold weather Steve could be found back in the woods cutting trees with Elliott, with a warm fire and a warm drink. In the summer he could be found at Jackson’s Point, walking the beach with Robin, swimming or pushing his grandkids on a swing (perhaps with a cold drink).
Steve was incredibly giving, kind and self-less. He was an outstanding community member and volunteer, always ready to help those in need. Lending a hand is what Steve loved to do in the most sincere and genuine way- whether he was plowing snow for his neighbors, fixing or building and he gladly pulled many a car from a dirt road ditch with his tractor.
Following a barn fire in 1985, Steve was in awe of those who would drop everything and come to the aid of a stranger and decided he wanted to serve and support his community as they had done for him. This began a journey that would last almost 31 years as a firefighter with the Truemanville Volunteer Fire Department. Brave, dedicated and selfless as always, Steve was highly respected in the fire service obtaining his Level 2 Firefighter status, Medical First Responder and Rapid Intervention Team member. He was also a longtime Member of the Executive as our "Treasurer for Life", a job from which he has found the only way to retire. He was incredibly proud to serve alongside daughter Stephanie, who joined in 2014, and recently son Elliott, in 2019, as well as his beloved firefighter family, who were always there for him, up to and on the last day of his life.
Known for his strength, generosity and humour, Steve was a well-respected and well-loved man. A dedicated father, problem-solver, advice-giver and best friend to Steph, Dan, Elliott and Jill, a silly and joyous Gaga to Sadie, Robbie and baby Steve as well as a loving and sometimes tormenting, teasing husband to Robin, Steve was a friend to all and a hero to many. He was a big man, with a big heart and a big laugh. A larger-than-life personality, he loved to joke, cause mischief and to make people smile and we know we’ll be finding heartfelt or foolish notes written in his hen scratch for years to come. No amount of time would have been enough with our leader, our heart and our soul. Gone too soon but cherished forever, Steve would want us to continue seeing the good in life and to continue to serve and support our community, neighbors, family and friends. If you’d like to do something to honor Stephen’s beautiful life, do a good deed (although he would tell you that no good deed goes unpunished) and be kind to others always.
Stephen Fage, you were no ordinary man. We love you always.
Donations in Stephen’s memory can be made to the Truemanville Volunteer Fire Department or the Cumberland County Hospice Palliative Care Society or the charity of your choice.
A celebration of life will be held from 1-4 pm, Saturday, February 18th at the Truemanville Fire Hall, 2389 Hwy#6 Truemanville, NS.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Jones Family Funeral Centre, 70 Church St., Amherst, NS, (902-667-8777). Sharing of memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the online memorial at www.jonesfamilyfuneralcentre.ca or through the Jones Family Funeral Centre Facebook Page.