Stephen Lesley Gurney

Stephen Lesley Gurney passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on July 29, 2025, at Wiarton Hospital. He was 78 years old.  Steve is survived by his loving wife Lawrall Lee (née Farrow) of 55 years, and his biggest fans and children: Melissa and Graham Roe, Angela and Ryan Matches, and Joshua and Sarah Gurney. He will be forever cherished by his eight grandchildren:  Aerowyn and Lochlain Roe, Kaeden, Ryland and Alegra Matches, and Seth, Myla and Owen Gurney. He was deeply loved by his big sister Carole and Bob Frook, and sister-in-law Mary Lou and Lloyd Thompson, and brother-in-law Darryl and Cora Farrow, as well as his many nieces and nephews. Steve was predeceased by his father, William Gurney, his mother, Shirley McCrae (née Gurney), his brothers Billy and Richard, his sister Linda, and his niece Pam. He was also predeceased by his in-laws, Ruth and Melville Farrow.

Born and raised in the Thornbury area, Steve then met Lawrall Lee and married on October 4, 1969, and shortly after, made Sauble Beach their family home. Some of his greatest joys came from his children and grandchildren. He loved to spend time playing cars on the floor, cards around the family table, and ice cream treats, when he wasn’t being buried in the Sauble sand dunes by gleeful grandkids. 

Steve had a lifelong love of the outdoors. From an early age, his adventurous spirit drew him to years of skiing at Blue Mountain, diving from ships in the Owen Sound harbour, as well as canoeing, dancing and rollerskating. 

His faith and church community were central in  Steve’s life.  His brothers and sisters in Christ always held a special place in his heart. 

Steve’s legacy will carry on in his deep love for family and friends, his affection for a good joke, a beautiful sunset, and a coffee shared with those he loved.

The Gurney family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Gateway Haven Long-Term Care Home and Wiarton Hospital for their compassionate care for Steve and his loved ones in his final years and days.  

A celebration of life with family and friends will be held on Friday, August 8th, 2 pm at Calvary Evangelical Missionary Church, 655 10th Street West, Owen Sound, Ontario.  Interment will occur at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to Calvary Evangelical Missionary Church or Operation Smile Canada in honour of Steve are appreciated. 

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