XJF772 New Liskeard Fire Department
Final call out for lead dispatcher (retired) Steve Loach.
With profound sadness we announce the passing of our dad on December 20, 2023 at the Temiskaming Hospital.
Dad will be remembered for many things, but one of our favourites was his job as a dispatcher for the New Liskeard Police. Many visits to see the fire trucks and play around the firehall will forever be held close.
He was always proud to be a member of the volunteer fire service and enjoyed teaching the new recruits. As Dad liked to say, “It’s what I do. I know things.” He never missed an opportunity to teach younger people, whether it be how to bait a hook, change a tire or the importance of knowing how to transport dangerous goods. He loved it all if he made a difference.
Dad was a constant backyard mechanic. He was always tinkering with old cars or taking something apart to figure out why it wouldn’t work. Sometimes he did it even when it was working simply to know what made it run.
We would be remiss if we didn’t mention Dad’s college education. Dad was a member of the very first graduating class of the New Liskeard School of Agriculture. He spent time working on farms out west and the demonstration farm in Kapuskasing before returning home to the tri towns. While we’ve been told he had a knack dealing with the most stubborn of animals, we were never brave enough to point out that it takes one to know one. Well, not if we were sitting close at least. He preferred to say he didn’t like being told what to do… and we agreed.
He and his wife Doreen spent many summers outdoors. Dad loved his fishing and was never without a fish tale when asked. Being on the boat was always a joy for Dad and he passed his love of fishing on to his children and a few grandchildren. Camping with their many friends and tours around Canada to provincial parks was always something Dad enjoyed telling stories about.
Our family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to all the staff at the Temiskaming Hospital, particularly the palliative care ward, who made his final days so comfortable. We extend extreme gratitude to Dr. Matt Scott. Your caring bedside manner and genuine affection for Dad will never be forgotten.
Predeceased by his beloved wife Doreen (Ede), his parents Albert and Wilda, and brother Jack (Cathy).
He leaves behind his children, Dion, Lianne, and Beth Matasich (Chris) and his stepchildren Richard Bailey (Amanda), Jennifer Bailey and Kristina Pichette (Lee). Many grandchildren and great - grandchildren will also miss their time with him.
Particularly his granddaughter Mikayla who enjoyed talking hockey and all things Toronto Maple Leafs with him over facebook, and granddaughter Shaelynn who chatted with him frequently.
His siblings: Neill (Terri), Eric (Nancy), Miles (Marsha), Kent (Patti), Judy Smith (Brad) and Gladys Loach (Marco)
In lieu of flowers, it would be appreciated if you made a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society or Temiskaming Hospital Foundation in memory of our Dad.
As our Dad loved helping people during his life, we also encourage anyone capable to donate blood. Blood is needed Canada wide and the very best gift you can give. The generosity of blood donors kept our Dad with us for many extra years and we cannot thank you enough for such a precious gift.
A celebration of life will be held at Temiskaming Funeral Cooperative - Perrin Chapel 128 Whitewood Avenue West, New Liskeard on Saturday January 20, 1-3pm.
Internment will follow in the spring where he will join his beloved Doreen at the Kerns Cemetery and watch the birds in the countryside where he grew up.
Please feel free to wear your Toronto Maple Leaf gear in Dad’s honour. He was a huge hockey fan and not big on formal wear. A sea of blue and white would make him smile.
Canadian Cancer Society donation link:
Temiskaming Hospital Foundation donation link:
https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E920346QE&id=3
Visitation
When: Saturday, January 20, 2024 from 1-3 p.m.
Where: Temiskaming Funeral Coopereative - Perrin Chapel
Address: 128 Whitewood Avenue West, New Liskeard, ON P0J 1P0