Obituary of Stephen David Kendell

A person's moral or emotional nature, or sense of identity is considered their soul.  Taken from the Oxford Dictionary.

Stephen David Kendell  - March 23, 1991 - November 11, 2021

The world has lost the most beautiful soul.  Forever loved and remembered by: Mom and Dad (Janice & Bruce), older brother Brad (Alicia), Grandmother, Gladys Kendell (Fred).  The love of his life and soulmate Nicki Shaw. Aunts, uncles & cousins: Una & Roy Reid (David & Andrew), Kathryn & Kambiz Behbahani (Mark & Mimi), Irene & Bernie Carr (Mark), Eleanor Randall (Jamie & Andrea), Carole Roche (Andrew), Jim & Karen Roche, Elaine & Jim Corbett, Craig & Leona Roche, Mary Lou & Todd Ford (Christopher & Sam), and Katreena McMahon. His memory will also be held close by many other relatives.

Stephen was predeceased by his Paternal Grandfather, Malcolm Kendell, Maternal Grandparents, James & Mary Jo Roche and Aunt Barbara Roche.

Stephen will also be dearly missed by his many lifelong friends that are too numerous to mention, and also many newer friends, as Stephen spoke to, and treated everyone as if they were his best pal.  He had a genuine interest and curiosity about everyone he met.

Stephen was an avid reader and writer, and could always captivate those around him with a story, or an account of one of his many adventures.  His smile and his charm could light up any room.  He loved to travel and explore new destinations.  Enjoying the forests, beaches and oceans, finding his bearings in a new and busy city, or ordering lunch in a foreign language.

Stephen was passionate about many things.  He enjoyed drawing, dancing, music, classic TV & movies, cooking, gardening.  He had a thirst for knowledge and loved to learn.  He was funny.  He was kind.  He was loving.  He was so many things.  But Stephen, our son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, friend, coworker, passed away, far from home, taken by an illness that is considered extremely distasteful to talk about. 

This is the type of thing that sad movies are made of.  This kind of stuff doesn't happen to us, or those closest to us.  There's this crazy idea that addicts are a separate class of people that exist on TV, in rough neighbourhoods, under bridges, and that it doesn't exist in our city, our community, our street, our home, right under our noses, but it does.  This illness does not discriminate because of age, gender, race, religion or social status.  It happens to people.  People just like you and me. 

In memory of Stephen, whatever you do today, do it with kindness in your heart and a smile upon your face.  

In lieu of flowers, If you wish to make a charitable donation in Stephen's memory, please consider the NL West SPCA.

Visitation will take place at Fillatres Funeral home, 218 Curling street, on Thursday December 16 from 2-4 and 7-9 to a maximum of 30 people in the building at once.

In keeping with covid 19 regulations, a private service will be held on Friday December 17 with Reverend Sean Allen officiating. Vaxpass and identification will be required at both visitation and funeral service.