Obituary of Stephen Benjamin Letto

Stephen Benjamin Letto

January 25, 1938 – November 27, 2023

It is with broken hearts that the family of Stephen (Steve) Letto announce his passing on November 27, 2023, at the age of 85 years.  Following a courageous battle with cancer, he passed peacefully at the Western Health Palliative Care Unit, with his family by his side.

He will be forever loved and remembered by his wife of 56 years, Shirley; his children Chad (Liane) and Brad (Serena); his grandchildren Zack (Markita), Tory, Jake and Jaya; his great-granddaughter Émelia; his siblings and in-laws Louisa, Wilfred (Betty), Manuel (Marie), Edith, Melvin (Doris), Loretta (Robert) and Marjorie; his nephews, nieces and a large circle of extended family and friends.  Steve is predeceased by his beloved parents Edith Etheridge and Benjamin Letto, along with several of his siblings and in-laws: Muriel (Les), Clifford, Alma (Garfield) and Urias.

Steve was well known as a humble man with an incredibly strong work ethic.  As the eldest boy of eight children, he began fishing with his father at the age of 15.  Two years later, he travelled to Sept-Iles to work on the railroad as a labourer.  He spent five years there before returning home to L’Anse au Clair where he began his legacy of fostering development initiatives in Labrador and beyond.  From construction projects to regional development services to tourism infrastructure, Steve invested much time and energy into building, creating and responding to the needs of the region through both his work and volunteer efforts.  In 1968, he and his wife Shirley started a small hospitality business in their home community.  This eventually led to the construction of the Northern Light Inn in 1973, which he helped nurture and grow over five decades.  A true entrepreneur to the core, he simultaneously kept busy with other business initiatives, including the development of Funland Resort in Cormack with his brother, and the operation of a fishing lodge in Labrador for several years.  His most recent project was at the young age of 80 - the construction of a family home in Pasadena, Newfoundland.

Steve was a visionary who worked tirelessly to build a strong foundation for all that was important to him, especially his family.  He was a mentor, an inspiration and a hero in the eyes of his grandchildren.  He always gave to others, with no expectation of anything in return – a man of few words who never complained.  Steve loved to travel and was fortunate to spend many winters with his wife and friends in Florida.  He lived a beautiful life and we are ever so grateful for every precious moment shared, and the many life lessons he has taught us along the way.  As he said in his final days, “If love could heal, we would not have a worry in the world.”

The family would like to thank all of the those who reached out in any way to help during this difficult time.  A special thank you to Dr. Park and the wonderful staff at the Western Memorial Cancer Centre for their exceptional care and kindness each week throughout his cancer treatments.  A thank you as well to all of the amazing staff at the Palliative Care Unit for their care and compassion in helping make his last days comfortable.

In respecting Steve’s wishes, cremation will take place in Corner Brook before making his final journey back home to Labrador.  There will be a funeral service held at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in L’Anse au Clair on Saturday, December 2^nd, 2023.