Stephen (Steve) John Dowell, 72, of Toronto and Meaford Ontario, passed away peacefully at Sunnybrook Hospital on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, after a long but valiant battle with cancer. His daughter Tyler was by his side holding his hand as he passed.

He was born on Thursday, September 20th, 1951 to Jack Leslie Dowell and Aida Gray Dowell (Donaldson) in Toronto. At a very young and formative age, he contracted polio and was in isolation from his parents for many months. He eventually recovered completely from his illness - a fighter from the very beginning of his life!

He attended Sloane Avenue Public School, Victoria Park Collegiate Institute and York University, where he studied Fine Arts with a Film Production Major. His final cinematic project was “The Prophet Nostradamus” in 1976, a 23-minute film he made as co-producer and cinematographer. It is still available for viewing on YouTube today.

Steve continued to spend his years after university in the entertainment industry, working for C.P.I. (Concert Productions International) and for many years, was Road Manager for premier internationally renowned rock groups on tour throughout North America. For decades he worked for IATSE Local 58 as a stagehand on a variety of productions such as The Phantom of The Opera, as well as numerous Ballets and Operas at The Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, his favourite being The Nutcracker. He retired in 2019.

Steve enjoyed his remaining years at his trailer in Meaford Ontario, affectionately called “Cabarete Norte” and winter months at La Punta in Cabarete, Dominican Republic with family and friends.

Steve married Reenie (Maureen) Ann King in 1988. They have one daughter, Tyler Jacqueline Dowell, born Thursday, October 18th, 1990. Though they later divorced, their relationship blossomed into a friendship where they shared a common love for their daughter.

Steve and his daughter Tyler had an amazing father-daughter relationship, which was unmatched and unbreakable. Their love for movies, delicious food, and travel were only a few of the mutual interests that made their bond so strong. Steve and Tyler were always found laughing at their inside jokes that no one else understood.

Steve is survived by his daughter, Tyler and her partner Boris, former spouse Reenie, his siblings Christina Dowell (David), Sandra Appleton (Greg), Michelle Oberson (Jeff), Judy Conquer (Jeff), Peter Dowell (Laleh) and Paul Dowell (Jennifer). He is missed by his nieces and nephews Shannon (Nate), Amanda (Cara), Jason (Kira), Cory (Camille), Kimberly (Marlon), Hailey (Brenton), Justin (Sarah), James (Sarah), Lauren (Ben), Brittney (Ryan), Brennen (Tiffany), Shelby (Drew), Kyle, Karleigh (Luke), Cameron, Eric (Nicole), Daniel and Jacob, and his great-nieces and great-nephews Maya, Neri, Charlotte, Beauden, Sloane, Oaklynn, Jack, Ellie, Charlie, Chloe, Celine, Aria and Everly. Steve will forever be in the hearts of the Dowell Clan.

A cremation, followed by a private family service, will take place soon. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date when all his family and friends will be welcome to come and share memories of Steve.

Many thanks to the physicians, nurses and other staff of C2 Patient Care Unit at Sunnybrook Hospital. Their professionalism and compassionate care helped Steve and his family through a very difficult hospitalization.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Sunnybrook Foundation - Odette Cancer Program in honour of Steve would be appreciated.

Steve will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him!