February 7, 1947 – April 1, 2026

Stephen Roy Fitzpatrick was born into a big Irish family in Pembroke, Ontario, in 1947, to parents Joe and Jean Fitzpatrick. He was the oldest of 7 siblings: Jay, Erin, Kathleen, Brady, Matthew, and Jimmy. Steve loved being part of a big family and told many stories about his childhood in Pembroke.

Steve started his adult years working in Toronto. At age 20, his son, Shannon Blair Fitzpatrick, was born. In 1976, Steve’s company moved him ‘Out West’, where he settled in Calgary, AB, for several years. A chance encounter through his job led Steve to Kincaid, SK, where he met his future wife, Elaine Wilson. Steve discovered he loved the prairies and decided to stay in Saskatchewan, marrying Elaine in 1978. Together, they raised two daughters, Kimberly and Chelsea. Steve was a dad who did everything with his kids and grandkids; played, coached, danced, sang and was always up for a discussion about anything.

From 1979 to 2003, he served as a Credit Union manager, which took his family to several communities across Saskatchewan. Following his retirement, the Fitzpatricks settled in Swift Current, where Steve started his volunteer career.

Steve never met a stranger. He could strike up a conversation with anyone about anything. Hockey was his lifelong passion, and he knew the stats and stories of every player on the Swift Current Legionnaires and the Swift Current Broncos. For many years, he volunteered with the Legionnaires, selling 50/50 tickets and greeting fans at the doors with a program. A season ticket holder for the Broncos, Steve later joined their Game Day Staff, a role he was proud of. He played weekly hockey at the Credit Union Innovation Iplex until age 71.

In 2017, he received the “Eagle Applause” award for his volunteer efforts cleaning up the community—a regular sight around Swift Current, Steve could often be seen walking the parks, ball diamonds, and highways picking up litter. He did it, he said, because he loved Swift Current and wanted to keep it looking good. He also dedicated time weekly volunteering with the Swift Current Legion and the Salvation Army Food Bank.

Steve was a positive person, kind, compassionate, and principled. He always stood up for the underdog. He was a lover of people and their stories. Steve loved living, walking, dancing and music. He was always up for people coming together for a good time with good food and good conversation.

Stephen leaves behind his wife Elaine, daughters Kimberly Duquette (Denny) and grandchildren Cassidy Schindel (Noah), Mason Duquette (Riley), Jacob Duquette (Jalayna), daughter Chelsea Fitzpatrick (Derek Wiebe), son Shannon Blair Fitzpatrick and children, and grandchild Chelsey K.Fitzpatrick (Mike) and two great-grandchildren.

Steve lived with severe dementia in his final years, but his family could still see the sparkle of his personality — his love of music, dancing, and life — shining through the expressions on his face. At the time of his passing, his wife Elaine and his children were by his side.

There will be no formal funeral service. In keeping with Steve’s wishes, his ashes will be returned to his hometown of Pembroke, Ontario, to rest with his family.