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One of the great constructors has died.
Stephen Paul Colborne was born on April 23, 1949 at St. Joseph’s Hospital, in Sarnia. The second child of Joseph and Patricia, Steve grew up in and around Lambton County with his five siblings. As a young boy, he would sneak downstairs after bedtime and listen to his father and beloved uncles, Bill and Tom, telling stories about their work as construction superintendents. He decided that when he grew up he would become a construction manager…and he did. Whenever he was asked what he did for a living, he would always reply, “I build the shit out of things.”
He began his career in Chemical Valley, and soon branched into larger jobs throughout Ontario, then Alberta, and then ultimately internationally. Spending almost 30 years at Fluor, he retired a Senior Construction Director, having successfully managed projects in Canada, the United States, Indonesia and Russia. Upon retirement, he settled in Alvinston, Ontario vowing to never travel again…and he did not.
He is survived by his only daughter, Darcy Carmen Colborne, his close friend and former wife Mary Ann, his siblings: Rob (Diana) Colborne of Surrey, BC; Anne (late Michael) Anne Turner of London, ON; Sue (Bill) Atkin of Sarnia, ON; Mike (Joyce) Colborne of Calgary, AB; and Sarah (Walt) Reaume of Sarnia, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and family acquaintances. Throughout his life he met many people, and amongst them he held dear Mike and Amy Stephens (Fort Myers), Buddy and Tammy Frenette (Calgary) and Andy Paevey (Alvinston). He was predeceased by his parents, his mother-in-law Katheryn Date and his nieces Jessica Reaume and Cait Atkin.
Throughout his life he collected many hobbies, amongst them furniture making, private piloting, classic car restoration and even figuring out YouTube in his later years. He had a blistering intellect and a breadth of knowledge that allowed him to speak on any number of topics at great depth. Quick with a joke or a story and always available for advice if you needed it (and sometimes when you didn’t). It would annoy him greatly to be the centre of attention, but despite this – and against his wishes – the family will be holding a visitation and a celebration of life, on August 25, 2024 between 1:00-4:00 at the Sarnia Golf and Curling Club.
There aren’t words to express the gratitude his family has for Dr. John O’Mahony and his staff, who moved mountains towards the end; Dr. Dave DeShane for his years of pain management and counsel; and the staff on the Palliative Care floor, including Willi Kirenko. They provided such comfort and direction in a time when it was greatly needed.
Steve’s presence was large, though his stature was small, and his absence from our lives will be forever mourned by those who knew and loved him.
Arrangements entrusted to Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia.
