William Stephen Habington

Stephen passed away peacefully at Perley Health Center, after a long illness, with his wife of thirty years Helena (Née Tarapcik), at his side. He is survived by his son William from an earlier marriage. Stephen is also mourned by his brother Brett along with his sister-in-law Janet and their children Maureen and Rourke. He will be greatly missed by his sister-in-law Viera Tarapcik Duchêne and her husband Pierre Duchêne and their sons Nicolas and Milan, as well as, his brother-in-law Peter Tarapcik.

Stephen was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and moved with his parents William and Maureen Habington to Winnipeg, Manitoba at the age of seven. He lived in Winnipeg until joining the Canadian Armed Forces in his late teens.

After completing his Infantry Officer Training in 1967, Stephen was posted to his first Unit, Second Battalion, The Royal Highland Regiment of Canada (The Black Watch). He, along with many of his colleagues, were transferred to Second Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment when The Black Watch was disbanded from the regular forces in 1970.

Stephen had a varied and interesting military career, at one point serving as aid de camp for the Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick. He was also deployed on peacekeeping tours in Cyprus and the former Yugoslavia. The latter tour greatly impacted his world view and sense of his own role in the military and society at large.

To his friends and family, Stephen will be remembered as a provocative wit and cultural polymath with interests ranging from classical music to French new wave cinema. His expertise in the former led him to pursue music criticism post-retirement, penning articles for numerous publications, despite having no formal training in music. Stephen also loved cats, adopting and caring for many in his later years. He was above all else a nurturer who was completely devoted to his family.

Stephen's family wishes to thank all of the staff at Perley Health Center for their care over the past few years.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Perley Health Foundation or the Concussion Legacy Foundation Canada in Stephen's memory would be appreciated.

A private family gathering has taken place. Arrangements entrusted to Basic Funerals and Cremation Choices.