WILFRED STEPUSHYN

Condolences & Memories (19 entries)

• I ran into Willie and Diane in Mexico years back and had so much fun with him. Due to Willy’s nature we had a blast and I got to know Diane. I was so saddened to hear about Willie, just found out. Diana and I travelled after that holiday and had a great time. I’m so sorry Diane for your loss, please contact me if you feel like it. - Posted by: Susan King (friend) on: May 21, 2025

• Very dedicated teacher who offered office hours every morning before school. Worked his butt off to make sure that all his students gave 110% and if you didn’t, he would get on you about it. He was tenacious and passionate and loved physics. He inspired me to become a scientist and I often talk about him with my colleagues. - Posted by: Luigi Romolo (Ex student) on: Feb 24, 2025

• I had Wilf (we never called him "step" in those days) for grade 10 IPS and Grade 11 and 12 Physics. He was a great teacher as others have said and inspired me to learn and appreciate physics, the math behind the science and also hard work! There was always interesting commentary and antics in his classroom. He gave me my first slide rule (I still have it...) and taught us how to use them. I have never forgotten his inspiration and I try to treat my University students the way he taught us: as equals with something to teach each other. RIP Wilf... - Posted by: Neil Williams (Student at Transcona Collegiate Institute 1970 - 1973) on: Feb 20, 2025

• Step was a caring, brilliant teacher. He tried tactics to make us see that committing to learning is essential. He stood out to me through the high school years. He pushed us to achieve greatness. Sad to hear of his passing. - Posted by: Bonnie (Student grade 12 math) on: Feb 02, 2025

• I just heard of Step’s passing. My condolences to his family. He was an incredible teacher, leaving lasting memories for his students. I will never forget my time in his physics classes, affectionately known as “the man maker class”. He pushed you to work hard but was always there to support you when you needed guidance. He will be greatly missed. - Posted by: Michelle (Smith) Rogasky (Former student) on: Jan 30, 2025

• My condolences to the family Willy one a good friend and always fun to talk to loved his wine and garden and Winnipeg football team will miss you buddy - Posted by: Frank rizzuto (Barber and friend) on: Jan 23, 2025

• So sorry to hear that "Step" (as those of us who had him as a Physics teacher at Transcona Collegiate all called him) has passed away. He was a very memorable teacher - so much so that as a Physics teacher now myself, I tell my students many stories about being in his class (even 45 years later). He taught with a great sense of humour, and the energy and enthusiasm he brought to his classes was contagious - my goal now is to be as excited about Physics as he was! As a result, I still use many of the things Step taught me in my classes today. He was a great example of how students will often meet high expectations, and being in his class taught us important life skills like resilience, grit, and dedication. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time, but they can be proud to know that he lived a life that made a positive difference to a lot of people, including me. - Posted by: Robbie Scott (Former Student) on: Jan 13, 2025

• I have great memories of being in Step's physics classes at TCI. I remember the wall at the back of the classroom full of comics and class memorabilia. I remember him talking to us and making jokes to keep the class interesting. I remember how he would come in early to help anyone that needed assistance. I remember him eating lunch with us and working on lab reports. I remember his disdain of having his class interrupted by an announcement or request from the office. I remember the Reach for the Top practice sessions. I remember a teacher who taught me that working hard was so very important. Many fond memories of being in his class and then later in life seeing him at Bomber games. Condolences to his family and friends. - Posted by: Dean Favoni (former student) on: Jan 13, 2025

• I recall when I learned that Step was going to be teaching my Physics class, trepidation sunk in. He had a reputation for being stern, of course upon reflection those opinions were from “slackers”. I will always appreciate his methods, speaking to me (us) as an adult and not as a kid, and willingness to spend extra time when requested to ensure I understood what he was teaching. I remember this was to be the first class we could use calculators and him saying “no calculators allowed”, only slide rules and he proved how quick and accurate they were. Step ended up being my favourite of all time and I will forever be grateful to him for pushing me to be my best. - Posted by: Sheldon Ball (Student) on: Jan 12, 2025

• Mr. Stepushyn or Step as he was more commonly referred to was my math teacher at TCI. To say he was a character would be an understatement. He took over my math class and referred to us for the rest of the semester as his « math orphans ». Whether he was swinging that pendulum at your head (which never hit anybody because he knew physics) or having us calculate math problems in which his sister Lorna fell off of tall buildings (we would calculate the rate in which she fell, the speed in which she hit the ground, the distance she would fall etc) or chanting « I can solve any trig equation in the whole world can youuu? » he did his best to keep you on your toes and paying attention…. Making math and science interesting. He expected and demanded your best and he was always willing to spend extra time to ensure you understood. He is a teacher I remember fondly. My condolences to his family. - Posted by: Amy McDonald (Former student ) on: Jan 07, 2025

• So sorry for your loss. Will be thinking of you Diane and family. - Posted by: Joni Orr (Leduchowski) (Friend) on: Jan 05, 2025

• Diane so sorry to hear about Willie our deepest condolences - Posted by: Ron & Clem Nero (Student and Friend ) on: Jan 04, 2025

• Mr. Stepushyn brought energy into a classroom. I never possessed the ability to have the proper grade to advance math 300 in 1983 but he gave it to me anyway because I tried. RIP - Posted by: Garry Vandenbossche (Student ) on: Jan 04, 2025

• Great teacher that prepared us for higher learning - Posted by: Bob Kurylko (Friend/Student) on: Jan 04, 2025

• Our sincerest condolences in the loss of dear Wilf. Wilf was one of our daughter ..Shawn’s.. favourite teacher and a very dear friend of my brother Les Chudley. He was well liked and respected. May your memories give you all comfort at this sad time. - Posted by: Chudley family (Friends ) on: Jan 04, 2025

• We are both shocked and very saddened to learn of Willy’s passing. He was an excellent educator, great neighbour and good friend. We enjoyed many good times with Willy and Di over the years. Our sincerest heartfelt condolences to Diane and Willy’s family. Bobbi & Fred Van A. - Posted by: Bobbi and Fred (Friends) on: Jan 04, 2025

• I first met Willy while I was a student at TCI. He quickly became one of my favourite teachers. Willy always showed a genuine interest in in his students and made you feel part of the group. His sense of humour was appreciated by all. He coached our Reach For the Top team and we had loads of fun while preparing for the big matches. Later on in life I was fortunate to share the curling ice with Willy in the Thursday Masters league. Chatting with Willy was something I always looked forward to. He was a kind and genuine man. My sincere condolences go out to the Stepushyn - Posted by: Joseph Laxdal (Friend) on: Jan 04, 2025

• Please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of your brother, husband, friend and uncle. May he Rest in Paradise - Posted by: Janice Morin and Fred West (Acquaintance ) on: Jan 04, 2025

• I still remember the time you invited me over to watch a hockey game on your tiny colour T.V., when we were both living in Niakwa Park. I hope you won't have to relevel anymore paving stones. Rest in peace, Wilf. - Posted by: John Evan (ex-student, ex-neighbour) on: Jan 04, 2025