It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Stephen Harper, age 68, of Bedford, Nova Scotia, who passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his children and family, on January 14, 2026, at the Halifax Infirmary.

Stephen was first and always a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, son and friend. Stephen is survived by his beloved wife, Cheryl (Baney-Harper); his son, Jonathan (Andrea); grandchildren, Remy and Beatrice; daughter, Kathryn; grandchildren, Olivia and Owen, each of whom brought him immense joy.

Stephen is also survived by his brother, Tommy (Louise); sisters, Christine (Danny), Nancy, Gail (Wayne) and Jacqui; his stepmother, Marg; and many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. He was predeceased by his father, Thomas; brothers, Reggie and Michael, and his mother, Eleanor.

Stephen is also survived by his uncles, Reginald, Carl (Bessie), Jim (Judy), and Ivan, and was predeceased by his uncle, Bobbie (Flo). As well, Stephen is survived and loved by numerous cousins.

Born and raised in Halifax, Stephen attended St. Patrick’s High School, where his lifelong love of sports took root. Hockey was his passion. From high school and competitive leagues to Thursday nights at the Metro Centre and Sunday mornings at St. Mary’s University. Stephen loved the game—not just for the sport itself, but for the friendships, the laughs, and the stories shared long after the final buzzer. He spoke often of his teammates and cherished the bonds formed both on and off the ice.

Stephen’s love of sport extended far beyond hockey. As a youth, he pitched in the Babe Ruth League, later finding joy on the golf course, where he belonged to many clubs over the years. Co-ed softball held a special place in his heart, playing alongside his wife and friends and traveling to tournaments in Prince Edward Island—where good company, competition, and, of course, golf were always part of the plan.

In retirement, Stephen slowed down just enough to fully embrace what mattered most—his family and his pets. He loved cheering on his grandson Owen at the rink and playing ground hockey, laughing with his granddaughter Liv as they shared a love for nature and music, and simply being present in those everyday moments that meant everything to him. He deeply cherished his grandson Remy, as they shared Remy's love of tennis and surfing. Time spent together included unforgettable outings to Savannah Ghost Pirates hockey games and Savannah Bananas baseball games. Stephen’s heart was complete when Beatrice was born.

Stephen will be remembered for his kindness, loyalty, easy laugh, and the deep, unwavering love he held for his family. A kind and loving family man, he had a way of making people feel welcome, seen, and valued, often without saying a word. His warmth, generosity, and genuine care for others brought comfort and strength to those around him. Though his absence is profoundly felt, his love remains woven into the hearts of his family and friends, and his legacy of love, compassion, and devotion to family will continue to live on through all who knew and loved him. Stephen's experienced deep joy when Sharai connected with him, and he treasured the moments they shared together.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 from 2-4 pm in the T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 71 McQuade Lake Crescent, Beechville, NS, B3S 1C4 (Bayers Lake Park).