Syd Stepner

With a peace well-deserved, Syd passed away on Thursday, November 6, 2025. Like Johnny Appleseed spreading around apple seeds, Syd managed to spread smiles to all in his path. Syd charmed everyone with his smile and his unwavering optimism. He liked nothing more than to engage with people, and he never met a stranger he didn’t like. Whether it be client, friend, family, tennis partner or opponent, he cherished everyone.

Marrying Sharron was the honour of his life. He adored her, respected her, trusted her, and maintained complete and unending devotion to her. Syd couldn’t help himself from telling everyone how lucky he was to find her, because “Sharron is the best!”. 

He was an incredible father to his son Michael and his daughter Diana, who he raised with their mother, Karen Poulsen. He couldn’t open a conversation with his children without reminding them that they were his favourite son and favourite daughter. He will also be missed by his daughter-in-law Laura.

He embraced Sharron’s children Ben & Léa (and their daughter, Julia), and Annie & Jes as his own and they too are left behind in mourning. Predeceased by his parents, Sarah and Moishe, and his brother David. Brother-in-law of Marcia; Maureen and Kelly, Bonnie, Mitchell and Francine. Son-in-law of Clara Schwartz. Incredible uncle of Shawn and Diana, Daniel and Maria, and their families. 

Syd was the first to welcome and greet people, wherever he went. If you knew Syd, you knew that the Monkland Tennis Club held a very dear place in his heart. Syd was blessed to have the caring and support of some very special people these past few years. Much gratitude to Ghenet Assefaw, Lucia Desta, Lilly Ganancial, Josephine Magbanua, and Lydia Molo, who provided Syd with an incredible quality of life as his own abilities declined. Angels on earth each and every one of them.

Funeral service from Paperman & Sons, 3888 Jean Talon St. W., on Sunday, November 9 at 2:15 p.m. Burial at the Congregation Dorshei Emet section, Eternal Gardens Cemetery, Beaconsfield. Shiva at his home Sunday following burial until 9:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., and Friday from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Donations in Syd’s memory may be made to Alzheimer Group AGI: (514) 485-7233 or click here, or to his spiritual home, Dorshei Emet: (514) 486-9400 or click here.