November 15, 1975 – September 5, 2026
Stephen was born to Heather and Lawrence Strutynski in Salmon Arm, BC, where he grew up. He spent most of his adult life on Vancouver Island, on the Saanich Peninsula. Stephen was a talented artist, a loving husband to Maureen, father to Sebastian, brother to Niki, and a caring son and uncle. He was also a dedicated teacher, mentor, and a loyal friend. Stephen’s love for his wife and son was deep and devoted. He also doted on their family dog, Vimy. He was passionate about his work and proud of his students and the community he worked with at Stelly’s Secondary School.
Starting in his early 20’s, Stephen faced serious health challenges that had lasting impacts on his physical ability, but he did not let this hold him back. On the contrary, his achievements as an artist and teacher are a testament to his dedication and perseverance.
Stephen completed both a BFA with honours and Masters in Art Education at UVic. He was forever committed to bringing his learning into his teaching practice. Stephen was a beloved teacher because of his passion and care for ideas and creativity. He never asked “Why?” only “Why not?”
It was Stephen’s wish to create a visual arts award in his memory. The purpose of this award is to provide financial support to a visual arts student as they continue on to post-secondary. The family hopes this will be a legacy fund for many years to come and will honour Stephen’s passion for art and future artists. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to fulfill Stephen’s wish here: Stephen Strutynski Visual Art Award
We thank you for your generous support.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 20, 2026 at 2:00 pm, in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC. All welcome, come as you are, wear something colourful.
For those who are able to join us, the family would love to create a shared scrapbook of memories. During the gathering, we will provide cards for you to write down a favorite memory, story, or message – there is no need to prepare anything in advance.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Strutynski” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
22 Responses
I first met Steve when he came to Australia for high school, where we became instant friends. That friendship led to me moving to Salmon Arm — a crazy idea that still leaves me feeling equal parts thankful and bemused that my parents and the Strutynski family actually agreed to it! I still feel so lucky to have been welcomed by such an extraordinary family, who showed me firsthand the importance of going out of your way to help others.
I’ll deeply miss Steve’s endless schemes for getting us into trouble, the way we pushed each other’s creative boundaries, and our constant swap of music, books, and comics. I was terrible at keeping in touch, but Steve was always so good at writing back. Right up to his last message (a perfect Steve moment), where he was cheerfully explaining why my current comic pull list was total rubbish. We also laughed about how we landed in similar careers without ever planning to, and looking over our old emails now, I only wish I’d sent more of them.
To Heather, Larry, and Nikki, I am so sorry for your loss. Steve was a true testament to the warmth and generosity of your home. My heart goes out to you all.
To Maureen and Sebastian, he loved you both so immensely. In his last note to me, he was bragging how he and Sebastian shared the same taste in reading, laughing that “My boy is a savage with books and rereads the same books over and over, so trades hold up better to his savagery.”
I owe Steve more than I can say. Please know that if there is anything at all I can do to support you all, I am here.
A couple years ago, Stephen opened up his classroom & his gift of art to my parents group. He was so welcoming, encouraging and excited to continue supporting the parents. As we painted, he lead, but not step by step as you would think of a paint class. Instead he encouraged each person individually, that they had the art inside of them. He encouraged us to just go for it and not get caught up on perfection. I appreciated that about him! I knew him for a short time. But loved how easy he was to connect with!
My condolences to his family. I am so sorry for your loss.
Thinking so much about Maureen and Sebastian. He was so proud of you both. I will miss seeing him in the neighborhood, and also working with him at Stellys. I remember when a fellow colleague, Haley, was diagnosed with cancer and was off work, she told me she was so pleased that Stephen came to visit her. It really made her feel good. I loved talking to him about fun art projects, especially the insanely thoughtful gift for Miss Lee’s retirement from Sebastion, a beautiful hand drawn portrait of her classroom from her perspective, colored and framed. He spoke so joyfully about it, and I realized them what a thoughtful and creative guy he was. Then working together, he was so good with his students, really loved and valued his work, and always went above and beyond to share his knowledge but also make kiddos feel like they belonged. When he was diagnosed at the same time as my daughter we didn’t get much time to chat about the terrible luck and what we were both going through on different levels often but once I happened to catch him getting out of the car when I was walking my dog and we caught up and had a really great and real chat. He was a real one, and his legacy will surely live on at Stellys and in the neighborhood. Maureen and Sebastian I respect your privacy but please know we are down the road thinking of you both and sending you so much compassion and love. It’s such a grueling battle and l see you both. Holding you and standing behind you. I’m so so sorry.
Stephen was an amazing person, friend, and teacher. I had the joy of teaching in the classroom beside Stephen at Stelly’s for many years, and I have so many wonderful memories of the fun we had working together and bouncing ideas off one another. One thing I will always remember most about Stephen was the love and pride he had for his wife and son. It was so evident how much Maureen and Sebastian meant to him. Unfortunately, after I transferred to Claremont, we lost touch, but I will always be grateful for the years we shared and the memories we made. I am sending so much love, strength, and positive energy to Stephen’s family during this incredibly difficult time. I am away in Vancouver this weekend; otherwise, I would be there to celebrate Stephen’s life with you. Take care, Maureen and Sebastian. Sending you both tons of love. xoxoxo
Maureen, you probably don’t remember me. I knew your mom many moons ago. I am so sorry to hear of Stephen’s death. He was clearly loved by his family and respected in his chosen profession. Please accept my deepest condolences .
Heather Larry and Nikki, I am so saddened to hear the news of Stephen’s death. Reading about him here indicates he led a full and happy life surrounded with love. My heart aches for you.
Love Lynda
Mr. Strutynski (often called Mr. S) was an amazing teacher. I only took one class with him while I was at Stelly’s but it quickly became my favorite of the semester. He always encouraged students to explore art out of their comfort zone while also working with us to improve the skills we had. He also often went above and beyond his role by helping out the stage craft/theatre class by lending his room, time, and supplies to us. I personally bonded with him over cardboard. I’ve been using cardboard to make everything from silly inventions when I was eight to props and full costumes when I was older, and while taking Mr. S’s class I found out he too liked working with cardboard – he told me he specialized in making sculptures with it in college. When I told Mr. S I wanted to make a cardboard piece for my final project he was very excited and even let me use his personal box cutter for my piece because many of the classroom box cutters were dull. Mr. Strutynski was an amazing teacher and incredibly kind individual, he will be greatly missed by all his students.
Mr. S was my art teacher in grade 11, i’ve never had a better teacher in my life. I had pretty much stopped doing art when I got to highschool, but being in his class was a push into getting back into it. he always talked about his family so lovingly, it breaks my heart to hear about this. love you Mr. S
With sincere condolences on the passing of Stephen.
He will be missed by all who knew him.
We are so very sorry for your loss. Much love from Ian, Linda and family XXOO