Steve Hibbert

 With his adoring family by his side, Steve passed away peacefully at home on Saturday March 16 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. 

 Born March 12, 1956, to the late George and Elizabeth (Betty) Hibbert, Steve leaves behind his wife, soul mate and business partner, Wendie, children Aaron Hibbert, Cory Hibbert (Jessica), Nicole Hibbert, Sean Stafford (Sarah), Casie Nurse (Brent). A proud grandfather (Bumpa) of twelve grandchildren Braden, Bhrett, Broc, Brooklyn, Gavin, Jayla, Chloe, Bella, Blakely, Tenley, Avery and his Brinboo (Brinley).

Steve was born to humble, yet loving beginnings as the eldest of five children. He will be greatly missed by his siblings whom he adored, Brian Hibbert (Jacqueline), Bill Hibbert (Kathy), Doug Hibbert (Fran) and Beth Cartlidge (Paul). Sadly missed and fondly remembered by in-laws Jean Walker and Eric Baldwin, Laurie Bearss (Mike), Julie Tanguay (Rob).

 Steve was a “larger-than-life” character, never to be forgotten by all that came to know him. Not only large in stature, he had the personality to match. Steve was the epitome of “work hard, play hard”. He loved working, and loved a good time with family, friends, and business associates — many who became lifelong friends. He started working from a young age which led him to the trucking industry. In 2007, Steve and Wendie acquired SM Freight Inc. in Blenheim, ON. Over the last 17 years, Steve, as the CEO, poured his heart and soul into growing and leading a profitable and respected trucking company, employing just under 100 employees. In April of 2023 it was sold to a multi-national, public company. Knowing he would always need something to stay busy, Steve and Wendie also developed a commercial real estate and warehousing business in Blenheim, ON, (Graham Street Warehousing Inc)., that continues today.

In 2007 Steve and his wife Wendie settled in the community of Rondeau Bay Est., and it wasn’t long before Steve became the self-appointed “Mayor”. He loved his neighborhood (The Hood) and the neighbors. He held the position of the Vice-President of the community’s Association to this day. He never did anything by half measure and the bigger the equipment to get the job done, the better. He had a passion for anything and everything involving trucking, farming and equipment. His method of teaching and leading was “watch me” — never asking anyone to do anything he wasn’t willing to do himself. Anyone who truly got to know Steve knew his bark was worse than his bite. He had a soft spot for kids and supported many local sporting and youth programs in the area, never saying no to anyone who came knocking for a donation small or large. 

Steve and Wendie enjoyed many years RV’ing with friends in the summer while spending time in the winter months in North Ft. Myers FL, where he also became a notable figure and member of the local community’s “Garage Guys”. He made friends wherever he went. He enjoyed golfing and provided many of his friends with some good laughs on the course. There was never a dull moment when Steve was around.

Finally, Steve loved his family and was always there to support them. His passion for equipment and trucking has been passed down to his children; four of whom remain in the industry today. 

Steve was not ready to go as he had much left he wanted to do. He fought very hard to beat his cancer in the hopes of achieving more goals and being able to enjoy his hard-earned retirement with Wendie, and tour North America in their RV. When it became evident no more could be done to ensure a quality of life, without spending most of the time in treatment, in true Steve fashion, he took control, no longer allowing his cancer to dictate his final days. 

“Call a spade a spade” was another term he lived by which is exactly what he did. Fortunately for Steve, he passed away very peacefully without the need for further medical intervention although he was grateful it was available. The family would like to thank Nurse Practitioner Willi Kirenko, who made Steve feel so comfortable and at peace in his final days and, although MAID was not required in the end, she made herself available to the family and was there to help guide and support, as well Blenheim Community Funeral Home for their care and guidance. Thank you to all those who took the time to message Steve in his final days, he enjoyed them immensely. They were incredibly moving, funny, loving and will help to heal our broken hearts.

There are no words to describe the heartbreak we are experiencing. There will never be another quite like our Big Guy. Rest easy Big Steve, SG, Boss-Man. We’ll take it from here. Keep your stick on the ice! 

Cremation has taken place and Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday April 7, 2024, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at Willow Ridge Golf & Country Club, 439 Chatham St S, Blenheim ON.  Words of remembrance and a toast at 2:00pm.

The family asks those who wish to make a donation in honor of Steve, to please consider the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation or Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwestern Ontario.  Online condolences may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com