Arisman, Stephen

STEPHEN "STEVE" ARISMAN, beloved husband of the late of Eria Arisman of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully at Fairmont Extendicare, on Saturday, December 25, 2021 at the age of 89 years.

Steve is survived by his children: Gayle (Leo) Durand of Lethbridge, Terri (Wayne) Smith of Lethbridge, and Rob Arisman (Barb Linsley) of Dawson Creek; grandchildren Jessica (Ryan) Durand-Kaustinen of Lethbridge, Chelsey Durand of Winnipeg, Ryan Smith (Rio Pisony) of Calgary, and Alyssa and Ryan Linsley of Dawson Creek; and great-grandchildren Bransen and Brennan Kaustinen of Lethbridge. 

Steve was predeceased by his parents Barbara and Peter Arisman, brother Joe Arisman, and sisters, Francis McKintosh, and May Bolokoski. 

Steve made an incredible impact on Lethbridge sports. As a young man, he excelled in hockey and later in life as a builder. He started his playing career in 1948 by winning the Western Canada Juvenile Hockey Championship with the Lethbridge Native Sons juvenile team. His success led him to the Native Sons junior team and the Western Canada Memorial Cup Playoffs in 1953. Steve went on to join the Great Falls Americans and in 1955 won the American Hockey Championship in New York. 

Steve took a step back from playing to start a family and worked the next 35 years for the City of Lethbridge. He continued to be actively involved in our minor sports community, coaching the Lethbridge Sugar Kings junior team and the University of Lethbridge's first hockey team, the "Chinooks". He also managed, coached, umpired, and refereed many minor sport teams. Those who grew up in the 60s and 70s in Lethbridge likely met Steve in a rink or on a ball diamond! 

Steve's other volunteer efforts included being a founding member and Past President of the Lethbridge Old Timers Hockey Association. In the 1980s, Steve played an instrumental role in bringing junior hockey back to Lethbridge, serving 8 years with the Lethbridge Hurricanes as a board member, president and finally League Governor. In 2002 Steve was recognized for all his hard work and involvement in the athletic community by being inducted into the Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame. 

Steve also found time to volunteer at the Lethbridge Senior's Centre as the President of the Carpentry Club. In their quiet time, he and Eira would spend hours tending to their beautiful yard and entertaining grandchildren. 

It's hard to sum up the contributions and the impact Steve made on the lives of so many. We know the entire Lethbridge community will miss him. 

A Private Family Funeral Mass will be held. Steve will be laid to rest at Mountain View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Steve's memory to Kids Sport - https://kidsportcanada.ca/alberta/lethbridge-taber/