Friday, April 5, 2024 at 12:00 a.m.
Dr. Steven Thibodeau
1954 – 2024
Born on February 05, 1954 in Kingston, Ontario to Raymond and Dora May Thibodeau, Steven was a man of integrity, and unwavering compassion. He was the 4th child in his family of 8 children (Mary, Susan, Janet (deceased), Mark, James, Andrew, John) whom he deeply cared about and had stayed connected to over his life. He was the loving husband of Jennifer (Sidwell) Thibodeau, and together they shared 42 years of cherished memories, professional development, deep care for one another, and unwavering devotion. As a father, he was a source of guidance, wisdom, and boundless love to his children, Jacqueline and Mark, whom he nurtured with radical tenderness and wisdom. Steven took extra delight when Mark and his loving wife Emma, had their children Ivy, Adler, and Sage. He would often light up and become instantly energized when he was with his grandchildren. And although he did not meet their new granddaughter to be, she will surely know what an incredible man her grandfather was.
Born on February 05, 1954 in Kingston, Ontario to Raymond and Dora May Thibodeau, Steven was a man of integrity, and unwavering compassion. He was the 4th child in his family of 8 children (Mary, Susan, Janet (deceased), Mark, James, Andrew, John) whom he deeply cared about and had stayed connected to over his life. He was the loving husband of Jennifer (Sidwell) Thibodeau, and together they shared 42 years of cherished memories, professional development, deep care for one another, and unwavering devotion. As a father, he was a source of guidance, wisdom, and boundless love to his children, Jacqueline and Mark, whom he nurtured with radical tenderness and wisdom. Steven took extra delight when Mark and his loving wife Emma, had their children Ivy, Adler, and Sage. He would often light up and become instantly energized when he was with his grandchildren. And although he did not meet their new granddaughter to be, she will surely know what an incredible man her grandfather was.
Throughout his life, Steven was known for his dedication to his family and his community. He lived by the values of hard work, and generosity. There are few men who could be as vulnerable, caring, emotionally in tune, strong, supportive, and deeply dependable as he was.
Professionally, Steven enjoyed a successful career as mental health therapist, professor, and mentor to many. His diligence and skill set earned him his PhD. He approached his work with passion and commitment. He strove to be an ally to the Indigenous communities he worked with, including over two decades providing mental health services with Indigenous First Nations He was invested in the care and learning of the students he encountered while he had the role of professor at the University of Lethbridge. He continued to provide outstanding insights, and compassion to his clients in his private practice work.
In his leisure time, Steven found joy through connection. Whether spending time with his grandchildren, traveling to Kingston to see his mother, brothers & sisters, running at Elizabeth Hall Wetlands, meditating, reading, or watching a movie with his wife Jennifer and his dog Louie, Steven was present and connected. He embraced life with enthusiasm, a twinkle in his eye, an open heart, an open mind, and incredible dignity.
Steven will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Though he may no longer walk beside us, Steven will forever remain in our hearts creating an immeasurable legacy of compassion and wisdom. The world was truly a better place because of Steven Thibodeau.
A Viewing will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2213 6a Ave N, Friday, April 5, 2024 at 10:00 AM, with a Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 A.M. Doug Jensen to officiate. The Funeral Service will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Steven’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
Guestbook (24)
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So sorry to hear of the loss of such a great man who gave so much for others. The support he provided during a tough time was extremely meaningful and life changing. He was a man of integrity always putting honesty first. The void he leaves will be felt by both people who knew him and people who didn’t have an opportunity. Our condolences go out to Jennifer and their family. May the darkest hours be filled with happy memories - with time.
Greetings and condolences to the family. You will not be familiar with my name, but my partner was Dr. James Gripton with whom Steven had a longstanding relationship both as a student and ultimately colleague. I only now have learned about Steven's death and wish to offer my deepest sympathies. Mary Valentich
Our deepest condolences to Jennifer and family . We are forever grateful for the impact Steven had in our lives . The world was a better place because he shared his passion for helping others . Rest peacefully ❤️
I would not be here if it wasn't for Steve. He saved me from some very dark times. I will miss you my friend.
Dear Thibodeau Family, My sincerest condolances to each of you. I am sorry I was not able to make to the actual funeral but did watch it online and it was wonderfully done. A true tribute to Steven. With Love, Rea Skelton
Steven was a master clinician and an exemplary human being. Helpers dream of making an impact as profound and vast as he did.
Steven not only taught me to be a gentle man, but he also taught my father to be a gentle man. I am so grateful for the man that Steven was, because through his work and personality, my relationship with my father and my own wife and children were empowered to flourish. Steven, I will always be grateful for you. The earth is less whole without you. Thank you for everything.
I was so lucky to have completed my practicum under Steven's supervision; he took me on knowing I had much to learn and catch up on, but he was up for the task! He was such an incredible mentor and I was so lucky to have learned from him. His approach was deeply heart centred and nonjudgmental, and he modelled to me depths of compassion that I did not know existed! He was so loved by everyone around him, and he truly helped others feel a sense of grounding and holding even in the darkest of emotions. The world has lost a brilliant light, but he will never be forgotten and those of us who had the pleasure of learning from him will carry the torch for him now. May he rest in the peace and love he greatly deserves.
I will never forget the day I attended one of Steven’s lectures at the University of Lethbridge. A wonderfully articulate and invested professor who engaged his students and passionately shared his wisdom and knowledge. My deepest condolences to his treasured loved ones, friends and community.
The world is a better place because of Steven.
Our deepest condolences to Jennifer and family. What a great man whose profoundly impacted generations to come. What a man of great integrity and profound influence for many and generations to come. You changed the world for many, thank you for being such a remarkable human being.
Kindest thoughts and our heartfelt condolences to Jennifer, Mark, Jacqueline and your extended families. It was with great sadness that we learned of Steven's passing. Barb and I have known Steve and Jennifer for over 30 years, and we will miss him dearly; he is a good friend and a trusted colleague. When we travelled to conferences together, Jennifer and Steven made sure Barb was invited and we have fond memories of those days, especially the restaurants and shopping! Our paths have crossed many times in so many ways in the addictions, mental health, and Social Work field; Steve was the consummate professional, a compassionate and gentle man. Steven has helped plant the seeds of hope and healing in so many lives and the harvest it already happening!
I am so very sorry to hear this news. My heart is with all of his incredible family. Steve will always be a legend in our field. He served thousands of soul, guiding and supporting us through some of our darkest times. Thank you for the light you bestowed to do many of us. We will cherish you forever.
My condolences to Jennifer and Steve's family. I worked with Steve at the Napi Friendship Centre. He was a dear friend and always had an open door to chat. Thank you my dear friend for your wisdom and laughs.
Steven was a pillar in my professional journey and in my decision to get well from my own addiction related struggles. He stood as one of my 3 main mentors throughout my education and through the onset of my career as a counsellor. I will forever be grateful for his support, guidance, and unwavering ethical approach to healing. I am honoured to have known him and send my deepest condolences to his family and friends.
So sorry to hear this news. I was a colleague of Steven’s at the University of Lethbridge and I witnessed his positive impact on students, particularly in practicum settings. He instilled values of professionalism, ethical behaviour, compassion and empathy. My condolences to Jennifer and his family.
My sincere condolence Jennifer and family. Previously working with Steven, I always appreciated our conversations. Steven was kind and always concerned with needs of others. Thoughts and prayers.
With our deepest condolences to Jennifer and the family, we send love and remembrance of your loved one, a great person and a great friend to the Big Swan family "Steve". Families of Valerie, Kimberly & Liz Big Swan
Offering my sincere and deepest condolences to the family. Far in distance but close in spirit and prayers. All my love ❤️
Steven was my mentor at Children’s hospital and supervised my masters program. I was privileged to learn from him. His wisdom and thoughtfulness meant a great deal to me.
Shocking to see this, Steven was a great part in myself & my children’s healing journey, forever he will be remembered in our hearts, sending our condolences & prayers for comfort to his family.
I’m saddened today, you helped me in so so many ways .. may creator be with u.. love u Steve , I’m going to miss u dearly
I knew Steve through his work with the Blood Tribe. A very thoughtful, caring man. So sorry for your loss.
Sending deepest sympathies to all the family from Northern Ireland. Fond memories of Steven when he and his family visited Belfast, and we found his grandmother's home. Thoughts and prayers with you all at this sad time.