Stephen Paul Dempster

Stephen Paul Dempster died peacefully on the morning of March 22, 2023 in Dartmouth at the age of 60, after a very brief illness. He was surrounded by his loving family. Steve was, in the truest sense of the words, a seeker, artist and creator. His love of music, particularly guitar, in which he was classically trained from a young age, defined him for everyone who knew and loved him. His musicianship, natural teaching ability, and unique calm demeanor connected him with countless students and peers throughout his life. Steve was a self-starter; he founded the Dempster Guitar Studio (now Guitar Evolutions) in 1995, fulfilling his passions and beginning his legacy. Steve’s family moved from Belfast in 1964, and settled in Manitoba and then Nova Scotia. His appreciation of family and traditions began at a very young age from his loving mum Irene. His and his sister Pam’s childhoods were filled with Saturday morning wake-ups to the smell of bacon & pancakes, and homemade bread, scones and butter tarts were regular fare. Watching the 1951 version of A Christmas Carol became an enduring tradition. He loved Spider-Man and Jaws his whole life. The sounds of the band Rush were heard in the air for hours on end as Steve taught himself to play almost every song they wrote. From a young age, Steve had a love for all things horror, which he successfully passed onto his sons and other family. Beginning with his own handmade haunted houses in his youth (for which he charged a dime admission), he loved putting together our outside Halloween display. He hand-built wildly impressive graveyard designs, complete with tombs, pillars, and an immersive lightning, fog, and music show. Gradually adding more with the help of his family each year, he managed to scare away at least one or two kids every Halloween night, and impressed anyone who dared enter Rocklin Graves. Storage became an issue, but it was worth it. The 1978 horror classic, Halloween, was a staple in the Dempster household because of him, and not just on October 31. Steve was involved for several years in the world of outdoor leadership, including the Youth Leadership Council and Project SEED, inspiring young people to take risks, develop skills, believe in themselves and serve others. He was selected to be an Outward Bound instructor after completing their training program in Ontario, although he chose another path. Steve was a facilitator at one particular leadership camp, where he met the participant who eventually became his wife of 25 years. He pursued rock climbing and martial arts with his trademark thirst for excellence, earning his black belt in tae kwon do in the 1990s. He was driven by a passion for precision in art, in all its forms; Steve had a natural talent for painting, drawing, design of all kinds, craftsmanship, and had an inspiring imagination. A natural problem-solver, he made things happen (including, despite knotty logistical issues, putting in a clothesline that will likely outlast our house, because his wife really wanted one). Although his follow-through sometimes needed work, when he did something, he did it well. He was deeply inspired by the beauty of nature and the universe, both spiritually and scientifically, and shared this with his sons, drawing simple diagrams explaining black holes and dark matter to them. In fact, he was watching a documentary about fungi with his son before his death. He loved camping, canoeing, skipped rocks impressively well, and was a natural distance runner. Family hikes, outings to pick apples and strawberries, visits to Hennigar’s in Wolfville and regular Sunday family gatherings were part of the fabric of our years together. Steve escaped death more than once through his lifetime, and made the most of the time he had. He is survived by his sons, Evan (21) and Seamus (19), his wife, Lara, his sister, Pam (Michael Gervais) and their children Emily and Ben. He deeply loved his dogs, Juneau and Winslow (and those who came before them), and they were firmly part of the family. Lara’s mother, Sue Robinson, sisters Tania DesRoches and Kari Robinson, her brother, Jay Robinson and their spouses and children all enjoyed his music, impassioned discussions, somewhat spotty sense of humour and willingness to help. He shared lifelong friendships with Scott MacKinnon and Todd Masters. Steve never got back to Ireland, and had other, unfulfilled dreams, but we will make sure we get there and carry his spirit with us. We promise to continue his legacy of curiosity & thirst for understanding, living creatively & with passion, drinking endless cups of tea, and appreciating simple pleasures. Steve's Celebration of Life. Will take place Sunday April 30, 2023 from 10:00 am - 12:00 Noon in the Halifax Independent School's Multipurpose Room. Thanks to the ER and ICU staff at Dartmouth General, who took wonderful care of him and us (especially nurse Joan). A celebration of life is planned for the near future- check back for details. In lieu of flowers, contact kevinjdesroches@gmail.com regarding a planned bursary fund for music students in need or donate to the SPCA.

Stephen Paul Dempster

April 26, 1962 - March 22, 2023