Well known community organizer and tireless volunteer, Steven Boudreau, 67, of Brantford, Ontario passed away May 22nd,2016 after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was born in New Brunswick and later on grew up in Hamilton, Ontario. He received degrees in Political Science and Theatre Arts from Guelph University. Steven worked as a theatre director for several years in Edmonton, Alberta before returning to Ontario whereby he occupied several positions in the area of arts based social development. For the past decade, Steven worked as a community organizer within the Eagle Place Neighbourhood in Brantford. He was the Artistic Director of Recovery Theatre, president of the Eagle Place Community Association and founding Director of the Brantford Busker Festival. Steven and Recovery Theatre staff & volunteers have been busy planning the Dickens on the Grand Festival which was to be held on May 28th. Due to the Steven’s passing, Recovery Theatre has made the difficult decision to postpone the festival.


“It is with a very heavy heart that Recovery Theatre has decided to postpone the Dickens festival until later this year. We are all numb by this loss and want to ensure that Steven’s vision for Dickens on the Grand is upheld.” Ray Wright, Recovery Theatre Board Member


Steven was deeply committed to the Eagle Place community and firmly believed that through the arts, citizens could change their lives, heal, and develop bonds of friendship and solidarity. Steven was a true artist; he was creative and a visionary. He often said that the arts saved his life. Through his work for a creative and vibrant Brantford, Steven touched the lives of many and created a space for individuals with small voices to be empowered and heard. He was a great defender of the spirit and potential of Eagle Place, a community who took him in and in return, a community for whom he fought vigorously.


Steven was loved by his friends and colleagues who rallied around him in the last few days of his life. Steven died peacefully, knowing that he was loved by many and that his work and legacy were in good hands.


Special thanks are attributed to Dr. MacNeil and Dr. Lee who compassionately tended to Steven’s health at the Brantford General Hospital. Recognition is also attributed to the nurses and all the hard working caregivers, whose exemplary and nurturing gifts did not go unnoticed by those attending to Steven.


Friends and Colleagues will be received at the Dennis Toll Funeral Home, 55 Charing Cross Street, Brantford on Thursday May 26th from 12:00 noon until the time of the service at 1:00pm in the Chapel. Interment to follow at the Mount Hope Cemetery.


In addition, Steven’s Parks and Recreation Family will be hosting a special celebration of life on Saturday June 18th in Tutela Park in Brantford from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Join us for an afternoon of fun and fellowship in Tutela Park, a place that was very special to Steven.


In lieu of flowers, donations to the Eagle Place Community Association would be greatly appreciated to support the many community projects that are currently taking place. Donations may be made at the Dennis Toll Funeral Home or mailed or dropped off at Brantford Parks and Recreation – 1 Sherwood Dr. , Brantford, ON N3T1N3.


For anyone interested in sending written well wishes or testimonials can do so at the following email addresses:


Lori-Dawn Cavin: lcavin@brantford.ca
Ginette Lafreniere: glafreniere@wlu.ca