With heavy hearts, the family of Steve Norman Parcher announces his passing on February 18, 2026 at age 84.
Born March 21, 1941, Steve spent his formative years growing up surrounded by family and friends in the close knit community of Kirkland Lake, Ontario, where he learned the value of hard work and the pitfalls of even harder play.
Known for being head strong and having an adventurous spirit, Steve lived life on his own terms, full of diverse and exciting experiences.
In his younger years, Steve could be found making a living working at a chicken factory alongside childhood friends Terry and Ben Gamache, and future wife, Starr; on tobacco fields; cleaning septic tanks at his father-in-law’s business; and as a night time cook for Tony Poloni at the Don Lou motel.
Steve was also a talented musician and could often be found playing his guitar and singing with his band at various hotels and venues around Northern Ontario and on radio, as well as in private kitchens and livingrooms everywhere and any space large enough to accommodate a single chair and guitar.
Steve married Starr Gamache in December 1964, and they later had daughter, Stacey, in December 1965. Around this time, Steve embarked on a career in diamond drilling/mining which drew him to various parts of Ontario, then on to British Columbia in 1970 with periodic stints in South America where he learned to speak Spanish, his favourite language.
In 1974, Steve returned to Ontario and settled in Timmins, working at Texas Gulf mine until the mountains called him back to British Columbia in 1979 where he worked at Equity Silver mine in Houston, BC.
Steve married Brenda Allaire (also from Kirkland Lake) in December 1982. They later had daughter, Lisa, in September 1985 and son, Steve Jr. in September 1990.
Equity Silver closed, and Steve sought employment at other mines in the area. His itchy feet eventually landed him in both Faro, Yukon and Yellowknife, Northwest Territories for work. Ever the sun-seeker and consumed by wanderlust, Steve also worked as a mine consultant in the state of Nevada during this period.
Steve eventually returned with his family back to his home town of Kirkland Lake in 2001 where he purchased a home, wrapped up his mining career at Lac des Illes mine, grew an impressive garden, and lived out the rest of his days.
Steve’s family would like to thank Dr. Jessica Moore, nurse practitioner, Suzanne Perreault, and all the staff at Extendicare, particularly those responsible for his direct, day to day care, for their unwavering patience and kindness toward their loved one and his family during this most difficult time.
Steve is predeceased by his father Allan, mother Amelia “Millie”, brother Jim, and sister Lillian.
He leaves behind devoted wife, Brenda, daughters Stacey and Lisa, son Steve “Stevie”, bonus daughter Carole, sister Jean, brother Don, and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews who will all undoubtedly miss his unique personality and unfiltered opinions.
A small celebration of life will occur in July, when, at his request, Steve makes his final journey back to BC and is laid to rest in the land he so dearly loved.