Stephen MacDermid, also known to many as Steve, was many things to many people. A son and brother. A husband and father. A beloved son-in-law. A favourite uncle. A lobster fisherman. A friend and neighbour. A coach and volunteer.
Stephen was all of these things, but it was the way that Stephen approached life that stayed with people. A quiet, gentle giant of a man standing 6 ft 4 1/2 inches tall, Stephen's physical presence was notable, but his serene, peaceful and loving spirit was memorable. You couldn't help but be touched by him.
Stephen's coaching life started on "the bumps" in Tarbot where he was a major factor in starting the soccer program that eventually migrated to Baddeck. Stephen soon broadened his impact by coaching both male and female soccer programs at Baddeck Academy where his high expectations coupled with loving encouragement built strong, honourable young leaders - not just better soccer players.
Steve's care and generosity was never limited to a small circle - he welcomed everyone and anyone - much like his father, Ian MacDermid. When the schools in Iona and Whycocomagh needed someone to build a soccer program, Steve was wiling and eager to take up the challenge. Again, building young people and future leaders, one life lesson at a time. Showing leadership, showing integrity, showing love - wrapped up in the guise of chasing soccer balls.
Steve would soon see more young people in need of opportunity to experience the love of sport and team work, and he dedicated himself to rekindling the Tier 1 Senior Women's Soccer program in Cape Breton. While Steve's contribution to the community through soccer players was significant, he was equally engaged in helping other sport programs.
Never afraid to start from scratch with whatever and whoever was at hand, Steve restarted and coached the female high school hockey team, and eventually he restarted a long abandoned softball program.
When not coaching, Steve could usually be found in one of three places: right beside his wife Grace chasing around across Nova Scotia and beyond with their own three sport fanatics, fishing lobster, or hanging out in North River with one of his trusty sidekicks such as Tonka and whoever else happened to arrive on the doorstep.
Stephen didn't have the blessing of a long life, but from his earliest days he invested his time and energy in ways that leave a beautiful loving legacy. He was never the type to worry about what he didn't get, he was always one to find a way to make the best of any situation.
Shortly after Stephen's death, the community started this hockey tournament as a way to build a scholarship in Stephen's name. Many of the early recipients knew him, and some were coached by him. So, Stephen's lifelong dedication to helping young people reach their full potential will continue to touch lives for many generations to come. In that way, Stephen's life goes on through all of us, and all of you, who keep tending the seeds he planted.