Steven Withenshaw

Withenshaw, Steven James on Sunday, September 7, 2025, passed away in St. Thomas, after a brief illness, in his 79th year. Dear son of the late and wonderful Jim and Virginia (Freeman) Withenshaw. Very dear brother of Martha Gavey (Gary “Bro”) of Aylmer, Uncle Steve to Matt Gavey (Tara) of Aylmer, and their children Lydia and Sophia; Ben Gavey (Andrea) and their children Danika and Alexandra. Grandpa “Poppa Steve” to Ethan Hawes of St. Thomas. Former husband and very good friend of Diane Withenshaw of London, Ontario. Step-father of Carrie Swan (Al Thompson) of London, Ontario and their children Brandon Swan (Rachael), Nick Swan, Matt Swan (Olivia) and Rob Cliffe (Maegan) and their children, Andrew and Rachel Cliffe. Remembered by longtime friends Lorne and Michelle Deeks (Patti) of St. Thomas, Glenn and Helen Hodgson of St. Thomas. Also by his very best and very supportive friends Robert and Ellen Hoddinott of St. Thomas and Gar Reek (Collette) of St. Thomas.

Steve was born in St. Thomas, Ontario on January 21, 1947 and attended Central Elgin Collegiate. He worked at Ford Talbotville Assembly Plant for seven years (three in production and four as a Supervisor). After seven years, Steve was hired on to the St. Thomas Police Service, where he worked for 36 years until his retirement as a Staff Sargeant in 2012. Steve was a member of St. David’s Lodge #302 and United Lodge #44, St Thomas A.F. and A.M.

A very special thank you to the emergency department and the staff on the fourth floor at the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital.

In keeping with Steve’s wishes cremation has taken place with interment of ashes in South Park Cemetery. Williams Funeral Home, 45 Elgin St., St. Thomas entrusted with arrangements. A private family service will be held at a later date. If desired, donations in memory of Steve would be appreciated to the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital Foundation.