His career began in a one-room schoolhouse in 1953 teaching Grades 1 and 2 at Imperial Mills School , then later in Smith . Shortly thereafter , he went back to the University of Alberta to complete his degree , then taught in Athabasca , Edmonton , Lamont , and Devon before returning to Edmonton to teach at Holy Redeemer College . Lac La Biche then became his home for twenty years where he taught high school sciences .

Steve finally retired from teaching after working at Alberta Vocational College ( AVC ) in Athabasca , and settling on an acreage just outside of town where he still resides . While teaching , Steve became a grain farmer , which made for long hard days . During the summers when school was not in session , Steve built houses as well .

Steve and his wife Helen raised a family of four children who now have successful careers . “ I believe that education was essential for a satisfying , rewarding career and for one ’ s own fulfillment . I am a believer in higher education if at all possible .” Steve and Helen ’ s children married , established

BY CANDICE ULLIAC

roots across the continent and are raising their own families — ten grandchildren for Steve and Helen .

Steve , who is now eighty years old , is an industrious retiree who has enjoyed many hobbies over the years . He has served on his local community parish council and has acquired a private flying license . He reads , paints , fishes , practices taxidermy , gardens , and is a photographer . Steve and Helen ’ s travels have taken them to British Columbia , California , Mexico , Halifax , Mesa , Alabama , Toronto , Hawaii and Alaska . The couple also enjoy their cabin at Lac La Biche . One hobby Steve holds particularly dear , however , is woodworking . For him , woodworking was an intriguing learning experience and an eventual passion during his teaching years and in his retirement . In his shop , Steve experiments with various types of wood including caragana , maple , oak , walnut , mahogany and birch . “ Each wood has its own grain and character . I try to mix light and dark woods in my projects so that the details stand out .” This is especially true in the wood plates he creates with detailed inlayed designs , often with elements found in nature such as hummingbirds and flowers , but also of other subjects such as airplanes . Steve has also created wooden vases , toothpick holders , birdhouses , airplanes , life-sized Disney characters and rocking chairs .

Many hours of craftsmanship go into each project . For instance , Steve spends approximately eight hours creating each plate

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