Contributions to the tribute of Stephen M. Kalilec

S

Friday, February 27, 2026

I have been trying to figure out how many years Stephen and I have known one another. 20? Maybe 25? We bonded over late-night martinis and the occasional cigarette…back when we didn’t know any better…at an old piano bar in Montreal. We would spend hours talking about books, and life and movies. We talked poetry and the state of humanity. And we laughed. A lot. Stephen was a hard man to keep up with: his intelligence, the endless wit, that irreverent humor. Most of the time I was just fighting to keep up with it all and not miss a thing. Because everything was worth catching. About 12 years ago, I was introduced to Clayton, or what he called “The Happy Place”. The first time I met him there, I happened to get caught in the rain and deigned to give him a hug while being rather soaked through. Being Stephen, he just mumbled, “Oh great, it’s like being hugged by a wet dog.” And being Stephen, every time I hugged him after that, he would jokingly groan and say, “Here we go. A big wet doggy hug.” Clayton. The Happy place. That’s where I always saw him the happiest, his most relaxed. He seemed to know everyone in town and would introduce me to all the different characters, just completely in his element. We would walk forever and then sit watching the water for just as long. When walking started getting too hard for him, we would run out for River Rat cheese and chips and hole up in the hotel, for what he deemed a slug day, where we binged the best shows and movies and hung out in pajamas all day. We would still slip down to the bar, to his favorite corner seat, our past martinis turning into something less alcoholic - teas. But the conversations were the same. I’ve heard so many stories about his family and friends. The Barbershop and Jughead, and the DA and Johnny, and the lunches he would share on Vic’s birthday. I haven’t met a lot of you, but I feel like I have. He put such importance on the people in his life. And we’re so lucky to have been loved by him. Kindness can be one of those words that gets overlooked or tossed around. But it’s everything. And Stephen was nothing if not endlessly kind It’s hard to talk about someone you love without talking about how they made you feel. Stephen made me feel safe. And loved. And cared for. And definitely smarter than I am. His kindness was a gift that never made you feel alone. And I think he did that for everyone he came into contact with. I’ll miss you, Yoda. Would love to give you one of those big wet doggy hugs now.

F

Francine uploaded photo(s)

Friday, February 20, 2026

Steve, you were one of my favorite people on this earth and I will miss you dearly. Our conversations always brought so many laughs. I treasured our friendship. Today I'm not using my "inside" voice. Love you Snuggums.

J

James Walsh uploaded photo(s)

Friday, February 20, 2026

Love you Steve. Will miss you . I really valued our time together all these years.. The great conversations about life, politics, business and family. Thank you for all the years we work together at Dannon and Hood. You were a key player who made those companies better. You made me a better person and I will miss you everyday. Rest in peace SteveO.. Lov ya

M

Monika Shepherdson uploaded photo(s)

Thursday, February 19, 2026

+ 1

Sweet Stevie — three years ahead of me and always armed with that dry, sideways humour I loved. I’ll think of you by the river, on one of your day trips, content and thoughtful. Though life took you from Montreal to the U.S., and me here in Canada, our parents kept the thread between our families strong across the years and the miles. I’m so thankful we found our way back to each other these past ten years, and that you got to meet my husband and share some laughs with us. I’ll always be glad we did. Our last get-together in Clayton was something we talked of often. Here's a few pictures from various years to remind us. With love and sympathy to your family.

J

Jim Marcinelli posted a condolence

Thursday, February 19, 2026

I will miss Steve and his quick wit… he was fun to work with (Hood)…. trade marketing was never boring with Steve running it… he is the reason I have to experience Montreal… RIP my friend.

P

Patrick McDonough posted a condolence

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Q: What will you never forget about Stephen? A: Steve had a great sense of humor and he was a warm and caring person. Godspeed to you Steve. Rest in peace my friend. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen".

In loving memory of

Stephen

1953 - 2026