Obituary of Stephen Arthur Rice
Chief Warrant Officer Stephen (Steve) Arthur Rice, 49, passed away suddenly with his wife by side due to a medical emergency on October 16, 2019, in Kingston, Ontario.
Beloved husband of his one true love and wife Karyn, proud father of Blake (Katelyn) and Cameron, adoring grandfather of Elowyn and Jensen. Dear son of Wendie Magee (predeceased) and father James Magee (predeceased) and brothers David and Craig. Adored by his Father and Mother-in-law, Garry and Lorraine Winters, brothers Mark(Robyn) and Neil (Wendie) and sister Dana (Vince). Sadly missed by his nieces and nephews, Brian, Jesse, Taryn, Shayne, Clayton, Jake, Dylan, Ben, Rowan and Logan.
Steve was born in Toronto, Ontario on December 1, 1969. He joined the Canadian Armed Forces in September of 1987. Steve served in CFB Shilo, Victoria, Wainwright and Kingston. He later served overseas in Cyprus, Bosnia, Afghanistan and most recently a three- year posting to Izmir, Turkey at NATO Land Command as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader. His proudest career accomplishments were his time as B Bty BSM which included a tour to Afghanistan from February to August 2008, his 3 years RSM of 1RCHA from 2013 to 2016 and his most recent posting as Command Senior Enlisted Leader in Turkey.
Steve was a consummate professional who always led by example and loved to teach and inspire young soldiers. Steve was a great man, a true companion of arms, a devoted soldier, an outstanding professional and a charismatic leader. Steve was a true mentor who inspired his soldiers to do their best and in return earned respect from those who knew him. Steve will be missed by the many soldiers whose lives were impacted by his leadership.
Steve was a tough but fair father who was fiercely proud of his two sons Blake and Cameron. He loved to play street hockey with them in the driveway as children, coached their hockey teams and later rode motorcycles with them. Steve was very fond of his daughter-in-law Katelyn Rice, the mother of his beautiful grandchildren, Elowyn and Jensen.
Steve loved speed and adventure; he liked to drive his motorcycle fast and listen to his music loud. He recently travelled the world with his wife Karyn by his side. His very favorite place in the past month was Little Cranberry Lake near Kingston. Where he enjoyed fishing with Karyn on his new boat, and enjoying the scenery and peacefulness of the lake.
Full Military Funeral for CWO Stephen Rice will take place in CFB Shilo, Manitoba at 1300 Hrs Friday, 25 October 2019 at the 1 RCHA Gun Park. Followed by a reception in the WO & Sgts Mess from 1430-1800.
Military Interment will take place on Saturday the 26 October 2019 at the Veterans Cemetery in Brandon, Manitoba, timings to be announced.
For Military Members, dress for both services is #1 with medals.
Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Wounded Warriors Canada, Warrior Kids Program at woundedwarriors.ca/ourprograms/warrior-kids-program/ copy the tab to donate.
