Obituary of Steven O'Neill Molnar

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Steven O’Neill Molnar, 73, beloved husband, dad, grandpa, brother, uncle, and friend. He died peacefully after a courageous battle with dementia on January 16^th, 2021, in Vineland Ontario with his wife Joannee at his side.

He was born February 28, 1947 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan to Steve and Patricia Molnar. During his high school years at Aden Bowman Collegiate, he was a star football player for the Bears as well as a standout track and field athlete.  Amazingly, Steve continues to hold a provincial junior boys discus record.

Steve’s football ambitions were bigger than Saskatchewan.  He left on a three day train ride with a full athletic scholarship to play for The George Washington University in DC.  There, he would make his mark becoming an AP All-American Honorable Mention and making All-Conference in his sophomore year.  Fatefully, George Washington dropped their football program and with several offers to play elsewhere he decided to transfer to the University of Utah where he would meet the love of his life, Joannee.

Steve and Joannee married in 1970 in Helena Montana and spent 51 years together as they raised their four kids, Allyson, Emily, Jeremy and Adam.  Steve and Joannee went on to build great family memories including boating and camping in Fort Qu’Appelle, SK and downhill skiing at Holiday Valley, NY; it was time well spent!  Although life’s journey has spread the Molnar family across the world, it has been Steve’s family spirit that has kept them closer.

After University, Steve and Joannee moved back to Regina for Steve to start his CFL career with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.  Steve played 10 seasons from 1969 to 1978, with many accomplishments that included 3 Grey Cup appearances, 2,549 rushing yards, 142 catches for 1,552 receiving yards, and 22 touchdowns.

Steve produced great numbers for the Roughriders but he was most proud of what his teammates would say about him.  “Steve was the ultimate team guy,” said former teammate and Roughriders president-CEO Jim Hopson.  Steve was also immensely proud of being a native of Saskatchewan, heading south and making his way back home to be part of Rider Nation.

As athletic as Steve was, he was equally brilliant in the books and alongside his football pursuits he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering.  Alongside his playing days, Steve pursued his engineering career by becoming a P.Eng and working in the offseason for Reed Stenhouse insurance.  Further on he would help to lead the marketing efforts at Saskatchewan Government Insurance.

In the late 80’s Steve, Joannee and the family moved to Ontario to begin a new journey, settling north of Toronto.  Steve started a new career in the automotive industry where he would lead national customer service programs for Hyundai and Nissan.  It was clear to those that knew him that in his heart Steve was a people person.

Later in his career, Steve brought his engineering passion together with his desire to help others and became a home inspector and small renovation contractor.  Helping his community by using his talents brought Steve happiness.

Even in his last years as he courageously battled dementia, he made a difference in people’s lives.  Steve was the life of the party at the care home where he was living.   Whether it was actively participating in the weekly singing and dancing program or wheeling his best friends around, Steve was always there to lend a hand, spark up a smile and give a hug.

Steve was a man of many talents and interests but more than anything he loved being with his family.  Whether it was backcountry canoeing in Algonquin Park, ‘shamping’ in Lewiston, NY, cross-border shopping, learning to play squash, risking life and limb skiing, or working on the ‘honey do list’ to complete their much-loved century home; there was nothing he couldn’t do.

Steve is predeceased by his parents, younger brother Michael and infant sister Geraldine; in-laws Edwin and Anne VanSickle and the beloved family dog Rascal.

He is survived by his wife Joannee, children Allyson (Kent Wellstead), Emily (Con Verburg), Jeremy (Sarah Riesberry) and Adam (Courtenay).  Loving grandpa to Riley, Ariana and Macauley Wellstead, Madden, Abigail, and Hadley Molnar and Wyatt Molnar.  Will be missed by his brothers and sisters, Christine, Michelle, Gerald, Timothy and David.  He also leaves behind many loved in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews.

He will be deeply missed by all including a large circle of friends and colleagues. His integrity, generosity, and legacy will never be forgotten.  Steve had an inspiring sprit, was a thoughtful storyteller, had a caring nature, and strived to see the greater good in the connections we make.  He had a quiet nature but had a huge impact on those around him through football, professional accolades, and friendship.

As Steve said when he left the game “My time is up, you have to walk away from it before it walks away from you”. 

Steve, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.

Our heartfelt thanks to the caregivers who loved and cared for him at the United Mennonite Home in Vineland, Ontario and to Father Krzysztof Szczepanik for all his help along the way.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Steve’s name may be made to The Alzheimer’s Society at https://alzheimer.ca/en/take-action/donate or the Lions Club of Canada at https://lionsofcanadafundforlcif.ca/donate/

Due to COVID-19 restriction, there will be a small private service for Steve.