Tribute Wall
In Memory of
Steven Blake Shubert
1953 - 2022
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Lyn Green posted a condolence
Monday, October 3, 2022
I'm sharing my favourite memory of Steven here much later than I intended; I've been looking for some photos of Steven and I as part of the dig group at East Karnak 1982.
However, my favourite memory comes from 1980.
I had met Steven when he was starting grad school and I was an undergrad in the mid-1970s. By 1980 we were friends and I asked him if he wanted to accompany me to the World Cup of Gymnastics being held in Maple Leaf Gardens. To my surprise, he said yes.
I was surprised because I didn't think that he had any particular interest in gymnastics, but very pleased because at that time I had no other friends who were gymnophiles. I remember sitting in the stands and watching with intense interest, while Steven took it all in. We actually appeared on television together because the event was being broadcast by CBC or CTV. From time to time during breaks the cameras would pan across the audience and Steven and I appeared a couple of times - me with my nose usually buried in the programme and Steven looking around.Regrettably, I have long since lost touch with the person who taped the broadcast (on betamax!); or I would have tried to get a screencap of Steven in the audience to share here.
This is my favourite memory of him because it demonstrates his openness to new experiences and interest in everything around him, and possibly also his kindness to a fellow grad student who had no one with whom to share this (to her) exciting event.
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Robin Hesse posted a condolence
Thursday, September 22, 2022
I first met Steven Shubert in 1994 in the Society and Recreation Department of the North York Central Library.
Because we worked in several different locations over the years together, I had many notable opportunities to chat and assist with various tasks alongside him, at the reference desk, and in Special Collections on Sundays. Steven had a quiet, kind, and honest way about him that made it very easy to be his friend and to share ideas. He was very bright.
I remember the last time we saw each other very well. It was in October 2019, just before Covid, after we had attended the same training session a few days before. We passed each other in the foyer of Toronto Reference Library. It was a sunny day in October, and he, coffee in hand, said something very funny to me, which made me laugh. We chatted for a moment and then I told him I'd see him later.
Steven will be greatly missed by his friends at Toronto Public Library, and I'm grateful to have known him.
Robin Hesse
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Frances E Cahill posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 21, 2022
Dear family of Steven, Thank you for the gift of live-streaming Steven's final service. Steven was a beautiful soul, and so many of us will miss him. In blessings and peace, Fran Cahill (Long Beach, California)
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Annette Boenke-Jarek pledged to donate to St. Barnabas Church
Tuesday, September 20, 2022
Thank you for your friendship. Be at peace dear Steven
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Annette Boenke-Jarek pledged to donate to St. Barnabas Church
Tuesday, September 20, 2022
Thank you for your friendship. Be at peace dear Steven
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Franziska Nonnenmann posted a condolence
Monday, September 19, 2022
I truly enjoyed working with Steven at the Toronto Reference Library, his in-depth knowledge was a great contribution to the Special Collections department, my sincere condolences go out to his family,
Franziska Nonnenmann
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Sephora Henderson lit a candle
Monday, September 19, 2022
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My condolences to the family of Steven Shubert. We worked together at Toronto Public Library. A mutual colleague once described him as “a gentleman and a scholar” - a fitting description. Steven patiently answered my many, many questions about Egypt, and willingly and graciously shared his knowledge, with everyone.
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J. Brett McClain posted a condolence
Monday, September 19, 2022
On behalf of the Epigraphic Survey (Chicago House, Luxor), I would like to extend our sincere condolences to Steven's family and friends. Steven joined our team at Medinet Habu from 1982-85, working with Bill Murnane to create annotated hand-copies of hundreds of unpublished inscriptions and fragments, an archive that is still used as an essential reference by our epigraphic staff to this day. Later, Steven returned to Luxor as Chicago House librarian from 2001-02. His calm, friendly demeanor and quiet competence are remembered by many, and his contribution to preserving Egypt's historical records is one of lasting value. Rest in peace, our dear friend.
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Helena Jaeschke lit a candle
Sunday, September 18, 2022
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Richard and I met Steven at Chicago House, Luxor, when we were working on various aspects of the Epigraphic Survey. He was friendly and helpful to all, a scrupulous epigrapher and was even then amassing a considerable knowledge of ancient Egypt. It is shocking that he is gone so young, but this year has seen the loss of several Egyptology colleagues, so I am sure he will be deep in interestign covnersations with them. Rest in Peace, Steven. Helena Jaeschke
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Carolyn Johnson uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, September 18, 2022
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I first met Steven when he came to work at North York Central Library. He was a wonderful asset to the science department even though it wasn't his subject area. I shared with him an interest in Egyptology as I had visited Egypt and was fascinated by the history and mythology. We continued to keep in touch long after he left the science department to work in departments more relevant to his studies. He was one of the kindest, most generous and knowledgeable people I have ever known and I will miss the lunches we shared over many years. Steven, you will live on in the memories of those who knew you. Rest in peace!
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Peter Brand posted a condolence
Sunday, September 18, 2022
I always remember Steven's smiling face and cheerful disposition from my grad school days in Toronto. He often joined a lunch group among students and faculty at the University of Toronto's Department of Near Eastern Studies and events at the Society for the Study of Egyptian Antiquities.
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Kathryn Bard lit a candle
Sunday, September 18, 2022
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Steven and I were in graduate school in Egyptian Archaeology at the U of T at the same time. We stayed in touch and he helped me finish editing "Encyclopedia of the Archaeology of Ancient Egypt" in 1997. It was a monumental task and he was enormously helpful. I couldn't have finished it without Steven's help - he was reliable and worked very hard to meet the publisher's deadline. I will be forever grateful to Steven for his help on this - he was exactly the right person for the job and fit it in between his other work commitments. We remained in touch after this and I am grateful for his long-time friendship - and always his good cheer.
Kathryn Bard
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Suzanne uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, September 18, 2022
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This photo was taken in 2017 in Cairo when he was there working with Sarah Parcak at Lisht. We had a lovely Toronto reunion. Hard to believe I met him first almost 30 years ago. My SSEA and grad school memories will always include him.
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Catherine AuYeung posted a condolence
Saturday, September 17, 2022
So sad to hear of Steven's passing. We were colleagues for many years at Toronto Public Library. Steven was one of the kindest, gentlest person I've known and I never ceased to be in awe of his scholarly attributes. My deepest condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.
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Margaret Keefe posted a condolence
Friday, September 16, 2022
I knew Steven.from brief chats when we both worked in the Toronto Reference Library. I found him to be a very kind and gentle man who also had a lovely wry sense of humor. He is missed by many people.
Peggy Keefe
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Elsa posted a condolence
Friday, September 16, 2022
I was lucky to have Professor Shubert shared his knowledge on cataloguing. He was one of the most patient and understanding professors I had. Then my luck continued as I got to work with him at Toronto Reference Library. He was always kind and made time to connect even just for a few minutes. And during those short chats, he would remind me that I didn't have to call him Professor Shubert anymore but I couldn't stop because I have so much respect and regard for him.
I will miss his smiles and kindness
Rest in peace, Prof. Shubert, Elsa
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Shelley posted a condolence
Friday, September 16, 2022
It was a pleasure to work with Steven at the Reference Library, a kind and brilliant man who always brought his generous spirit and wealth of knowledge wherever he worked. My favourite memory is his message on birthday cards for staff written in hieroglyphics - only Steven could master that. Gone far too soon, my sincere sympathies to his family and friends.
- Shelley Savor
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Helen Taylor posted a condolence
Thursday, September 15, 2022
Sunday morning coffee will be different. I will miss seeing you in that corner chair as I enter Second Cup.
Helen Taylor
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Jane Smith uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, September 15, 2022
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Taken at Second Cup on a Sunday morning at the end of July before church. RIP. Steven. I will remember your friendship always. Jane Smith
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Gayle Gibson posted a condolence
Thursday, September 15, 2022
Steven Shubert arrived at the University of Toronto's Near Eastern Studies Department back in the 1980s. Fresh from Egypt, he was wearing dig kakis and sporting a moustache, every inch the archaeologist. He was early for his appointment with Dr. Don Redford, whose student assistant i was. While we were waiting, we talked about Egypt and Steven's work there. I was soon thinking, "I'd like to be this man's friend." Over the years since, i had the pleasure of working with Steven at the Royal Ontario Museum, he as librarian and me as a teacher, and then later when we were both working to catalogue the Egyptian Collection. We've shared many a cheerful hunt for information on some odd artifact, and enjoyed many laughs with Steven's good friend and fellow cataloguer, Rexine Hummel. Over these same years i got to know Steven's kindness and scholarship through his work as a Trustee and member of the Executive of the Society for the Study of Egyptian Antiquities. Those who did not know him personally could appreciate Steven's many clear and insightful articles on Egyptological subjects. It's hard to believe i shall never again say, when faced with some ancient puzzle, "Let's ask Steven. He'll know."
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The family of Steven Blake Shubert uploaded a photo
Thursday, September 15, 2022
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