Obituary of Steven Blake Shubert

Peacefully at Michael Garron Hospital, Toronto on Monday, September 12th at the age of 68.  Steven was born October 9th in Philadelphia, PA and lived the last 35 years in Toronto, primarily in the Danforth Community. 

Steven is survived by his brother Mark Shubert (Sue) and his sister Diane Christman (Pete).  Proud uncle of Jeffrey Shubert, Annie and Kate Christman, and great-uncle of Blake and Nora Shubert.  Nephew of Lucie Shubert and Zara Renander and cousin of Carolyn Shubert (Jack), E. Susan Milanek (Tom), Erik, Kiki and Sonja Renander.   Special friend of Daniel and Gwen Sloan and their family.

Steven was predeceased by his loving parents Allan and Leonora Shubert, uncles William Shubert and Arthur Renander, nephew Blake Shubert and by his much loved friend of many years, Harry C. Broadhead (2009).

A true scholar and academic, Steven studied for many years with the University of Toronto.  His enjoyment was studying and working on his Ph.D.’s in Library Science, Egyptology and, most recently, Greek Classics.  Over the years, Steven travelled to Egypt and Crete, studied Ancient Egyptian culture and participated in many archaeological digs.  His travels also took him to the UK as well, where he spent time travelling and visiting with longtime friends.  Steven served the City of Toronto and its residents as a longtime employee of the Toronto Reference Library and as a faithful volunteer at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM).

Along with his demanding ongoing studies and dedication to his career and volunteer work, Steven’s faith community could be found at St. Barnabas Anglican Church on the Danforth.  Every week, Steven could be found worshipping with his church family and reading the morning lesson from the lectern.  During Covid, Steven faithfully assisted with the taping of the service every Wednesday for the congregation to follow on the Sunday.  He did this each week, no matter how difficult his personal struggles were at the time.  This sensitivity to others included everyone connected each day to the Children’s Circle Day Care of St. Barnabas.

The best days for Steven began with a light breakfast and an Irish Cream coffee with friends and the staff who counted him as family at his neighbourhood Second Cup.  From there, he would walk out to enjoy the day, being that kind, quiet-spirited, unassuming, gentle man with the pleasant smile that all loved and will always remember him for.

A special thanks to the staff and medical team of Michael Garron Hospital for all of their professional care and kindness offered to Steven.

A Service of Celebration for Steven’s life will be held at St. Barnabas Anglican Church, 361 Danforth Avenue (M4K 1P1) on Wednesday, September 21st at 1:00 p.m.  Visitation will begin at 12 noon.  The service will be livestreamed and the link to this can be found on the funeral home website.

Donations in his memory can be directed to St. Barnabas Church or the Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queens Park, Toronto, ON M5S 2C6.  Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.

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