Steve Mealey

Steven Robert Mealey
August 24, 1953 – May 21, 2022

MEALEY - With very heavy hearts, the friends and family of Steve Mealey announce his passing on May 21, 2022 at the age of 68 after a battle with cancer.

Born in Illinois and raised in Wisconsin, Mr. Steve Mealey received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Wisconsin—Whitewater. Shortly after getting married on his 22nd birthday, Steve and his wife Kristi Lou made the move to Canada in 1975 when Steve accepted his first teaching job in what was then known as the Kindersley School Division. Steve helped establish several band programs in the Kindersley area alongside his friend and colleague, Gene Aulinger. Although these band programs started small, they have since become very successful, largely because of Steve’s commitment to excellence. Over the course of 31 years, Mr. Mealey taught Grades 5-12 Band at Kindersley Composite School, Westberry School (Kindersley), Elizabeth School (Kindersley), Westcliffe School (Marengo), Eaton School (Eatonia), Rossville School (Coleville), and Smiley School. He coordinated many band trips, giving his students opportunities to travel and perform across North America. He even had the honour of conducting a mass band from several schools which performed for Queen Elizabeth during her 1987 visit to Kindersley.

Outside of school, Steve and Kris shared a love of cooking and travelling and were often seen creating gourmet meals and going on exotic trips to places such as Mexico, which they enjoyed. At home, Steve was actively involved in the Kindersley Tennis Club and was quite successful, winning several competitions. Steve was also a very active member of the Kindersley Blue Jays slo-pitch team that won back-to-back titles in 1992 and 1993. Holding true to his American roots, Steve was a dedicated fan of the Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, and the Chicago Bears. With a little persuasion he also became a Saskatchewan Roughrider fan and enjoyed the opportunity to go to a game. Steve also loved to spend his summer mornings golfing with “the boys,” a group of local teachers who had become his friends. When the opportunity arose, he also liked to grab a fishing rod and just go fishing.

Steve remained active as a private music teacher and substitute teacher in the Sun West School Division after his retirement in 2006. As a talented clarinettist and saxophonist, he performed in local groups which have toured across the province. He was recognized by the Saskatchewan Music Educators Association in 2020 when he was selected for the Outstanding Achievement Award.

Steve’s incredible influence can be measured by the success of his students; many of whom have been finalists at provincial and national competitions, were inspired to pursue music as a career, or have grown to become successful educators, performers, and individuals themselves. Due to his positive influence over the course of 47 years, Steve Mealey was well-loved and greatly respected in the towns of Kindersley, Eatonia, and in the surrounding communities. Steve brought music, inspiration, and love to the lives of numerous people over the years. His students and colleagues in the communities he worked in became his family. He will be dearly missed by the many lives he touched in such an immense way.

Steve is predeceased by his beloved wife, Kris, and his father, Robert. He is survived by his mother, Martha, his sister, Sherry (Robert) Richardson, nephews Collin and Brian Richardson, and his “adopted” families of countless students and colleagues in whom his legacy will live on.

A celebration of life was held on June 18th, in Eatonia, SK. Steve and Kris are laid to rest together in the Kindersley Cemetery Columbarium.