Skip to content

Stephen Albert (Steve) Lehman, 73, of West Pavillon, Lillooet BC, died April 4, 2014. He was followed April 7, 2014, by his wife of nearly 54 years and best friend for 62 years, Gloria Jean (Jean) Lehman, 71, of West Pavillon, Lillooet BC.

Steve was born Feb. 1, 1941, in Ashcroft BC, to Ike and Edna Lehman, of Hat Creek BC. He grow up ranching on his parents ranch in Hat Creek, his mother said she couldn’t get him to do school work, so they put him to work on the Ranch. Jean was born Dec. 11, 1943, in Cold Lake Alberta, to Art and Willy Heigh, of Ardmore Alberta. The Heigh family lived briefly at Pavillon, where Jean and Steve met, in grade 3, while both were attending the Pavillon School, before moving across the River to West Pavillon, where Jean grow up.

Steve and Jean were married April 16, 1960, in Lillooet. They moved up north in 1965, settling in Endako BC, for 9 years. They then spent a brief time in Hat Creek, before moving to Roberts Creek, on the coast for 9 more years. In 1985 they were able to fulfill their life time dream and finally take up ranching on the West Pavillon.

Steve was an extremely talented, able and independent man. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t do, his way and by himself. With a few exceptions Steve was always self employed, he owned and operated equipment, sawmills and ranched. He was a skilled welder, machinist, mechanic and pilot.

Jean was kind, caring and supportive. She was a hard working person, who lived what she preached. She loved her husband and children. She raised her children to be respectful, kind people. Jean had a passion for her gardens, the outdoors, writing children stories and her grandchildren.

Jean and Steve had 5 children, Linda, Brian (predeceased), Debra, Becky and Stephen. They had 10 grandchildren, Erica, Carl, Thomas, Ike, Rickie, Danny (predeceased), Anna, Gale, Liam and Dillon and 1 great grandchild, Madison.

For the last 8 years, an undiagnosed condition left Jean dependent on others for her care. Steve cared for her and ran their ranch, until a month before he passed away. Jean and Steve spent their last week together, with Steve keeping an eye on Jean’s care, until the end. He would not eat or drink until Jean was taken care of. Steve passed away peacefully, after a brief battle with cancer, with Jean at his side. Jean stayed strong and supportive of Steve, despite her weakening condition and great grief, encouraging Steve to except help when he needed it, until Steve passed. Jean then let go and followed him barely 3 days later.

A memorial service will be held for Jean and Steve at the United Church in Ashcroft, May 10 at 1pm.

Jean and Steve lived a good life and a great love story. We were blessed to have shared it with you. We will miss you.



Your condolences will be approved within one business day. You will need a valid Facebook account. Please email us if you have any questions.