We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Stephen Alexander Oliver in a vehicle accident while travelling through Rogers Pass near Revelstoke BC on 15 December 2002 at the age of 21. His friend and companion Sapper Leah Jennine Oliver (not related) was also killed in the same accident. Both were members of 1 Combat Engineer Regiment in Edmonton AB.
Stephen was born in Reading, Berkshire, England and immigrated to Canada at the age of one. He grew up in Calgary AB where he attended Lord Beaverbrook High School graduating in 1999. During his high school years, Stephen joined the King’s Own Calgary Regiment, a Reserve Force Armoured Regiment, and, after graduation, served a seven month operational tour in Bosnia with the Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry. In 2001 Stephen transferred to the Regular Force as a Combat Engineer and trained at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Gagetown NB. On completion of his training he was posted to 1 Combat Engineer Regiment. Stephen was active in sports and challenged himself by competing in demanding events such as the Kananaskis Death Race and the Mountain Man Challenge.
A funeral service for Stephen will be held on 19 December at the McInnis & Holloway’s Fish Creek Chapel, 4441 Bannister Road S.E., Calgary. Messages of sympathy may be made to condolences@mcinnisandholloway.com. Donations may be made to the Calgary Humane Society (SPCA), 1323 - 36 Avenue N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 6T6. In living memory of Stephen, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park.
1 Combat Engineer Regiment will hold a joint memorial service for both Stephen and Leah on 10 January 2003 in the Arden Theatre at 5 St. Anne Street, St. Albert AB. Stephen and Leah Oliver will be buried together in Kamloops BC. {dc/gdMar2016kh}