Stephen Arnett Groves, beloved son of Betty and Denny Philp, passed away suddenly in the Souris Health Centre on October 19, 2017. Born in Boissevain on September 27th, 1971 to Arnett and Betty Groves, he grew up on the family farm at Carroll and attended school in Souris. He showed extraordinary artistic talent from a very early age. In high school he developed an interest in music, especially the drums and enjoyed playing with various groups of friends. The close friends he made at school became lifelong friends – adopting the name “The Dumb Guys”. After graduating from high school he worked for the Souris Valley Echo for a short period and various jobs in Bandon, attended BU and the Alberta College of Art in Calgary. He free lanced as a graphic artist, writing and illustrating while working at a few day jobs. He returned to Brandon working from home doing illustrating and designing.
He suffered with respiratory problems from an early age and various other health issues. The diagnosis of cancer was devastating but he was prepared to battle it head on and come out the stronger for it. He dealt with the pain and debilities valiantly. His friends were a lifeline for him during his illness.
He was predeceased by his father, Arnett Groves and his brother, Andrew. He is survived by his Mother and Stepfather, Betty and Denny Philp, sisters Susan Groves and Erin Sutherland, stepsiblings Twyla Anderson, Jason Philp and Tim Philp, their partners and his beloved nieces and nephews.
Thank you
To all our family and friends, thank you so much to everyone who attended Stephen’s funeral, some who travelled from afar. Thank you to the United Church choir, the UCW and Reverend Wendy Rankin for her moving tribute. Special thanks to Keith Edmunds, Jeff Tymoschuk and Ian Hart for their fine eulogy and my Sorority Sisters who provided supper for the family after the funeral. Thanks to those who sent cards, flowers, texts, messages, made donations in his memory, brought food and all who shared in our loss and supported us in so many ways this past summer through Stephen’s illness. Thank you to Drs. Dueck and Cram and all the medical staff in Souris and Brandon for their skilful care and compassion; your kindness has helped us immeasurably through this time of grief.
Thank you also for the fine care Denny has received during his three illnesses this summer. The thoughtfulness of friends and family while we dealt with two in our family being very ill is much appreciated.
Betty and Denny Philp and Family.
Our sincere condolences to you at this very sad time. We were sorry to hear of your loss.
Marian and Lyle Beattie
Please accept my condolences, even though they can mean little except to let you know that I thought Stephen was sweet and kind, brought laughter when it was hard to laugh, and loved his family so very much. I am deeply saddened by his passing and it will be difficult to know that he’s not right there to share a moment.
Our sincere sympathy Betty and Dennis in the loss of Stephen. A special time of sorrow when someone loses a child, no matter what age. May God give you comfort and peace in due time as you deal with this loss.
Bill and Isabel Acheson (nee Fraser)
Our condolences to Betty and Denny and families, from Helen and Arnold and family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
Deepest Sympathy Betty,Denny & Families,also the Groves families
We are thinking of you at this sad and difficult time.
May your precious memories keep him ever near.
May God’s grace shine upon you and give you peace.
Goodbye, Steve. I’m glad to have known you and sad to have lost you.
My condolences to your family and friends.
Words cannot express the sadness we feel for your loss. May you find comfort in your many memories. Our deepest sympathy.
So sorry to read about your dear son passing away. Although we never knew him, he must have been a wonderful son, having you, Betty as a loving mother. Our sincere sympathy goes out to you all at this very sad time. Sincerely,
Russ and Jean Hawkins
Our deepest sympathy Betty ,Denny and family,thinking of you
All at this sad time.Our prays are with you all.
Barb and Phil Klein
To Betty, Denny, Susan and Erin and families,
Our hearts are with you all at this time. Have been thinking of you over this last while. With our love, Bill and Carole and family
Sending our deepest sympathy in the loss of Stephen. Thinking of all of you. May your warm memories help you through this difficult time. Take care.
Dear Betty and family- our deepest sympathy is extended to you at this difficult time. We hope your memories will help in the healing process.
Darlene & Gerry Perkin
To Stephen’s Family,
Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time. Sometimes life is so unfair.
Connie & Grant
To Betty, Denny and family
We are saddened to hear of your loss. We have so many wonderful memories of doing life with you in the Carroll/Souris area. We pray that during this time of grieving you will experience hope and comfort from God, family and friends.
Judy and Peter Hiebert
Thinking of all of you at this very sad time. Such a huge loss. Hugs.
Betty, Denny , Erin and Susan, to all of you , it is so sad to lose someone so young. May He Rest in Peace, free from pain, but be assured, he’ll be watching over and sending down his love to you all each and everyday. Keep all your special and great memories close at hand to help you through now and forever. I’m sure you’ll have laughter and tears while these memories are near and that is a blessing.
Dear Betty & family,
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that my thoughts & prayers are with you. Hold on to your happy memories and may they bring you comfort. Love & Prayers.
Our hearts go out to the Groves/Philp families in the loss of Stephen. Know we’re thinking of you at this very sad time.
The Turner’s @ Carroll