July 26, 1960 – May 9, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Stephen Eric McIntyre, 63, on Thursday, May 9, 2024 in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Steve is survived by his heartbroken parents Joan and James; children Erin (Nik) and Graham (Selena); grandchildren Dimitri and Joanna; siblings Rob (Cathy), Cliff, Lyn, and Katherine; nieces and nephews Morgan (Avital), RobYn (Toby), Neil, Ryan, and Callum (Hannah); grandnephew Milo; and countless friends.
Steve was born in Regina, Saskatchewan on July 26, 1960, and moved to Manitoba in elementary school. Steve would later spend time in Calgary and Toronto, though Winnipeg remained a touchstone throughout.
Steve was a pioneer of the Winnipeg arts and culture scene. Considered by many to be a local “godfather of improv,” Steve was known for his powerful stage presence, signature laugh, and incredible ability to support his fellow improvisors on stage (particularly those he would pluck from the audience). Steve’s 40-year career as a playwright and an actor in theatre, television and film is marked by many compelling and impactful performances, such as those in High Life, The Pinkertons, Gangland Undercover, and Mind of the Iguana.
Steve was masterful at building community and fostering connection everywhere he went. Many have remarked on his uncanny ability to make the person he was speaking to feel truly heard. Steve’s immense capacity for love and service had a profound impact on his children, his far-reaching circle of family and friends, as well as the community at large, earning him a Safer Community Award in 2008.
It is impossible to capture the many facets of Steve in a few short words. He was an avid reader, reluctant horse rider, fast skater, and fiercely loyal Saskatchewan Roughriders fan. He loved Tim Horton’s plain bagels (toasted, with peanut butter), underdogs, leather jackets, and listening to John Prine. Above all, Steve is deeply loved and is terribly missed.
A celebration of Steve’s remarkable life will be held on Thursday, May 30th at 2:00 p.m. at his once and future stomping grounds, the Gas Station Arts Centre at 445 River Avenue.
In light of Steve’s many meaningful connections, we have created a webpage where uploaded photos, videos, and video messages will be compiled into a memorial tribute. To participate, please visit: https://share.vidday.com/e/m-36nc1t
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Gas Station Arts Centre.
Photo credit: Wayne Simpson Photography
19 thoughts on “Stephen Eric McIntyre”
I went to high school (Dakota) with Steve and played against him in football. I was a member of the St Vital Mustangs and he the Fort Garry Lions. With great pride and a glint of mischief in his eye he would readily remind me of how much further his team went in the playoffs when we’d meet up. All in good fun.
I knew Steve as a free spirit who enjoyed life and lived it on his terms. I’m proud to have been amongst the many who could call him a friend. Gone too soon.
We are heart broken and shocked to read of Steve’s passing. From the beginning, we marvelled at the skilled improv team of Slade & McIntyre. We will never forget witnessing Steve’s inspired metamorphosis into an Iguana in 1988. He had such a presence and always owned every role. One moment, he could look like a guy who you’d cross the street to avoid, and the next you would wrap your arms around him enjoying his big broad smile and great laugh. Steve, we will think of you often and miss you. Our sincere condolences to Steve’s nearest and dearest.
Those of us who worked with Stephen will remember him as the gentle, generous heart of any scene he was in – in spite of the fact that he was often playing a rough character in a leather jacket.
I, like so many people that he met, was touched by Steve’s generosity. He started me on my performing career with his improv knowledge; I would get the opportunity to improvise with him many times at the old Improv Supper Club. He was a natural phenomenon, being the calm at the eye of the hurricane one moment and the full force of the hurricane the next. One hell of an actor. Thank you for all that you did, Steve. I was so lucky to meet and know you.
I first worked with Steve in 1999 when I shot The Sheldon Kennedy story in Calgary. He was only in one scene but oh so memorable. Years later I was auditioning people for something in Winnipeg and in walked this guy with a gravelly voice. “Hey I know you!!” and we worked on many shows together over the years since. The last show we did was Cashing In and believe it or not he played a bad ass in a leather jacket with a sawed-off shotgun.
As others have so aptly said, behind that rough and tumble exterior was the sweetest person you could ever meet. All my love to his family. ♥️♥️
I knew Steve since we were both in Grade 7. He always had a quick wit and was very charismatic. I had the opportunity to see him perform at the Gas Station Theatre in 1987. They were doing improv and the performers were asking for suggestions from the audience. An audience member suggested the play should be about a search and one of the performers asked what should they be searching for. Someone in the audience said they should be searching for intelligence. Steve was not phased in the slightest by the facetious remark. He just turned toward the person and waved and said “Oh hi Richard”. The whole place roared with laughter.
I was lucky to have known him and he will be missed.
I am still in shock about Steve’s passing and a part of me refuses to believe it. I met Steve in Calgary around 1997. We hung out at the pub where we met quite often, as did many of us. I am really sad, for his children, grandchildren, and family, and for myself and everyone else. Knowing there will never be a chance to see or talk to him again. You were a wonderful man Steve McIntyre!
Steve was a one of a kind, unique spirit that has been taken from us way too soon. We met at Pizza Place in the 80′ when we were just youngin’s (with a great group of friends that still are friends), WE went to many socials and danced to the B52’s and Elvis Costello. We continued through the University of Wpg. Acting and improv was his talent. So many good times/shows/movies. Football was a passion…..Go Riders!. We wrote many songs together and Steve was an avid writer of poetry and one of my heroes. I feel blessed to have called him a friend and will miss the laugh, the squeaks and squeals.
His heart was bigger than anyone knew. There were many people who’s lives he touched and loved! But his biggest gift to this world was his family! They were always at the top of his list. Our sincere condolences to the family. With Love from Kevin and Heidi
I first encountered Stephen as a fan of Theatre X back in the Eighties. It has been my great privilege to work with Stephen, and get to know him over the years. …Such a gifted and deeply intuitive artist, he will be sorely missed.
Stephen was the first actor in Winnipeg to welcome me into the community when I arrived. We worked on a CBC radio play together and I was so nervous walking into a room of total strangers. Stephen saw this, and went out of his way to make me feel welcomed. Since then we’ve worked on quite a few of the same projects. He was always so very kind, authentic & encouraging.
I appreciated how he kept things real every time we met. His memory will be a blessing to so many. My deepest sympathies to his family and all of his friends near and far.
As a producer for HIGH LIFE with Liz Jarvis I can wholeheartedly say that Steve was one of the highlights of the whole experience- and that is saying something given the cast! He was the kind of actor who transfixed and the gentle man who created joy! Your mark is indelible Mr M! Lots of love.
I have known Steve off and on for 40 years. We didn’t connect much, but my times with him were always filled with fun. He was kind, generous, and thoughtful. And of course, funny as hell. The last time I saw him in person was at a reading of my play THE DIVINERS at MTC a few yeas ago, where he played Christie Logan – a role he was born to play. Even in those few hours of workshop, he gave all his soul to that character, all his humour and vulnerabilty as an artist. RIP Steve. We’ll always remember you,
We all loved our old buddy, Stephen
He cast magical spells we’d believe in
His warmth, talent, those eyes,
Caring, Kind, Laughing, Wise.
You left us too soon, now we’re grievin’
Miss you buddy
His laugh could be heard screeching over busy traffic.
He’s eyes caught you and held you.
He would do whatever necessary to make the show happen.
Devilishly handsome.
Lucky to have known him and enjoyed his help, hospitality, and kindness.
I first spotted Steve when I accidentally encountered Theatre X performing at Eaton Place as a kid in the 1980s. I had never seen improv before and it was a revelation that totally electrified me, as few things ever have to that degree. Over the years, Steve has always been a wonder and an inspiration. I’ll miss him.
Sorry to read about the passing of Stepen. I remember playing football and street hockey on Marlene street during the good old days. Was always a great sport and very competitive. I was always the tallest guy so he had me as his receiver as he thought he was Ron Lancaster at quarterback back then. Saw him a few times then and always had a few stories. My condolences to the family.
Dan Speer
I remember playing football and hockey growing up on Marlene street. I wax the tall guy so Steve always had me on his team. He thought he was Ron Lancaster always playing quarterback and having me go up for all his passes. He was a great sport and fierce competitor. My condolences go out to the family.
Dan Speer
We all loved our old buddy, Stephen
He cast magical spells we’d believe in
His warmth, talent, those eyes,
Caring, Kind, Laughing, Wise.
You left us too soon, now we’re grievin’
Steve was one of my best friends from high school we used to play some full contact no equipment football and he was a pretty good quarterback .He always said when we used get lit at lunchtimes that he was going to be an actor and he nailed it. He put the StVital in most of his roles and was very successful in them . We are all very proud of him and he will be never be forgotten . Mycondolences to Rob, Cliff and the rest of the family.