Obituary of Steven Ronald Shoebottom

Obituary SHOEBOTTOM, Steven ‘Shoey’ Ronald - “Laws of nature do not make exceptions for nice people. A bullet has no conscience; neither does a malignant tumor or an automobile gone out of control. That is why good people get sick and get hurt as much as anyone.” Shoey is finally at rest on Thursday, July 11, 2019 and I hold him close within me. Please hold him close, as I do, in your mind and your spirit. Remember him as you knew him before a massive stroke in September 1994 at the age of 39 changed his world forever. Remember the Shoey that loved being married to his mate, Michele Horton for 33 years. Remember Shoey as a route salesman for 15 years at Hostess-Frito Lay or as a heavy equipment operator with Roebuck Construction. Remember when he played slo-pitch in the St Thomas rec league or helped coach recreation hockey teams in London. Remember his love of music, golf, fishing, staying at the Parry Sound cottage, friends, family get-togethers, and of course, ganja. But also remember him from after the stroke....being globally aphasic, not understanding everything and not speaking much (although he did learn the "F" word)! Remember acute care at University Hospital, and then long term care at St. Mary's hospital, Continuing Care Centre at St Thomas Elgin General Hospital and Cheshire St. Thomas. Remember him as a member of the Stroke Recovery Association and as a day-program attendee at Community Living and Valleyview and finally as a resident at Carressant Care on Bonnie Place and Extendicare in Port Stanley. Remember how this 'new' Shoey loved all visitors but especially the 4-legged variety and enjoyed visits from nieces and nephews who only knew him in a wheelchair. Remember he retained his sense of humour and his even-temper after losing his ability to walk or to even think correctly. Shoey was still there, inside, looking out at us. Shoey is survived by his forever loving and caring wife, Michele Horton and his loving brother Dennis Shoebottom. Shoey was predeceased by his loving parents Ron and Jean Shoebottom. Michele wishes to thank all of the health care workers from all of the facilities over these many years for their kind, loving and generous care. Special thanks to all PSW’s who literally and figuratively do most of the heavy lifting. You are all special people. Arrangements entrusted to Shawn Jackson Funeral Home 31 Elgin Street, St. Thomas (519-631-0570). Cremation has taken place. For their unstinting care and love of Shoey over the past 25 years, honorary pall-bearers are Paul Horton, Melinda Horton, Melanie Horton, Madeleine Horton, Maren Foster, Dr. Darius Ho, Steve Unger, Bernadette Spiller. A private service and internment will be held at a future date. If desired, donations to the Elgin St. Thomas Community Foundation in memory of Shoey would be appreciated. Personal condolences to the family can be made at www.sjfh.ca To send flowers to Steven "Shoey" Ronald Shoebottom's family, please visit our floral section.