Obituary of Stephen John Lifsches

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The family sadly announces the unexpected passing of Stephen John Lifsches at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital on December 4, 2021. Stephen was born in December 29, 1955 in Newcastle, NB, to Louis and Celeste (Gray) Lifsches.

He is survived by his loving wife, Judy (Hagerman); beloved son, Nathan Lifsches and wife Amanda of Moncton; brother, Morris Lifsches (Enie) of Cape Breton; sisters, Sharon Duplessie (Leonard Poirier), and Kathy Harrigan (Edward) of Miramichi; brothers in law, Reginald Waye, Albert Hagerman and sisters in law, Linda Butland (Claude), and Colleen Hayes (Edward); nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly and had so much fun with, Stacey Potts (Dean), Jeff Duplessie (Joanna), Josh Lifsches (Jana), Aaron Lifsches (Maryam), Josh Harrigan (Annick), Stephen Harrigan (Tasha), Tanya Young (Larry), Leon Waye (Rob); stepsons, Steven Agnew (Megan) and Jamie Agnew (Kathy); grandchildren, James Knight, Daniel Agnew (his mother Calli), Chase Agnew, Maddie Campbell, Haley Hawkins (Riley).

Stephen and Daniel had a special bond from the time he first held him, and when he was about two years old, he started calling Stephen, Baboo. He became Baboo to all of the grand children, great nieces and nephews and now to many of Daniel’s teenage friends. There are not many people in the last 17 years that have not heard Stephen tell them a “Daniel” story.

Besides his parents he was predeceased by his sister, Ann Waye; sister in law, Sheila Hagerman and brothers in law, Peter Duplessie and Richard Hagerman.

Stephen had a career with the Chatham Town Police in his younger years, and then went on to work at the DECH where he worked as an EMT and then an LPN. He retired there after 23 years of service. Since his retirement he has been working for the Medicine Shoppe doing deliveries.

Stephen had a musical career playing the saxophone that started in his early 20’s performing at weddings and private parties with his sister Kathy. After that he was part of different musical groups in the Miramichi, including Girlfriends and Company, and Just us Three, both including his sisters. After moving to Fredericton, he became a member of several groups over the years, to name a few, Bottoms Up, Cold Cuts, Downtown Blues Band, Matchstick Mike and the Chain Smokin Alter Boys and several others. He also played at many Harvest Jazz and Blues Festivals both with bands and buskering with his sisters in front of city hall. Two highlights of his musical career are when the DTBB were joined on stage with Dan Aykroyd and when he and Kathy played for the Queen’s Jubilee in Officers Square. He also enjoyed teaching the saxophone to his students and many became lifelong friends. Stephen will be deeply missed by all who loved him.

Visitation will take place at York Funeral Home, 302 Brookside Drive, Fredericton, NB on Thursday, December 16, 2021 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. The Funeral Service will take place at York Funeral Home’s T. Gordon MacLeod Memorial Chapel on Friday, December 17, 2021 at 2 pm with Reverend Ralph Irving officiating.  Those attending the visitation or service must provide proof of vaccinations as well as government issued ID.  Masks will also be required.  Public is welcome to register to view the live stream at www.yorkfh.com.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests for those who wish to donate, please make donations to the Canadian Diabetes Association, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of New Brunswick or a charity of their choice.  Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com