Earl Charles Steele
November 11, 1948 - November 15, 2021
Surrounded by the love of his family, Earl Charles Steele passed with dignity at the age of 73 on Monday, November 15, 2021.
Earl will be greatly missed by his loving wife of over 50 years, Miolyka Steele (nee Popovich). He was the proud Dad of Sarah Steele (Jacques Lavalliere), Erin Laszlo (Mike Laszlo), and Adam Steele (Shauna Burke). Earl was the biggest fan and supporter of his grandchildren. Earl was always at the hockey rink, basketball court, or in the theatre cheering on Alex, Julia, and Lauren Laszlo, Robyn, and Paul Steele, and Lily and Benjamin Beliveau.
Earl and his brother Gary Steele shared a very close relationship. Their bond included a mutual love for the Toronto Maple Leafs, and we know that game night will not be the same.
Earl will be missed immensely by the Popovich/Steele clan, his extended family, his friends, his neighbours, and his former colleagues.
Earl had a huge zest for life, which he was able to enjoy fully after retirement from the London Police Service in 2002. Earl spent several of his early retirement years giving and sharing his time with children and youth with special needs as a driver for Voyageur Transportation; a position that was dear to his heart and that he remembered fondly.
Earl was always up for a great adventure with Miolyka, family, and friends by his side. He loved to see the world, and of all the amazing places he was able to travel to, to him, Anguilla felt like home. Earl loved the outdoors and lived a very active lifestyle. Most mornings he could be found at spin class or cycling/walking in Springbank Park, followed by coffee with his friends. He loved taking his grand-dogs for long walks around the neighbourhood. Earl spent countless hours on the Bruce Trail with his hiking group, fishing at Ahmic Lake, and was known to throw a rock or two on the curling rink.
We would like to thank the staff and health professionals that cared for Earl, with special thanks to the nursing team at both LHSC and Parkwood for their compassion and care.
Earl will forever be loved and missed
Cremation and private burial have taken place. A memorial tree and bench will be planted on the Thames Valley Parkway in Earl’s name. A drop-in Celebration of Life will be held at Cuffs (London Police Association), 330 William Street, London on Sunday, November 21, 2021, from 12:30 p.m. ~ 4:00 p.m. Those wishing to attend the Celebration of Life are required to sign up. *Please note that due to the COVID-19 pandemic and capacity limits at Cuffs, you must attend during your selected time. Vaccination proof and masks are required.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Wounded Warriors Canada.
To leave an online condolence or sign up for the Celebration of Life, please click the links above the obituary or the drop-down arrow to the right on your mobile devices.
Leave a tribute for Earl Charles Steele
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On behalf of the members of the London Police Service, Court Services.
In memory of Ernie. So many wonderful memories to warm your hearts. Love Barb & Mike
Thinking of you all during this difficult time. Our deepest condolences. Jim and Pauline
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Earl - he will be greatly missed. The Buchanan Group
Pledged to donate to Wounded Warriors Canada.
Sorry to hear about Earl. He was a great neighbor, gentleman . We will all miss his him deeply.
Pledged to donate to Wounded Warriors Canada.
Such a wonderful spirit with a smile and a story to forever remember. We will miss seeing Earl and Mike walking in the park in the morning. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. Sending our heartfelt condolences. The Urban Poling walking group.
Sending our deepest condolences to Earl’s family. On behalf of the Urban Polers, Springbank Park.
Our sincerest condolences goes to all of the Steele and Popovich families. Earl was a true gentleman who made you feel good after speaking to him.
Earl was my first childhood friend. We lived doors apart on Cornish St. We were joined at the hip until my family moved to south London at age 10. Many soakers in Pottersburg Creek going to and from school. When Earl was a cadet, he came by our house on his "trainer" motorcycle. I remember my mom being so surprised at seeing him in a police uniform. My sister tells me there are home movies of Earl and I in our Toronto Maple Leaf sweaters on Christmas morning. Very sad to receive the news of his passing.. Condolences to Gary and to Earl's family John and Jane Welsh
Miolyka, I was so surprised and saddened to hear of Earl’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, take good care of each other.
With deepest sympathies.
Miolyka and family. Earl and I go back many years beginning as police cadets. Fond memories of many good times together, fishing, partying -- remembering a great friend Sincere sympathy Dan and Gayle Johnston
In memory of a wonderful father, a loving husband and an all around great guy. You will be missed.
We are so very sorry and saddened to hear of Earl's passing.
Earl lived life to the fullest. He treasured his family and friends and will always be remembered.
Dear Miolyka and family, Earl was such a genuine guy. He was always so happy to see you, no matter where you bumped into him - at the park, in the rain, the grocery store, anywhere. He always greeted you with a big happy hello and a chuckle - and usually a story. Earl will be truly missed by all. We are so sorry for your loss. With Love, Lea & John Pender
Miolyka; We are so sorry to learn of Earls passing. Thinking of you and your family at this very difficult. Hugs Roxy and Dayna
So sorry for your loss.
To Adam and the rest of the Steele/Popovich clan: I first knew Earl when he became my sergeant on the "old" Two Section at LPS back in the early '80s. He led by example and could be counted on to have your back. I was inspired by his life long commitment to fitness, and it was at the gym that I last chatted with him. I am so very sad to hear of his passing..... way too soon. May all of you be comforted by the many good memories of a great family man and police officer. Tom Gaffney
From Voyageur Transportation
To Sarah and Family, Our deepest sympathies go out to you for your loss. Our thoughts are with you all. The Winsor Family
Our sincere condolences Miolyka to you and your family. Many good memories of Earl from the old 3 Section. I know how much he loved his family and friends. You will be in our prayers at this difficult time. Joe & Patricia Stock
Dear Miolyka and family, We are so sorry to hear about Earl. We have so many great memories of him that we hold near and dear. Please know our thoughts are with you all. The world lost a good one….
I have so many fond, loving memories of Earl that will never be forgotten.
I am deeply saddened to hear of your loss. I have very fond memories of Earl from curling. My deepest condolences to you and your family. May your precious memories carry you through this difficult time. Love and Hugs ❤️
Miolyka. So sorry to hear about Earl. Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time and sending a big hug. Stacey
I remember Earl as a great Sgt and close friend. I worked with Earl as An Auxiliary Police Officer as well as on the street as a Regular Officer. I will always remember him saying " If you don't want a nose like mine keep your head down'. He will be il be sadly missed. I pray we will meet again Earl. Bye for now.
Jake and I send our deepest condolences to Miolyka and the family. Jake and Earl have been good friends for more than 15 years and Jake always enjoyed his stories but most of all his friendship.We were saddened of the new of his passing and we pray God will wrap his arms around all of you and you will feel His presence. Rest In Peace our friend.
Our deepest sympathy's. Earl was a wonderful man. Love to you all. Hotson Family XO
Dear Miolyka and family, I’m saddened to hear of Earls passing. We met at the Hermitage Club and continued as friends. It was a pleasure to have Earl as a client and I looked forward to our monthly chats. He was always optimistic about life and excited for the trips you would take together and for the many activities his grandchildren were participating in. He had some of the wildest stories. He will be greatly missed but the wonderful memories of him will live on forever. RIP Earl Maureen Van de Ven RMT
So sorry to learn of Earl,s passing. Condolences to Miolyka, Adam and girl,s. I will always have so many fond memories of working with and knowing Earl over so many years.
My sincere condolences to the Steele and Popovich families. Earl was a mentor and friend to many, ...a well respected and beloved man.
I worked with Earl for many a year both in uniform and detective divisions. Very wise man…the world has lost a good person…rest in peace Doug/Cathy Finlay
Our condolences to the Steele family. I can see how much of an impact Earl had on so many. xo
A valued friend, colleague and partner. He had a sense of humour and zest for life, career orientation that was admirable and a tremendous affection for his Miolyka and the kids. Once described by a sage in the 'Windsor clan" as a "diamond in the rough" his essence was a mystery, his ingenuity forthright, his responsibility unparalleled. He was the real deal and leaves a legacy for charity, truth, simplicity, love and respect. 10-7 old partner, you closed the file.
Donald Pearson pledged to donate to Wounded Warriors Canada
I want to express my deepest sympathy to all of Earl's family. Earl was a fine man and will be truly missed. I pray that you take good care of each other as you work through this sad time in your lives.
Dave McCargar pledged to donate to Wounded Warriors Canada
Earl was a great mentor of mine in my younger years at the lps. He became a life long friend who' was there when I needed him the most. Thank you Earl. I will miss you. I worked side by side with his son Adam who also became my friend and colleague. Condolences to the entire Steele family.
I am sorry for the loss of your Father Sara Adam And cousin Jacques And I hope you recover well I am sorry to all the Steele Family From Danny
I worked with Earl for many years at the LPS. Usually, we were paired up in a two person unit patrolling downtown or the east end. You get to know a lot about someone under those circumstances and one of the things I soon found out was that I couldn’t have asked for a better guy to have my back. Lots of great memories. My deepest sympathy and condolences go out to Miolyka and all of Earl’s family.
Earl was a wonderful man, he always greeted me with an uplifting smile at the gym and very often with an excited travel story. My deepest condolences Miolyka and family
Remembering Earl for all that he brought to each and every thing that he did. So many fond memories and proud to have been one of “Earl’s Girls”. Condolences to you, Miolyka and family. Sissy (and Ken) Steeves
Stephanie and Tyler Ferguson pledged to donate to Wounded Warriors Canada
Our sincere condolences to the Steele and Popvich Families. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time ❤️
So very sorry to hear of Earl’s passing. He was a wonderful person who we really had great respect for. Our thoughts and prayers are with Miolyka and all the Popovich/Steele families
Miolyka and family, Please accept my sincere sympathy, Earl was my special friend and we enjoyed our bike rides and walks in Springbank Park, will miss him dearly, God Bless you and your family….Mike Matuzic
Ian Peer pledged to donate to Wounded Warriors Canada
Sending our heartfelt condolences to the entire family. Earl's memories will live on forever.
Miolyka and family, Earl lived life well and was so very, very proud of his family.
Our sincere condolences to the Steele and Popvich Families. You are in our thoughts and prayers. I enjoyed it when Earl gave me some career advice long ago. I have never forgotten it and what he did for me. You will be missed. Kelly Ryan and Family.
Our sincere condolences to the entire family.
Miolyka; We are so sorry to learn of Earls passing. We will miss him, especially his company at London Knights hockey games and the times we enjoyed his company at dinner and other social functions. God bless you and you family at this very difficult ime.
Sarah, we are so very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family and keeping you all in our prayers. I have such fond memories of your dad, he was always so kind and welcoming to me and down the road to my husband and boys. Sending you love and strength at this time. Amanda Hugh Matthew and Stephen
Earl you will be sadly missed from your extended group of friends. Keeping you and your family in our hearts at this time. May you rest in piece.
Adam, We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Keeping you and your family in our thoughts. Sending love- The Pottruff family
Sincerest condolences to Miolyka and the entire Steele family on the loss of Earl. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dear Miolyka & Family, “This is our wish for you: Comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth, Love to complete your life.” With our deepest sympathies, Linda & Steve Mara
Miolyka, I am so sad to hear of your loss, my sincere condolences to you and your family . Cynthia Gudgeon
George Winsor pledged to donate to Wounded Warriors Canada
To Sarah and Family, Our deepest sympathies go out to you for your loss. Our thoughts are with you all. The Winsor Family
Our sincere condolences Miolyka to you and your family. Many good memories of Earl from the old 3 Section. I know how much he loved his family and friends. You will be in our prayers at this difficult time. Joe & Patricia Stock
Services for Earl Charles Steele
Celebration of Life will be held at:
Cuffs - London Police Association 330 William Street London, Ontario, Canada N6B 3C7
November 21, 2021 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm
Additional Service information
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I was so saddened to hear of Earl’s passing. We went to the same gym and was such a friendly, genuine lovely family man. My deepest condolences to all of his family.
~ Joanne