Edmonton Jewish community loses one of its most beloved members: Steven Schwartzberg

By Jonah Mozeson

(EJNews) – It is with great sadness that the Edmonton Jewish community has lost a friend to us all – Stevie Schwartzberg.  He brought a special light to his community, his family, and his friends.

Stevie’s Hebrew name, Simcha, means joy and happiness.  It was an inspiration to his parents from G-d because that is what he brought to his vast circle of friends with his positive attitude, infectious smile, and constant happiness.

Seeing Stevie would cheer anyone up, even if they were having a bad day.  He energized all  those around him with love and humour, changed so many of us by virtue of being in his presence, and brought out the best in those fortunate to call him a friend.  The love, caring, and kindness he showed in his 35 years are what most of us could not accomplish in 120.

My life in particular will not be the same without Stevie.  It is hard for me to recall a time when he wasn’t there for me.  Most of my memories are with the both of us at each others’ sides.  He celebrated with me during the best times and was there for me during the tough times.  I could always count and depend on him and he would always lend an empathetic ear or a shoulder to lean on.

Stevie was a passionate sports fan, always sporting the hats and jerseys of his favourite teams.  His family and friends loved to engage him about his infatuation for his MVPs – Tiger Woods and LeBron James.

What will we remember about Stevie? His smile no matter what the obstacle; his love for life, family, and friends; his kindness and sincerity; his inner strength and determination; and his heart of gold that was a blessing to every life he so deeply touched.

Stevie’s death might have been sudden, but his life was not feint.  We are all filled with the greatest sadness but his memory will always be with us, and our lives will not be the same without him.  His love, happiness, and contagious smile are the gift he gave us all, and his legacy will continue through his family and friends.

People would say Stevie was sunshine whenever he entered a room or anyone’s lives.  He lit up this world for 35 amazing years and we are all better people for having known him.  He showed us that with every minute we have on this Earth, we can live our lives in a way that takes nothing for granted.  We can love and cherish our families and friends deeply.  We can cheer up those who are down.  And we can show through example that what really matters in life is your empathy, compassion, kindness, and selflessness.

Stevie was a friend, an example of how to live life to the fullest, and an inspiration to us all.  The world will be a sadder place without him.