For Immediate Release: January 13, 2017
The Stratford community lost a beloved friend and advocate earlier this month, in the passing of Stephen Joseph McQuaid. "Over the last 20 years, Steve was an exceptional and irreplaceable volunteer and mentor for the Stratford youth," says Mayor David Dunphy. McQuaid was a social worker for most of his professional career, until he left to pursue a career in consulting for the Atlantic Evaluation Group Inc. He was instrumental in creating the award-winning youth organization, Stratford Youth Can-Do.
Steve McQuaid was generous with his countless talents and skills. He shared his gifts willingly with the youth, and the community as a whole. McQuaid was a true community leader, and an inspiration to many, including Tanya Craig, Program Coordinator with the Town of Stratford. "His gentle, respectful, and collaborative manner helped guide and nurture those he helped," says Craig. "We are grateful for everything Steve contributed to the Youth Can-Do Program, and for his mentorship over the years."
His vision of multi-generational involvement and input ensured youth issues were a community issue. This holistic approach helped shape Stratford into a community that values and honors its youth.
"I have been fortunate to have worked on various projects with Steve over the past 16 years," says Duane Pineau, Youth and Family Coordinator with the Town of Stratford. "He has been an invaluable resource to me, and to our community, helping steer our youth programs and the direction of the Stratford Youth Centre. He was truly a selfless individual, dedicated to bettering his community, and he will be greatly missed."
In 2011 Steve was named the Town of Stratford Volunteer of the Year for his many years of volunteer service to the Town.
The Town of Stratford wishes to express our sincerest condolences to the McQuaid family, and remains hopeful that others will be inspired by McQuaid's passion for youth and community enrichment by continuing the great work he began.
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For more information please contact:
Erin Clarke, Community Engagement Coordinator
Town of Stratford
T: (902) 569-6921
E: [email protected]