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born August 10, 1957, Port Alberni, BC
died July 6, 2011, in his riding of Mount Lorne-Southern Lakes
Steve Cardiff was a rock for the Yukon New Democratic Party and for the territory and his sudden death on Wednesday, July 6, 2011 in a traffic accident deeply saddens everyone who knew him and worked with him over the years.
His devotion to his friends and family was total. His compassion for those less fortunate was inspirational. And his commitment to his job as a member of the Yukon Legislative Assembly was tireless.
He was the conscience of the party. He never failed to urge us to do more for the less fortunate, especially the homeless, the destitute and our youth. He never hesitated to help people.
Almost poetically, as word came of his passing, we discovered that Steve had left something in his office, sitting upright in a chair: a twenty-five pound tank of propane which he had promised for the Tent City residents.
Steve possessed such a generous spirit. If people were in need, he would always find some way to help them. Sometimes he gave them money. Sometimes he gave them a lift. And sometimes he gave them his time and a sympathetic ear.
For the last eight and a half years, he served the people of Yukon with honour and integrity. He could be quite emotional at times. But everyone respected his dedication, commitment and passion. In his own way, he was the total politician, caring, conscientious and committed.
There was no “brand”, “art”, or “science” to Steve’s politics: it was from the heart, and it was about putting in the work. Steve’s work ethic was legendary, and he set an extremely high standard that all who ponder running for public office should strive towards.
Today, our office has received a steady flow of Yukoners – from all backgrounds and political stripes – paying homage to Steve. It is a fitting testament to a man who touched the lives of so many.
On behalf of the party, I offer my deepest condolences to his wife, Rachael, the rest of his family and all his friends and colleagues. Our caucus office will miss his advice, wisdom and guidance.
Yukon has lost a good man. A real decent, generous, caring man who did more than most to help others in his beautiful way. We are all poorer for this but richer because of his presence in our lives.
We shall mourn this terrible loss. Then let us together work towards building the kind of tolerant, joyful, peaceful and beautiful Yukon that Steve was dedicated to building. It is what he would expect of us.
In lieu of flowers, Steve’s family and loving wife Rachael Cardiff have asked people to consider making a donation to your choice of:
Blood Ties 4 Directions
307 Strickland Street
Whitehorse, Yukon, Y1A 2J9
phone: 633-2437
email: bloodties@klondiker.com
web: bloodties.ca
Angel’s Nest
c/o Youth Of Today Society 410 Jeckell Street Whitehorse, Yukon, Y1A 1V2 phone: 633-9687
email: victoriadurrant@hotmail.com
web: youthoftodaysociety.com
Kaushee’s Place
Box 31392, Whitehorse, Yukon, Y1A 6K8 Phone: 867-633-7720 email: edkaushees@whtvcable.com
Steve had the utmost respect for the contributions the workers and volunteers of these organizations have made to the territory over the years.