Stephen John Hood

Stephen John Hood, of Mississauga, came into the world after dark on Halloween night 1965, and left this world February 11, 2025. He joins his mother, Dolores and brother, Michael, and is survived by his father, John, and siblings Brian (Patty) and Pam, as well as 4 niblings who fondly remember him as the fun uncle. He was great with kids, although he was never a dad.

Stephen began his life of adventure at the age of 15, travelling all across North America before returning to Mississauga in search of a home that was long broken and gone. Struggling with ADHD, neither his schools nor family were able to meet his needs. He returned to the same wells, seeking to satisfy a hunger for connection, where he found water for thirst, without the nourishment to grow and thrive. Estranged from most family, he lived a humble life, finding work in a variety of fields and operating a couple small businesses. He especially enjoyed working with his hands, and working outdoors. Good natured, deep thinking, world-aware, and generous toward the unseen, he was most at home with the marginalized and downtrodden. For 6 years, he moved in with an aging parent to provide help, and to try to heal a difficult relationship, before returning to his unsustainable independent lifestyle, that ultimately claimed his life.

Stephen was remarkable for inviting others to tell their stories, and listening without judgement. He is remembered for his easy laugh, his guitar strumming and his love to talk philosophy. Please honour his memory by doing generous random acts of kindness when no one is looking.

May his soul find a better home than this world afforded him.