PATKO Mr. Steve Patko of Red Deer beloved husband of Verna passed away at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre on Tuesday, July 29, 2008 at the age of 73 years. Steve was born to parents John and Julianna Patko at Tilley Alberta on August 25, 1934. He was raised on the farm and schooled at Tilley. In his youth he worked for various farmers before taking employment in Calgary at Tynan's Furniture where he met Verna his future bride. The two were married May 4, 1956. This was the beginning of a loving 52 year marriage. While in Calgary, the couple's three children were born and Steve was employed with the City of Calgary. In 1979, the family relocated to Red Deer where Steve took employment with the City of Red Deer. In 1994, Steve retired and in 1996 he and Verna moved to Delburne where they resided until 2003. It was at this time that the couple decided to move back to Red Deer. Steve was keenly interested in hunting and fishing; he enjoyed golfing, playing soft ball and dancing. He loved to bowl and play cards; most of all Steve cherished spending time with his family and many dear friends. Steve is survived by his Loving wife Verna, his sons: Stephen (Joan) and Richard (Bonnie). His memory will be cherished by grandsons: Justyn, James and Steve (Jessica); his granddaughter Valerie (Joe) Wright and step-grandsons: Kirby and Chad. He will be dearly missed by his great grandchildren: Braeden, Kristopher, Nicole, Shayla and Steve as well as by his brothers: John (Stena), Frank (Olive) and Andy. His sisters, Julianna (Richard) Bigelow and Margaret (Fern) Champaigne will also dearly miss him as will many nieces, nephews and extended family members. Steve was predeceased by his parents: John and Julianna; his sister Veronica Kadar and daughter Debra. A celebration of Steve's life will be held at the Parkland Funeral Home on Saturday, August 2nd, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. If friends so desire, memorial donations in Steve's name may be directed to The Heat and Stroke Foundation, #101, 5208 - 53rd Avenue, Red Deer, AB T4N 5K2 or to the Alzheimer Society of Alberta, 4811 - 48 Avenue, Red Deer, AB T4N 3T2. Condolences can be forwarded to the family at www.parklandfuneralhome.com. In living memory of Steve Patko a tree will be planted in The Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium Memorial Tree Park, Red Deer County, AB.