PATKO Stephen E. After a courageous battle with cancer, Stephen Patko passed away on April 17, 2009 at the Red Deer Regional Hospital at the age of 51 years. He is survived by his loving wife Joan, son Justyn, step-sons Kirby and Chad Landon, mother Verna, brother Richard (Bonnie) Patko, and their children Valerie (Joe) Wright, Steve (Jessica), and James (Diana). Stephen will also be greatly missed by extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his father Steve and sister Debra. Stephen was a long-time employee of the City of Red Deer Parks and Recreation until the time of his illness. Many great times were enjoyed by Stephen and Joan, camping at Wilderness Village with family and friends. His fervent passion for cars will always be remembered, especially for his beloved 1960 El Camino. Other hobbies he enjoyed include building his backyard pond with Koi fish and tinkering with computers and stereos. The family would especially like to thank Dr. Graham, Dr. Simmons, and Dr. Begley, the home care nurses, as well as the caring nurses and staff of Unit 32 Palliative Care, and Cancer Centre of the Red Deer Regional Hospital. A Celebration of Life Service for the late Stephen Patko will be held Thursday, April 23, 2009 at 11 am at the Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, 6287 - 67A Street, Red Deer, AB. An Inurnment will follow the service at the Alto-Reste Cemetery, Red Deer County, AB. Condolences may be forwarded to the family at www.parklandfuneralhome.com The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations in Stephen’s memory can be made to the Alberta Cancer Foundation c/o Central Alberta Cancer Centre, Bag 5030, Red Deer, AB, T4N 6R2. In living memory of Stephen E. Patko, a tree will be planted in the Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium Memorial Tree Park in the Red Deer County, AB.