It is with sad hearts that the family of Steve Tofteland announces his passing on August 8, 2025, at the Beaverlodge Hospital. While our hearts are heavy, we are also deeply grateful — grateful to have had the best Dad and Grandpa anyone could wish for, and grateful that we were able to celebrate his 90th birthday with him.

Steven was born on April 20, 1935, the fourth of five children to Jesse and Tone Tofteland, on the family farm in Valhalla, Alberta.

After completing Grade 8 at the nearby Molde School, Steve set out to earn his own way. With youth, a strong work ethic, and a happy-go-lucky nature, there was always a job to be found.

It was at the Grande Prairie Fair where Steve met a young woman, Hazel Olderskog, from nearby Poplar Hill. They married in 1956 and, within the next nine years, welcomed five children — four boys and one girl.

In 1960, Steve purchased a half section of land just west of where he grew up. Over the years, Steve proved himself a true jack-of-all-trades. In the late ’50s, he worked on the train as cargo security, operated a cat in Inuvik, and — when hailed-out crops left farming uncertain — did carpentry in Grande Cache. He later logged many miles behind the wheel of a gravel truck and lastly drove a school bus, where he quickly became a favourite of the kids.

In 1967, Steve purchased his first purebred, registered Black Angus cows. A couple of years later, he added a purebred Arabian stallion from Allendale Arabians. With Angus cattle and Arabian horses, Double A Stock Farm was born.

Keeping a mixed farm running was only part of Steve’s busy life. He hauled horses, cattle, and steers all across the country to fairs, parades, and 4-H achievement days — and loved every minute of it. -wink, wink. Cattle shows as far as Regina Agribition, the Vancouver PNE, and many years to Farmfair in Edmonton. These earned numerous prestigious prizes and successful sales over the years. Among his proudest honours were the Canadian Angus 50-Year Award and his induction into the Alberta Angus Hall of Fame, both proudly displayed in his room in Hythe.

Steve gave generously to his community, serving on many boards over the years — including local county fair boards, Evergreen Park, the Beaverlodge Vet Clinic (as a founding member), the Alberta and Peace Country Angus Clubs, and as a 4-H Horse and Beef Club Leader. He also lent his time to numerous local hall boards.

This is a summary of Steve’s accomplishments — but the man himself was the best part. Steve was gentle, patient, and soft-spoken. He wasn’t one for gossip or harsh words, and he carried a quiet strength. Fun-loving with a quick wit, a smirk, and a twinkle in his eye, Steve enjoyed a good card game — and was tough to beat at crib right up until his final week.

He loved music and was a skilled old-time country dancer. He and Hazel attended countless country and gospel music festivals together. True to his Norwegian roots, Steve loved coffee and sweets — no piece was too big or too sweet. One granddaughter, at six years old, summed him up simply: “He’s great! Just an ice cream-eating kind of guy.” Steve also had the magic touch for rocking a crying baby to sleep and a lap big enough for many.

In 2016, Steve was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and made the decision to move off the farm. In the spring of 2017, he and Hazel moved to the Hythe Pioneer Home. After Hazel — his wife of 63 years — passed away in 2019. In the fall of 2020, he moved to the Hythe Continuing Care Centre. Though in a wheelchair, he continued to enjoy drives, bingo, cards, puzzles, watching curling, and the Cowboy Channel. His family will always be grateful for the loving care he received at both the Pioneer Home and Continuing Care Centre.

Steve is lovingly remembered by his children, Byron (Jeannie), Garry, Daryl (Donna), and Bonnie; grandchildren Jenni Waldern, Dallas (Rachel) Tofteland, Chad (Shellie) Tofteland, Jacey (Dalton) Campbell, and Stevie (Josh) Boettcher; 11 great and 4 great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Olivia Arkell; sisters-in-law Joyce Tofteland, Gayle Polson, and Norma (Leo) Jegen; and brother-in-law Arvid Olderskog; as well as numerous other nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.  

He was predeceased by his wife, Hazel; son Harley; brothers John and Tom; sister Mabel Krantz; nephew, Elvin Krantz; and in-laws, Gunnar Krantz, Ken Arkell, Jennie Olderskog, and John Polson.

As per Steve’s wishes, a small memorial and inurnment will be held at a later date to be determined.