CBS mourns loss of singer, community volunteer Stephen Pretty

By Craig Westcott

CBS council took a moment last month to mourn the recent loss of a community volunteer and musician who left a big impact during his short life.
Stephen Pretty died September 28 at the age of 48, after a sudden battle with cancer that included two surgeries and other treatments.
“During the time period from when we finished council (last term) until now, we lost Stephen Pretty, who was very involved with the community garden,” said Ward 1 councillor Shelley Moores at the first meeting of the new council term last month. “I had the privilege of going to high school with Steve, so I know him quite well. He was highly involved, he actually ran for council one time, and his community meant everything to him. So, I want to send condolences to his family, Gail and Jane, because he is going to be a big loss for our community,”
Mayor Darrin Bent echoed those feelings and singled out just one of the many community events he participated in to illustrate Pretty’s contribution.
“The Pumpkin Walk was something that Stephen was fully behind right from the beginning, and it turned out to be an amazing event for our community on November 1, the day after Hallowe’en, where the pumpkins find new life and an amazing one for everyone to enjoy,” said the mayor. “I’ll always be very fond of the memories of hanging out with Stephen at the Pumpkin Walk. I think that the true value of Stephen’s commitment to the community will be felt through this year’s Pumpkin Walk.”
Pretty worked for Canada Mortgage and Housing as a senior specialist in housing policy and sustainable building practices, where was highly regarded for his sense of humour and ability to thrive under pressure.
Along with his community volunteerism, the Clarenville native was very close to his extended family and his bandmates Steven Denty, Richard Smith, and Mark Frost in the group Bare Mountain Band, which had a loyal following and in addition to regular gigs, was a perennial favourite at the Power to Hope fundraiser in Clarenville, which raises money every for the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre and for patients who have to travel for medical care, or buy prosthetics.
In a facebook post back in late August, Pretty revealed that he had just spent eight weeks in hospital getting treatment, but his spirit remained strong.
“I know that I believe strongly in not giving up, in the powers of positivity, light, laughter, and music, and the big three of faith, family, and friends,” Pretty wrote. “So, no matter how the months ahead go, that’s the attitude.”
Pretty is mourned by his wife of 22 years, Gale Martin, their daughter Jane, his mom Grace Pretty, brother Gregory (Carol), sister Heather Morrissey (Neil), and other family and friends.
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