February 16, 1954 – February 1, 2026

It is with a great sense of sadness and loss that we announce the sudden passing of David Stephen Milne “Steve” on Sunday, February 1, 2026 at the age of 71 years.

Steve was predeceased by both of his parents, John Allan Milne and Margaret (nee Gleisner) Milne.

He leaves to mourn his passing and remember his life, his wife, Kathie; stepchildren, Stephanie Kress and Talbryn Finch; his brother, Dean Milne (Carol); his brother-in-law, Blaine Ashmore (Kandace); his cousins and the many, many friends that he has made and kept over the years.

Born in Stettler Alberta on February 16, 1954, Steve moved with his parents and brother to a variety of locations before landing in Ft. Saskatchewan AB. It was there that Steve’s love of all thing’s motocross grew! Eventually Steve and his brother Dean opened “Milne Brother’s Cycle” in Fort Saskatchewan, a family affair, as their mom would often work with them. Steve and Dean supported many a young motocross riders over the years, organizing and running races while also racing themselves.

He started working for the Alberta Government at CDC North (Tree Nursery) straight out of high school and for the following 30 years after that, splitting his time between CDC, the shop, racing and travelling. The shop closed its doors in 2001?

After Steve left the GOA, his interests took him to work in several “bike shops’ doing what he loved – meeting people, making friends and getting people involved in riding!

Steve pursued a variety of interests over the years, but none that would impact him as much as becoming a “Traeger” ambassador for Canada. His interest and talent in “smoking food” led him to attend competitions and be recognized for his cooking talents in many venues.

As Steve started to wind down into retirement, he pursued starting his own business and became known in recent years as the “Smoke Peddler” renowned for his smoked salmon, which gained him a large following of those that became addicted to his amazing recipe.

Steve was a man of “black labs” having had many fur babies over his lifetime, all black labradors, and all named Smoke!

Prior to his passing Steve had been impacted by a number of health-related issues but none that ever touched his undeniable spirit.

Celebration of Life

A celebration of Steve’s amazing life will be held later in the summer of 2026.

Memorial Donations

In lieu of flowers, family asks that you make a donation in Steve’s memory to the Second Chance Animal Rescue (SCARS) at
scarscare.ca
or by mail to
Box 3045, Athabasca, AB T9S 2B9.