Stephen George Ilk, 92, of Ottawa, Ontario, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2026 while in recovery from hip surgery.

Stephen was born on June 3, 1934 in Windsor Ontario to Stephen and Tessa Ilk. He grew up there and graduated from the University of Windsor before going on to pursue a PhD in biochemistry at the University of Toronto.

In 1981 Stephen moved to Ottawa to work for the government as a management consultant, a career he continued in until his retirement.

Stephen was known for his wide range of interests which included kite making, biking, and dancing. He was the recipient of many trophies from ballroom dancing competitions. He was an avid reader of fiction, history, and art history, and he had a deep love of music — his tastes ranged widely from ABBA to Verdi operas. And he loved ice skating on the canal.

Stephen is survived by his daughter and two granddaughters, as well as his brother and his brother's family in Toronto. He will be missed, as well, by his many friends.

In keeping with his lifelong love of learning and teaching, Stephen's body has been donated to the Division of Clinical and Functional Anatomy at the University of Ottawa, where he will contribute to the advancement of medical education and research. Even in death, Stephen continues to share his joy of learning.

A celebration of Stephen's life will be held at a later date.