Douglas Garth Stephen passed away at The Alice Center in Malone, New York at age 75 on March 22, 2023, with his loving family by his side.
Garth was born in Montreal, Quebec on April 29, 1947 and grew up in Huntingdon, Quebec. He married Susan (Trainer) Stephen in Chateaugay, New York in 1973.
Garth had a passion for weather, working for a short period as a meteorologist at the Dorval Airport in Quebec. He captured many meteor showers and storms with a camera and telescope at home. For more than 30 years, he was the manager of the Sears store in Huntingdon, Quebec. Garth was a creative and inspirational person with a great love for nature. He also owned and operated a private fish hatchery business, Aqua Arbor, with his family for over 30 years in Chateaugay, New York, and he delivered fish across the Adirondack region and beyond. He loved giving tours of the fish hatchery and creating a space for people to spend time in nature. As a tree farmer, he planted well over ten thousand trees of various species throughout his life. He also fulfilled a lifelong dream to supply his family home with enough energy to live off the grid using water power—even during the 1998 Ice Storm. He sold spring water on his property to be bottled and sold across the United States. Later in life, he wrote a book, Modern Residential Hydro Power, One Family’s Journey. When Garth thought of a new project, he committed to it. His enthusiasm and positive attitude spread to his family, friends, and the people he met.
Garth was predeceased by his parents, Douglas and Alberta Stephen, and his brother, Peter Stephen.
Garth is survived by his wife of 49 years, Susan Stephen; three children: Tara (Tony) Martin, Peter Stephen, and Garth Stephen; and five grandchildren: Karlee, Elara, and Hunter Martin, and Lily and Kaylee Stephen.
There will be no calling hours. The family will hold a private gathering later this spring.
Arrangements are with the Chateaugay Funeral Home. Online condolences may be offered at www.chateaugayfuneralhome.com.
