Former SWLSB chairman Steve Bletas dies, STL expresses condolences

The Laval News received word on Wednesday May 6 that former Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board chairman Steve Bletas died suddenly at his home. On May 7, the Société de transport de Laval, where Bletas sat as a member of the board of directors, issued a statement stating their condolences.

Steve Bletas served as chairman of the SWLSB from 1998 to 2013.

Bletas served as the SWLSB’s first chairman from 1998 (when the board was started and as the provincial government was creating new linguistic school commissions to replace the former religously-based ones) until May 2012.

“It is with sadness that the STL recently learned of the passing of Steve Bletas,” the STL said, noting that Bletas had been a devoted member of the STL board since 2015 and that he represented paratransit service users. “Steve was always actively involved in the Laval community. He was a model of dedication and cooperation,” said STL chairman Éric Morasse.

Steve Bletas also sat on the executive-committee of the Quebec English School Boards Association, and he was a member of numerous neighbourhood and provincial round tables. “All board members and the entire STL team join me in conveying our deepest sympathies to Steve’s family and loved ones,” said STL general manager Guy Picard.

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for the Laval News, marty@newsfirst.ca