Sometimes the most remarkable stories are living right next door
Over time, communities are built one conversation, one friendship and one shared story at a time.
Sometimes those stories are extraordinary.
As South Edmonton’s Malmo Plains neighbourhood was taking shape, one of those neighbours was Dr. Robert D. Steadward, CC,OC, AOE, PhD, LLD , known to many simply as “Dr. Bob.”
To local residents, he was approachable, thoughtful and community-minded. Neighbourhood children knew him as the man with 66 playful garden gnomes scattered throughout his yard.
What many may not have fully realized at the time was that Dr. Bob would go on to help build the Paralympic movement worldwide and expand opportunities for people with disabilities across the globe and become one of Canada’s most accomplished and decorated citizens.
A few weeks ago, I had the privilege in Edmonton, of presenting Dr. Steadward with the 2026 Toastmasters District 99 Communication & Leadership Award, an honour recognizing individuals who demonstrate exceptional communication, leadership and service to others. [Read full script of the award presentation here]
Established in 1971, the award has recognized influential Canadians including former prime minister John Diefenbaker, former Alberta premier Peter Lougheed, former lieutenant governor Lois Hole and former Calgary police chief Christine Silverberg. This year, another distinguished name was added to that list. (photo above)
Born and raised in Eston, Sask., on May 26, 1946, 80 years ago today, Dr. Steadward’s path was not always clear. Originally enrolled in dentistry at the encouragement of a friend, he eventually realized the profession was not for him and returned to pursue kinesiology at the University of Alberta, earning a bachelor of physical education degree followed by both a master of science and PhD.
A turning point came in 1967 while serving on the organizing committee for the Wheelchair Games. The experience exposed him to the barriers faced by people living with disabilities and helped shape the direction of his life’s work.
“One of the greatest challenges and opportunities has been to break down attitudinal barriers, which are often far more difficult than physical ones.”
That philosophy helped shift conversations from disability to ability.
Dr. Steadward went on to become a respected teacher, author, sport scientist, mentor and global community volunteer. In 1978, he founded what is now known as The Steadward Centre for Personal and Physical Achievement at the University of Alberta, a world-renowned facility supporting fitness, sport and research opportunities for individuals of all abilities.
In many ways, the same values that help build strong communities, inclusion, respect and making people feel they belong, also shaped Dr. Steadward’s life’s work.
His work eventually extended far beyond Edmonton.
Dr. Steadward played a central role in the creation of the International Paralympic Committee in 1989 and later served as its founding president until 2001. During his tenure, participation in the Paralympic movement grew from 37 nations to more than 170 worldwide, helping firmly establish the Paralympic Games alongside the Olympic Games on the global stage.
His contributions have been recognized through 26 honours and distinctions at the local, national and international levels, including the Order of Canada, the Alberta Order of Excellence, the International Olympic Order and the International Paralympic Order. He has also been inducted into seven halls of fame, including Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, and was named both Edmontonian of the Century and Albertan of the Century.
Additional recognition has included the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond and Platinum Jubilee Medals, the King Charles III Coronation Medal
Despite those accomplishments, Dr. Bob has remained remarkably humble.
“I live a pretty humble life, and I sometimes get embarrassed when people build me up.”
That humility was something I witnessed firsthand during the more than 30 years he was my neighbour.
Bob loved gardening, but with so many children in the neighbourhood, he decided to make things more fun by placing 66 garden gnomes throughout his yard. Over the years, they would often be moved and rearranged, something local children looked forward to seeing. Eventually, many of those gnomes found new homes in nearby yards after Bob gave them away.
It may seem like a small thing, but I believe it reflected the same generosity and desire to bring joy to others that defined much of his life’s work and make the world a better place.
Dr. Steadward is also a devoted family man. He and his wife Laura have been married for 59 years and have two daughters and four grandchildren.
Last year, he received another deeply meaningful honour during a ceremony in Maskwacis, Alta., where Grand Chief Willie Littlechild presented him with a ceremonial headdress and a Cree name recognizing his decades of support for Indigenous communities and people living with disabilities.
He was given the name Paskwâwi-Mostos Pimohtêwin, meaning Chief Walking Buffalo.
For Dr. Steadward, the honour was not simply symbolic, but spiritual, representing a continuing responsibility to serve others.
Today, many of Dr. Steadward’s accomplishments and memories can be experienced through the recently unveiled Steadward Paralympic Journey display at Edmonton’s Saville Community Sports Centre.
Located on the second floor and free to the public, the exhibit features photographs, medals, memorabilia, the Paralympic torch and the ceremonial headdress, helping tell the story of a movement that changed lives around the world.
Beyond celebrating athletic achievement, the display also helps build greater awareness and understanding of the experiences, challenges and accomplishments of people living with disabilities.
It’s well worth taking the time to visit. Beyond the artifacts and honours, the display reflects something larger, leadership, inclusion, community and the impact one person can have on the lives of others.
While Dr. Steadward’s story is rooted in an Edmonton neighbourhood, the larger message feels universal. Whether in a large city, suburban neighbourhood or small town, there is something to be said for getting to know the people around us.
Sometimes the most remarkable stories are living right next door.
Who’s living in your neighbourhood?
[Read full script of the award presentation here]
(Stay tuned for an upcoming podcast of this episode )
The syndicated edition of the article will appear at Troy Media and 32 affiliated syndicated sites. Podcasts also appear at either Toastcaster.com or Toastmasters Podcast.com.
Greg Gazin, also known as the Gadget Guy and Gadget Greg, is a syndicated veteran tech columnist, communication, leadership and technology speaker, facilitator, blogger, award-winning podcaster and author. Reach him @gadgetgreg or at GadgetGuy.ca.
