May 26, 2026. by Greg Gazin
Sometimes the most remarkable stories live right next door
Over time, communities are built one conversation, one friendship and one shared history at a time.
Sometimes those stories are extraordinary.
When South Edmonton formed the Malmo Plains neighborhood, one of those neighbors was Dr. Robert D. Steadward, CC, OC, AOE, PhD, LLD known to many simply as “Dr. Bob.”
For local residents, he was approachable, thoughtful and community minded. Neighborhood kids knew him as the man with 66 playful garden gnomes scattered across 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 around the world and become one of Canada’s most accomplished and decorated citizens.
A few weeks ago I had the honor and privilege in Edmonton, Dr. Steadward to present in 2026. Toastmasters District 99 Communication & Leadership Awardan honor to recognize 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 this 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 that the profession was not for him and returned to pursue kinesiology at the University of Alberta, earning a bachelor of physical education, followed by both a Master of Science and PhD.
A turning point came in 1967 while serving on the organizing committee of the Wheelchair Games. The experience exposed him to the barriers faced by people with disabilities and helped shape the direction of his life’s work.
“One of the biggest challenges and opportunities was breaking down attitudinal barriers, which are often much more difficult than physical ones.”
This philosophy has helped shift conversations from disability to ability.
Dr. Steadward went on to become a respected teacher, author, sports scientist, mentor and global community volunteer. In 1978 he founded what is now known The Steadward Center for Personal and Physical Achievement at the University of Alberta, a world-renowned facility that supports fitness, sports and research opportunities for individuals of all abilities.
In many ways, the same values that help build strong communities, inclusion, respect and make people feel they belong, also shaped Dr. Steadward’s life and work.
His work eventually extended far beyond Edmonton.
Dr. Steadward has a central role in the creation of the International Paralympic Committee in 1989 and later served as founding president until 2001. During his tenure, participation in the Paralympic movement grew from 37 nations to more than 170 worldwide, firmly establishing the Paralympic Games alongside the Olympic Games on the global stage.
His Contributions have been recognized by 26 honors 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 was also inducted into seven halls of honour, 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 these accomplishments, Dr. Bob remained remarkably humble.
“I live a pretty modest life, and I sometimes get embarrassed when people build me up.”
That humility was something I witnessed first hand during the more than 30 years he was my neighbor.
Bob loved gardening, but with so many kids in the neighborhood, he decided to make things more fun by placing 66 garden gnomes in his backyard. Over the years, they have often been moved and rearranged, something that the local children look forward to seeing. Eventually, many of those gnomes found new homes in nearby gardens 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 honor during a ceremony in Maskwacis, Alta., where Grand Chief Willie Littlechild presented him with a ceremonial headdress and a Cree name that recognizes his decades of support for indigenous communities and people with disabilities.
He was given the name Paskwâwi-Mostos Pimohtêwin, which means Chief Walking Buffalo.
For Dr. Steadward, the honor was not simply symbolic, but spiritual, representing an ongoing responsibility to serve others.
Today, many of Dr. Steadward’s achievements and memories can be experienced through the recently unveiled Steadward Paralympic Journey Exhibition at Edmonton’s Saville Community Sports Centre.
Located on the second floor and free to the public, the exhibition features photographs, medals, memorabilia, the Paralympic torch and ceremonial headgear, helping to tell the story of a movement that changed lives around the world.
In addition to celebrating athletic achievement, the display also promotes greater awareness and understanding of the experiences, challenges and achievements of people living with disabilities.
It is worth taking the time to visit. In addition to the artifacts and honors, the display reflects something larger, leadership, inclusion, community and the impact that one person can have on the lives of others.
While Dr. Steadward’s story is rooted in one Edmonton neighborhood, the larger message feels universal. Whether in a big city, suburban neighborhood or small town, there is something to be said for getting to know the people around us.
Thank you, Bob. Happy 80th birthday.
Sometimes the most remarkable stories live right next door.
[Read full script of the award presentation here]
(Stay tuned for an upcoming podcast of this episode)
The syndicated edition of the article appears at Troy Media and 32 affiliated syndicated sites. Podcasts also appear on Toastcaster.com or Toastmasters Podcast.com.
Greg Gazinalso known as the Gadget Guy and Gadget Greg, is a syndicated veteran tech columnist, communications, leadership and technology speaker, facilitator, blogger, award-winning podcaster and author. Reach him @gadgetgreg or at GadgetGuy.ca.