With great sadness, TryCycle Data Systems shares the news of the sudden passing on October 30th, 2024, of one of our original investors and great supporters, Steve Barban. More information regarding services and donations can be found here. Following is a personal message from TryCycle Founder, John MacBeth.
“On October 30th, I lost a teammate, a wingman, a Bavarian beer hall buddy, an investor, a partner in havoc, a pal and one of my best friends. I remember the day I met Steve Barban, it was my first year at Carleton, in The Brees Inn, and we have been friends ever since.
Regardless of the time in between connections, it was always like we’d just seen each other a few weeks earlier, we’d simply pick up where we left off the last time, that’s what it was like to be Steve’s buddy. It was effortless to be his friend; it was natural and obvious. He was one of a kind, and I will miss him for the rest of my life.
Steve was a genius, but I will forever remember him for his kindness, sense of humour, and generosity. Through Steve, I met my future Board member Allan Lalonde, my future Board Chair Ken Newport, and my VP Alliances Cameron MacLeod. He was one of the first guys to step up and help TryCycle get things off the ground which has resulted in helping tens of thousands of people at risk of mental health or substance abuse challenges.
All of us at TryCycle are devastated by this tragically sad news, and our hearts go out to Krista, Tyler and Tori.
High post, Stevie, keep your stick on the ice; I’ll find you.”