Stefan Abram Canchola, transitioned from his earthly existence June 4, 2026, at the age of 41. He was born September 5, 1984 to Charles and Bonnie Canchola, the last child in the family of five. The expression, “saving the best for last” is an apt and fitting descriptive for Stefan. His siblings agree this is true, he was the best of us.

Stefan did not have his own children, but he was a father figure/uncle who was adored like no other. He was known to his nieces and nephews at Uncle Jedi. His first nephews were the sons of his eldest sister, born when he was still a little boy at the ages of 8 and 10. Desiree loved her little brother Stefan so much that she named her first son after her him. Stefan became the ultimate playmate to his nephews. He spent countless hours watching movies with them, practicing WWF wrestling moves, playing cars, making mud pies, whatever the babies wanted to do Stefan was the eager little uncle who was ready to indulge their every desire. His next two born into the family were Harrison and Devan. As a seasoned uncle with several years of providing fun and happiness, he was so excited to pour his love into these precious children and passed on his love for Super heroes to them as well. To all four he introduced the Star Wars sagas, Marvel and DC comics all of which they still love as adults. And then came Tatum, Tahlia and Charli, his last nieces who ruled his world, followed by Ben’s son Miles who also captivated Stefan’s love and affection. As the years passed and the kids grew he introduced them to classic Rock and Roll, concerts, movies of all genres, car rides at sunset, comic con events, the annual Renaissance Festival, and so much more. There was always a good time in the works when Uncle Stefan was around. Seeing how his nieces and nephews interacted with him was beautiful to observe. When he was around the dynamic shifted, their eyes lit up and nothing else mattered except him. His dedication to these kids was evident to all, his priorities and happiness emanated from them.

Stefan was an excellent example of living authentically. He was often seen in his hard rock tshirts, studded chokers, skull rings and bracelets. He would also sport a beautiful tailored suit one day, and the next would don a Scottish kilt or Star Wars cloak just for the fun of it. By living this way, he allowed his nieces and nephews to see being different from the crowd, standing out was not anything to be feared. Rather, he embraced life living exactly as he was without apprehension. Like Batman, the character he loved first, Stefan’s life is now like the Bat Signal, a powerful symbol of hope and comfort. The shining Bat in the sky reassuring us that our protector is still there looking out for us.

His friends also benefited by the heart Stefan possessed. He made friends everywhere he went. Stefan was not a casual friend, he was all in, he was loyal. He cared about his friends’ lives, interests, and cultivated those relationships throughout the years. Stefan always made time for his friends no matter what was happening in his own life. His sense of humor was unmatched. We all shared private jokes with him, it took only a raised eyebrow, a movie phrase or a look across the room to elicit hysterical laughter. His social calendar for years has been filled with plans for brunches, dinners, shows, road trips and a multitude of other events. If you were lucky enough to spend time with him, you no doubt were treated to some of the best food in Arizona. Sometimes that included a home cooked meal made by his own hands and other times it was at a newly discovered restaurant. He ensured that all of his friends, cousins, and family felt heard and seen. People gravitated to him because of his kindness, gentle heart, readiness to laugh, and the genuine spirit of acceptance he exuded. Stefan was selfless. He was a nonjudgemental friend, he loved all of us exactly as we were. He held confidences and secrets. He was Giant among men.

Stefan had a love for the bible and the promises contained within. He was a faithful Jehovah’s Witness who held his faith as a beacon in his life. Two of the scriptures that were especially impactful in how he chose to live, Galations 5:22-23 which enumerates the fruitages of the spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness and Gentleness. He applied those daily.

With great love comes great pain, those who love him will always have an ache in our hearts dedicated specifically for him.

One of his favorite movies was Gladiator, which the following quote comes from: “What we do in life, echoes in eternity.” His legacy of love will echo forever.

He is survived by his father Charles Canchola, mom Bonnie Canchola, sisters Desiree (Humberto) Vega and Cheri Canchola, brothers Benjamin (Therese) and Aaron (Karen) Canchola. Nephews, Stefan Gabriel and Harrison Canchola, Miles Berumen, nieces Devan, Tatum, Talia, and Charli Canchola, Vanessa and Jacqueline Vega, uncles, aunts, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his grandparents Joe and Caila Felix, Chon and Manuela Canchola, and his beloved nephew Darren M. Espinoza.