Since I first learned of Steve’s passing, I’ve been numbed and incredulous – this wasn’t supposed to happen to such an open, vigorous, and creative guy. I like to think that the two of us were something like twin spirits. After all, we had similar small-town backgrounds, having grown up as conservative mid-Western Americans who attended big state universities. And professionally as expats in Canadian academia, we shared a political-economic orientation apart from our field’s dominant sociological-psychological paradigms. Further, our chemistries were such that we could co-teach, co-edit, and co-serve on various panels. Then in retirement, I could count myself lucky to have Steve as a loyal, trustworthy, cheerful, and principled friend: so, regularly, sometimes with Barbara and Ann, we traveled far to hang out. Yes, Kobler-Ross, the scholar who identified five stages of grieving over a person’s death, claims that in time I’ll move from denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance my loss. I doubt that.  For Steve’s industry, wisdom, and caring have been steady bright lights for almost five of my decades, and I don’t intend to let go of his examples.

A man of many talents and always interested in who he was with - fully present. Many fond memories of Steve and his family.   Steve will be missed.  Hugs to all and remember may the tears of grief fill the valley with flowers as time goes by we will not forget the beauty he left in the world.

Our deepest condolences to the Lawton and Way family for the loss of Steve-a bigger than life and truly a wonderful man.  We met Steve in 1966 and he has been such a wonderful mentor to Jim his whole life.  It was such a joy to meet the love of his wife Anne and attend their wedding.  Such fun to watch Jeffery and Sarah make Steve so very proud.  Thank goodness Jim has a cherished last phone call with Steve about 6 weeks ago.  May all the beautiful memories help you through this difficult time. love, Jo Anne and Jim

Steve was an incredible human, always staying curious, always teaching and helping, and a true scholar and a gentleman. He is reunited with his beloved brother and they have a lot of catching up to do. Much love to his family from an old Hoosier who loved sharing family history with Steve.  My dad Lynn Layton was a classmate of Vera Lawton in Madison, Indiana.  It's a small world after all.

I will miss Steve & his boundless enthusiasm and wry sense of humor. God speed my friend. 

At the River Farm — with Ron & Steve

My Condolences to you & the whole Family Sarah. May your Dad rest in peace. Hugs & Prayers. 🙏🏼🕊️

Stephen and Ann visit to Oaxaca.

We are deeply saddened by the loss of the of the beloved Stephen. Though we were extended family by relation, he became close to our hearts.  

One of my favourite memories is Ann and Stephen’s first visit to Oaxaca to meet us for the first time. How happy was Stephen to connect those threads of our lives, bringing everyone closer together. 

Stephen was one of those rare people whose quiet acts of generosity leave a lasting impact. His kindness helped us plant roots in a new place. His memory will always stay with us—not just in the big moments, but in the small, tender ones too. 

 May his soul find eternal peace, and may we honour him by carrying forward the same generosity he so effortlessly shared.

I feel deeply grateful to have known Steve, and it is with a heavy heart that I write this. He was a man who always looked out for those around him, especially his family. One memory that I hold dear was a summer a few years ago when he offered to drive me to a friend’s house. He didn’t have to, but he insisted—just so I could get there safely. That was the kind of man he was: thoughtful, selfless, and kind.

At that time, I was preparing to start university, feeling nervous about the unknowns ahead. Steve offered me words of comfort and wisdom, assuring me that everything would be alright. He gave my family and me so much support during our first years in Canada—support that not everyone would have offered, but that he gave so generously.

Although our shared moments were brief, they left a lasting mark. It is with deep sadness that I say goodbye to a truly remarkable man who lived life to the fullest and touched the lives of many, mine included.