I want to share a few memories from childhood of our brother Stephen. First memory that comes to the forefront is when he was probably in his 20s, he would take twelve meat sandwiches for work at the lumber mill. Parents Harold and Bea were not rich and occasionally would slip a PBJ or two into the loaf of sandwiches. Returning home he let Bea know PBJ sandwiches weren’t working.

Next memory is Bea was always baking things like elderberry, blackberry, or apple pies. She would make at least four pies at once. Frequently Stephen would sneak off with one of the pies and eat the entire pie himself then had dinner shortly after. Stehpen’s ability to command control of machinery was amazing. I remember on the snow-covered road in front of the Findley Lake house he would perform a 360 controlled skid and just keep going as if it was an everyday thing. He did something similar when he lived in Mentor in an Apartment with his first wife Chip, who got the whole event on 8mm film, he skidded the car 180 degrees and parked it against the curb in between to other cars without a scratch. He just knew he could do it.

Stephen was between 10 – 12 years older than his 3 little brothers, (Marty passed February 2023), but he was always looking out for us. On the occasion we were given Tootsie pop suckers Stephen being the wiser brother would offer to shine them up for us. He would work on them until there was barely any left for us showing us what a good job, he did shinning them up for us to enjoy. Too funny.

On one occasion at Cedar Point amusement park, he threw a M80 firecracker into a cannon that was on display. BANG! and a nice donut smoke ring puffed out and here came the Cedar Point security racing to the scene. As we all went into hiding.

One time he surprised us with a racing go-cart that would top out at 70 mph. He presented to us by flying down route 430 as fast as it would go. Nice gift for 3 teenage boys. The last memory, though there are so many more, is when he and Chip  made the journey from Mentor to Findley Lake on a Honda 90cc motorcycle. Anyone remember the yellow SandRail dune buggy, with the ballon tires, and made out of a Volkswagen mini bus frame.

So many great memories and exciting times. You were a superhero to us.  Rest in peace big brother.

We have friends at work, social friends, neighborly friends. Then there are friends far away, rarely seen but always on your mind. Inexorably linked by a couple years in high school, common interests (and shared near death experiences!) Friends you know would be there if needed. 

Steve was one of those friends. If I ever write a book, his character wil be prominent in the first couple chapters, and almost unbelievable. 

I’m happy we got to reconnect through Linda these last few years. 

Condolences to all.

Miss you big guy!

He loved the simple things in life. 

He enjoyed the beauty of nature and loved animals. 

A kind and gentle man.  My soulmate. 

You are missed.  God Bless You.