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In memory of
Stephen Jeffrey Varney
November 17, 1978 - February 24, 2019
Nov 17, 1978 - Feb 24, 2019
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In lieu of flowers
Please consider a donation to Helping Naomi with funeral and hospital expenses.
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Stephen's obituary
Stephen and his family moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1997. He attended The San Francisco Conservatory of Music, graduating with a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance (2001). He was a student of Nathan Schwartz and Betty Woo. He went on to receive a Master of Music in Piano Performance and Piano Pedagogy at Holy Names University in Oakland (2003). A talented conductor, Stephen began much of his lasting professional work while attending college. He was the music director for the Palo Alto Children’s Theater, the San Francisco Jewish Folk Chorus, the California Choristers, and the Berkeley Methodist United Church (BMUC). A gifted teacher who was able to convey the joy and magic of music to his students, Stephen inspired a generation of young people to develop their creativity and personal passion for the arts. He was adjunct faculty at Holy Names University and a frequent guest lecturer and master class presenter for numerous musical organizations and colleges. He always had a full studio of private piano students, ranging from very young beginners to the most advanced.
Stephen met his future wife, Naomi, also a pianist, in 2000. Their friendship led to a musical partnership that included serving on the music ministry staff at BMUC, starting the Berkeley Academy of Music, and performing as the piano duo, “Pas de Duo.” “Pas de Duo” was a play on the ballet term “pas de deux,” which is a dance for two people, and much of their playing had a dance-like, celebratory quality. They were the winners of the National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC) 2005 Ellis Duo Piano Competition. Under the auspices of NFMC, Stephen and Naomi made their highly acclaimed recital debut at Carnegie Hall in New York City in 2006. This opened the door to a busy concert schedule which took them all over the United States for the following ten years. They presented lively and engaging classical concerts, as well as master classes and programs for young people. Stephen and Naomi were Life Members of NFMC, believing strongly in its far-reaching influence on musicians of all ages. Most recently, Stephen was on the piano faculties of the Crowden Music Center and the Berkeley Academy of Music. One of Stephen’s greatest joys was singing in the Glide Ensemble at the Glide Memorial Church in San Francisco on Sunday mornings.
People in the music world would describe Stephen as a “mega talent” who inspired crowds of people to cheer for his music or motivated them to reach their own untapped potential. Stephen’s extended family was extremely proud of his musical talent and they traveled nationwide to watch their beloved Stephen perform. While Stephen’s musical gift was well-known, his family often joked that he missed his true calling in comedy. Stephen kept his wife, parents, siblings, nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends laughing with his infamous Stephen-style dry wit. He was also known for his impeccable sense of style. Wise beyond his years, family and friends frequently turned to Stephen if they needed advice. Stephen also had great empathy for broken people and offered compassion to those suffering from emotional problems, addictions or grief.
On December 21, 2018, Stephen experienced what he said was the happiest day of his life when he married Naomi surrounded by family around the Christmas tree in their lovely San Francisco home. The wedding will be a forever memory for Naomi and Stephen’s family as they remember enjoying an elegant dinner followed by a magical reception and Nutcracker performance by the San Francisco Ballet at the War Memorial Opera House. The couple enjoyed a short honeymoon season before Stephen tragically suffered a sudden and unexplained cardiac arrest. Every effort was made to save his life, but after several days of extremely thorough care and examination, he was removed from life support and passed away on February 24, 2019.
Stephen had a deep personal faith in Jesus Christ and his family holds onto their faith in the hope of heaven. We know that although Stephen’s earthly body is no longer with us, he is alive in heaven with Jesus and embraced by his mother, Andrea. Stephen’s musical gift is now on the greatest stage of all as he is singing with choirs of angels in heaven.
Stephen is survived by his wife, Naomi, and his father, Bruce Donald Varney, his siblings, Christy (Ben), Amy (Brian) and Brian (Amy). Stephen was the beloved uncle of Caleb, Grayson, Emma, Corey, Annie, Benji, Claire, Anna and Chase. Stephen’s friends and family love him beyond what our words could say and he will always remain close in our hearts. We will cherish the many happy memories God gave us with this extraordinary man, Stephen Varney, who changed our lives with his music, humor and love, and we look forward to seeing him face to face again in heaven.
A Memorial Service honoring Stephen Varney will be held at Lake Merritt United Methodist Church in Oakland, California on May 4, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers or other gifts, the family is requesting that any memorial gifts be made as donations through this website or through Stephen and Naomi’s Go Fund Me page to help cover hospital and funeral expenses.
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In lieu of flowers
Please consider a donation to Helping Naomi with funeral and hospital expenses.
$6,680.00
of $50,000 goal
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Recent contributions
In lieu of flowers
Please consider a donation to Helping Naomi with funeral and hospital expenses.
$6,680.00
of $50,000 goal
Recent contributions
Recent contributions
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