I was so very sad to hear that Steve had passed.  I didn't write anything at the time; didn't know what to say.... but I continue to be reminded of Steve, by seeing memories pop up and feel it is a hint to share something.  So here are a few memories from a very long time ago.  RIP my friend.

I first met Steve sometime in elementary school - Lincoln Elementary in Rock Springs, Wyoming.  He was the heart throb of the class, of the school for that matter.  Steve and Stuart Schmidt were inseparable; I can still remember their smiles.  Always having fun!  During our sixth grade year-end party, Steve got in the way of a swinging bat/piñata game.  Oh was that scary, his eye was black and blue!

On to junior high at East Junior High.  Steve was an athlete, smart, and very kind and still loved to have fun!  Still close with Stuart, but also Scott Mattinson and others all playing various sports.   It was on the brick wall that surrounds the school property, that Steve kissed me.  I only say that because it was my first kiss.  A girl never forgets her first kiss.  While we were "going together" for a short time, we were never a couple long term, but always good friends.  

In high school, our friend group changed a bit, but what kept us connected was student government.  I ran against Steve for Student Body President our Senior year.  He was the clear winner and I knew he was the better choice and proved to be a great leader.  We worked together on many projects and always had fun!  One time, our student gov teacher wanted to take us skiing in Park City; ha, ha - we would be skipping school.   My dad would not let me go.  Steve came to my house early in the morning for one last attempt to convince my dad to concede, to no avail.  I was so disappointed - I knew that would have been a day to remember!

After high school we went our separate ways, not really staying in touch.  I do recall visiting Steve in San Diego while he was in med school and painting after hours to pay for his school. It was good visiting with him.  I also remember calling him while I was in Portland running Hood to Coast as I knew he lived in Portland and I thought of him.  We talked on the phone for a good bit and got caught up on life.  

Steve was always so easy to talk to.  So kind and non-judgmental, and so very interested in the conversation.  He spoke so highly (and proudly) of his children, and was happy with his life and career, but never boasted about anything ever - so humble.  What a gem!  

One summer Steve and I were roommates in my Grandparents garage (converted to a studio) between our junior and senior years of college at UC San Diego. He was working as a dishwasher at a restaurant and I was going to summer school.  

Anyway, one night after several beers Steve asked me if I new anything about transcendentalism. At the time I didn't. 

 Today I know it is a concept of perceiving reality beyond the 5 senses. 

I miss my philosophy buddy!

Yesterday Steve popped into my thoughts. Then I was thinking about how long it had been since he passed. Today I got an email from the Everloved website and I noticed he has been gone a year ago yesterday. That is "crazy" because it doesn't seem that long ago.

The last time I saw Steve was 2015 because I remember us both being 53 (he was born in November and I was born in September 1962). He came out to my Colorado mountain home and we played golf for 4 days.

It was a great visit and I think he particularly liked it because he beat me in golf all 4 days. Of course he had practiced ferociously for a month and I hadn't played in a year. :)

It was a sober visit (I hung with him without my cocktail hour - which I normally do). We had a great visit! We talked about Socrates, Plato, investing, his plans to build on his lots in Wyoming, some of our getting older health issues etc

Anyway, we are all only as good as the people we hang out with. As Anthony Robbins says, if you lie down with dogs you are going to get fleas".

I believe that because of my knowing Steve that I became a better person. In my opinion his best believe quality was his mind and his confidence in fearlessly taking on new subjects and new ideas. I believe in part I have that quality today because of him.

At UCSD - Revelle (where Steve and I both went - and other important people in his life) - we were taught it was ok to question anything. I think this environment allowed Steve to do very well because this type of thought process came naturally to him at an early age.

I miss having him around in order to bounce ideas off him because I respected his opinion although I didn't always agree with it.

Anyway, if anyone wants to come out to Colorado and stay in the spare room Steve stayed in, Paige and I would love to have you visit. We could share Losli stories. I will leave the light on...

Rich Bertelsen

It has taken me some time to be able to write here as I have been so heartbroken by Steve's loss.  Steve and I had been friends for over 40 years.  He touched my life in so many ways - he saved my life many years ago and became one of my closest friends over the years as we shared our life's journey.  During the pandemic we spoke frequently on the telephone about life, philosophy, our deep love for our children, our worries and hopes for them and regrets and dreams for our own futures.  Sometimes recently, we would talk for hours and other times we would laugh until we couldn't breathe.  Late one night we were talking about death and he said that he was afraid of Covid and that he didn't want to die, but that if he did, he felt so grateful for the tremendous life he had lead - that it had been full and fulfilling.  

Losing Steve was losing one of the best of us.  His many remarkable qualities - including his compassion, honesty, intellect, humor and strength was an inspiration to me and his influence has been felt in my life for some time and will continue throughout my life.  I will always miss him dearly.   My deepest condolences to his children - he loved you so very much and spoke lovingly of you constantly throughout your lives.