Steven Bueno, beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 67 following a courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loved ones in his final moments.

Steven was born in Pueblo, Colorado, to Albert and Eva Bueno, and was the youngest of 10 children. He is preceded in death by his parents and his siblings Ramona, Angie, Martha, Margaret, Albert, and Joseph.  He is survived by his sister Reynalda and his brothers, Jim and Rudy.  As a teenager, Steve relocated with his family to California, where he embraced the teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses and was baptized in the faith in 1969, at the age of 13.

In 1970, at the wedding of his brother Joseph, Steven met the love of his life, Linda Pasillas.  Linda was younger sister to his new sister-in-law, Alice Pasillas. To my father's disappointment, their connection was not immediate and yet he was undeterred that Linda would one day be his wife.  Through his persistence and charm, my father wore down my mother's defenses only to face family pressure from Linda's parents, Antonio and Paula Pasillas.  Seeing as he was the ripe age of 18, my grandparents definitely had reservations.  In time, however, he won them over as well and the relationship between the Pasillas and Bueno families were forever linked in 1974, when  my parents were married and embarked on a journey of love and companionship which continued over five decades.

Steven was the very best father to his children Benjamin, Jeremy, and Renee.  No matter where we lived (San Jose, Modesto, Tracy, Applegate, Pueblo) home was wherever we were together.  Growing up it was a home of love, laughter, and faith.  Where a random dance party or karoke showdown was only out done by a fierce family battles of Sequence, and the house was never louder than football Sunday cheering on the Raiders (and yelling at every horrible call!).  Steven is survived by his sons Benjamin and Jeremy following the devasting loss of Renee in 2023.

Throughout his life, Steven was known for his unwavering faith, generosity, and hard working spirit. He touched the lives of many with his  willingness to lend a helping hand to those in need. His devotion to his family and friends was unparalleled, and he leaves behind cherished memories that will be treasured forever.  Making memories is actually a family motto because memories never fade and can never be taken from you, for this reason "Making memories is worth more than any gift you could ever buy".

Family vacations to Mexico, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Europe, NYC, New Orleans, and football weekend annuals for the boys were just a few of the cherished memories made with my father.  If you asked him, besides working on his property or looking out his picture window in Applegate, his favorite places were Cabo San Lucas (give or take 7 visits) and wherever the Raiders were playing in LA, Oakland, Las Vegas or on the road.

Steven will always be remembered as a hard worker.  He was set on a career path following completion of trade school where he learned to be a Machinist/Tool and Die Maker.  He worked 40+ years in his profession before retiring in 2019.  Never one to think retirement meant just fishing with his buddy Dave and golf rounds with his boys, my Dad found working on his property the most rewarding and would often work on the yard until it was too dark.  If you asked him he would say this is because he had a pioneer/cowboy spirit at heart and would have been best suited to living during the days of old Westerns.  

Unfortunately, no amount of hard work and diligence applied was able to overcome his illness.  My dad received his cancer diagnosis in March 2023 and fought hard, surpassing all expectations from doctors.  He spent his final year living like he always did: dedicated to his faith, supporting his family, working on his property, and rooting for his team.  My father loved and embraced the following quote:

"The first to apologize is the Bravest, the first to forgive is the Strongest, the first to forget is the Happiest"

This is what my father wanted for his family.  To be Brave, be Strong, and be Happy.  We will continue to honor his memory by taking these words to heart.

In addition to his wife, children, and grandchildren, Steven is survived by his siblings, nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends who will miss him dearly.  Steven's legacy of love, faith, and compassion will continue to inspire all who knew him. Though he may no longer walk among us, his spirit will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to have known and loved him.

Family and friends are welcome to join his surviving family for a memorial service to be held at the West Colfax Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses on April 13 at 3pm, with a celebration of life to follow in the Tahoe Building of the Auburn Gold Country Fairgrounds at 4:30pm.  In lieu of flowers, those wishing to may make a contribution to Steven's Remembrance Fund to offset medical and memorial expenses.

Steven/Dad, you will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing you.  We look forward to seeing you, and all our dearly departed loved ones, with the fulfillment of God's promise of a resurrection and a restoration of an earthly paradise.  So take your rest now in God's memory and we will see you again soon!

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