Hey Uncle Steven, just so you know, every week we get some fresh cut flowers and arrange them in your honor. My wife is always impressed with how well I arrange flowers. I just let her know Uncle Steven taught me well. Thank you! 🙏 

Today, 2023, I was building some book shelves for my son’s room. I thought of Uncle Steven today because I was using the chop saw Frank and I convinced him to buy in the 1990’s to help us build sets and platforms for his arrangements. The saw is definitely warn but working just fine. Working with and for my uncle are the best memories of my younger years. We did a lot of crazy parties for Disney back then. He taught me everything he knew about floral arranging and party design. Although the hours were brutal, the times we went to flower market in downtown LA at 3:30 am, or pulled an all nighter to setup and tear out a party taught me a creative work ethic I still embrace today. Thank uncle Steven for being you and embracing me. I miss the blood, sweat, and great laughs you, Barbara, Amanda, Frank, and I had together. 

When I was about 11, Steven noticed my new found interest in playing the board game chess. I didn’t realize it at the time, but playing chess with him became a place of comfort, good laughs, and peace for me. Uncle Steven gave me for my birthday that year a beautiful mahogany wood chess and checkers board set that I still have today and play regularly. Back then, Steven was the one person who I’d go play chess with every week. In fact, uncle Steven was the one family member I connected most with. There are so many good memories that come to mind when I think of hanging out with my uncle. Playing chess is one of the best. Love you uncle Steven. Miss you very much. 

My name is Wendy Carter I was lucky enough to have Steve as my boss at Kiplings Flowers on Larchmont Blvd. I was even luckier to have him as a friend. I loved the flower mart runs early in the morning before a special event. I loved his giant laugh and big heart. My mom Marge Carter worked next door to Kiplings at Vanity Fair Boutique and a big fan of Steve’s. Between Steve and mom I couldn’t get away with a lot. Steve would celebrate the Kiplings family birthday’s with warm lemon 🍋 meringue pie from the cafe in the medical bldg and a bottle of Korbel Brut Champagne 🍾.
He was so talented. His creativity was endless. I will miss him dearly. I was blessed to have him on my life. I will never forget him.

I am sorry to hear of your loss Harlan, I hope you can find comfort in your memories of him and that your days aren't too hard.
Mrs. Buehler

i am a friend of harlen. I know he met a lot to Harland and I'm sorry for your loss.

I met Steve over 40 years ago when he was my boss at Kiplings Flowers. We had such a great time. He was the kindest, sweetest soul and so full of fun! We laughed A LOT. He helped mastermind the romance between my great uncle and our co-worker Madeline. Jake and Madeline were married over 40 years. We have always kept in touch. I have a very soft spot in my heart for Steve and feel such sorrow at his loss. He was a gifted artist! Always looking for beauty. We had many hours of work and fun adventures. When I think of Steve, I see his smile and hear his incredible laugh. Rest in peace, my friend! You will be missed! Until we meet again!

Dear, Uncle Steven you were a great Uncle, friend and family member you where always there for holidays and special occasions too. You were always so loving, caring, and generous i would love helping you paint, draw or color pictures. You were the best. -Love, Harlan

I am shocked and saddened to read this news. Dear Phyllis and family i am so sorry. If you end up doing a memorial for friends i would surely come, please keep my info. I am so sad right now. I loved Steve very much. Rest in peace my dear friend.

I met Steve when I was dating my husband, Carlos. At first, I approached him as my husband's boss, but I quickly realized he was so much more. Steve was a true friend to Carlos, and an important part of his life. He became a valued part of my life as well, and I always looked forward to our visits. Steve was a wonderful man- happy, loving, and full of life. He generously helped design and decorate our wedding, attended our house warming party with a lovely vase that still sits on our mantel, and came to the baby shower of our first born. Every year, there was a Christmas card from Steve. He was always thinking of others. His warm presence will be missed.

Many years ago, Steve hired me as part of his floristry team. He quickly became a dear friend who I admired greatly. Besides his amazing creativity and talent, Steve was a joyful, compassionate, and generous man. I can clearly remember his smile and laugh- always kind to others and looking at life as half-full. He was a genuine roll model for me in my younger years, and I can credit him for helping me become a better person. I'm thankful to have known him. He was a good friend, and I will miss him greatly.