Chris Genry: 

They are picking up his ashes today. Yesterday morning he was still with us.

I met Steve Yates at a Christmas party just before the pandemic, so ours was a relatively short friendship. He was one of those guys I instantly knew was a rare bird; so vivacious, so engaging, with an ever present smile and a laugh that brightened a room. A natural leader, he was destined to become part of the bedrock of our community in Puerto Vallarta. Gone too soon.

I later learned of his enormous artistic talents, from making killer Easter bonnets to performing live on stage. I’ve attached a video of the night I first watched this big, burly man don the cosmetic jewelry and flashy pants and perform in a talent competition to raise funds for the local orphanage. It was a moment of pride for all of us who knew him and packed the house to support him, and he WON the night; advancing to the finals of this multi-week competition. Financial support for the orphanage was greatly increased that night. Gone too soon.

Later still, I discovered more things we had in common. Both of our fathers are the same age; both gave their careers to IBM; and both are struggling with similar health issues. His husband John Yates hails from just outside Birmingham, Alabama, where he visits his parents each year. Solo. Steve never met his in-laws; he was not included in their idea of family. Not knowing Steve is now their permanent loss. Gone too soon.

I will always be grateful to have known him, and always feel cheated for not having known him longer. It is very hard to be separated from my PV family today. My heart breaks for John, who shared every day with this enormous source of energy and joy and then, suddenly, was performing CPR trying desperately to save that life. To the quiet one, know that you are loved and admired just as much as he, and we are here for you.

The winners in all of this are the angels, who today are wearing some fabulous new jewelry and learning some new dance moves. Some vision of that will bring me comfort and joy in the days to come. RIP Dear Steve.