I was lucky enough to have worked with Steve at Mountain Madness a few years back. Steve was not only a great colleague but someone who became a good friend. We kept in touch, and when a group of friends and I decided to do a once-in-a-lifetime safari adventure to Tanzania, Steve was the one I called! As usual, he dove in, gave it his all, and created an epic itinerary. All six of us declared it to be one of the best trips we've ever had, and we owe it all to Steve's hard work. Steve had one thing that seems to be lacking these days: he CARED. He cared about each of his clients and all of his trips, and that's what made him, and the trips he managed, so memorable. I miss him. My sincere condolences to his family.

I worked with Steve since he took over managing Mountain Madness international expeditions in 2013. We had innumerable, lengthy conversations about climbing, skiing, the state of the universe and how to enjoy life. I spoke with Steve the day before his retirement, and he updated me on his cabin enhancements. Steve was a positive, energizing and uplifting force in the world. I will miss our conversations and his expedition guidance. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Miranda Pukorokoro Shorebird Center, NZ
June 21 2022
Winter Solstice
10:50am

Steve

30 minutes ago my good friend Steve passed away in Bend about 3:15 p Monday 20 June PST, probably in the ICU he was to leave today for hospice; a massive stroke Thursday pm 17 June. Alone in his cabin, lying on the floor, the phone ringing constantly. His 65 birthday was 18 June, a day to celebrate after retirement—finally in his nest, so much work and pleasure, being at home in the woods, not on call for the first time in his life.

Generous, practical, straight arrow, loving and at one with the universe—he was a teacher in being himself. Always willing to help and be present when needed, and always happy to be his own person in his own space when not. He loved being in Seattle, living at 2701, going to his local regularly—Circa—and being with those he loved and worked with. And being very content to be in the garden reading a book. Or finding a spot on the beach—with a book. Spending time—with a book. A story at all times, the decades of experience, here and in the world. Willing to take on 2 cats while I was away—and sharing my sadness when I spoke to him of Merino’s death 3 weeks ago.

A special friend who taught me and shared much, by being himself, no more no less, and I find it hard to think of him leaving this life, and those he touched in so many ways, so many, deeply saddened, left wondering, hoping, that he found peace in those moments—and he’s gone.

Anicca, anicca
Aroha nui Steve

It took me awhile to have the courage & emotional strength to post on Steve’s memorial.
Somewhere in my mind I still think he’s going to call me and explain all the crazy stuff that just happened to him, in that way only Steve could explain things. He was truly one of the best friends I’ve ever had, and I don’t mean that in some sort of cliché way simply because he is a great guy and friend- I mean we were REALLY close. We were there for eachother during tough times. We got to know everything about eachother and he became an irreplaceable ally. Steve was family.
 We spent a lot of quality time together in the past decade, prior to the pandemic. On many beautiful Saturday nights we sat on his balcony and had libations and very deep and everlasting conversations. We went to a bunch of awesome concerts: Rush, Earth Wind & Fire, Robert Plant, Jimmy Buffet, etc. He spent several wonderful holidays with my family and friends and I. We even took a fun trip to Maui together in 2013, where I had one of the most amazing and memorable days of my life boogie-boarding at Big Beach. We did so many things together- things I can’t even describe in case children are reading this- I’ll just say that I helped Steve achieve some goals on a bucket list, and for a long time, we were as close as two people could be without being married.
 Steve’s death hit like a ton of bricks. It’s much harder when someone goes so suddenly and you don’t have a chance to say goodbye. This world is at such a loss without him, and my heart is broken like never before. I wish his time had not been cut so short. I wish he had a chance to write a book about all the stories and experiences he held onto in his brilliant mind. I wish we could spend one last night together partying it up and giving a proper salute to a life well-lived. I’m really happy and lucky that he was such an important person to me, and me to him.
I love you forever, Steve, thank you for being you.
-Shawna S.

Such heart-breaking news to hear of Steve’s passing. No person outside of my family has had a bigger impact on how one should live their life.    

I met Steve in 1973 in Chehalis, WA. He was the new kid at school having moved from Eugene with his family. The very first time I remember speaking to him, he was telling me about a harrowing rescue he was involved in. At 15, he had already done so much more than anyone else I knew. Steve had amazing stores and spoke of rare experiences with mountain climbing, Search and Rescue and all things related to outdoor life.  He seemed like a guy from another generation. As kids in Chehalis, I was able to spend hundreds of hours with Steve’s family. I was included in every family outing and pizza night they had. I remember time spent in Steve’s basement bedroom as a unique special place that represented Steve in every way. Most of my friends had black light poster of rock bands or famous actors. Not Steve. His bedroom walls were covered with cedar shakes to give it that real cabin feel. The walls had Tibetan pray flags, and posters of heroic climbing guides. Steve was into extreme mountaineering sports before it was cool.  He had more books about climbing and guiding than our local library. 

As our high school time ended, we both landed jobs at Sear’s Auto working with a little help from Steve’s dad, Gary, who was the General Manager at the time. Steve and I, during this time, became very interested in motorcycles in particularly motocross. We both purchased dirt bikes and spend thousands of hours making and riding jumps on a dirt track at my parents’ house. We would go to local tracks and race each other for hours. Those times were extremely special, and we loved every minute of it. Steve’s dad helped fuel our passion by exposing us (and Steve’s brother Greg) to all kinds of other motorsports. We attended vintage sportscar races, professional motocross races and most any kind of loud obnoxious gas-powered fun. 

When I moved to Bellingham and Steve was already living there with his family. Steve had a job at the local dealership and was enjoying his time learning more about exotic cars and how to drive them. Fast of course. 

During my crazy college days in Bellingham, Steve and I got to spend more time together. Steve never shied away from parties or student interactions, even though he never attended college. Steve was a bit like Matt Damon in the movie Good Will Hunting, always the smartest person in the room and not afraid to share his knowledge. He had facts about more topics than anyone. He could hold a groups attention of hours with his adventures and storytelling. 


Steve often allowed me to join him on outdoor adventures over the years. Steve guided me up Mt Adam’s summit and taught me how to repel down a 100’ vertical rock face in Leavenworth.  I’m not sure anyone else could have convinced me to do those things, but Steve was always confident and reassuring in his manner. One of the funniest things about these outdoor adventures with Steve; he liked to decorate. He’d bring a few of his plastic pink flamingoes to decorate a high-altitude location or river side camp. He just loved the irony of having plastic tropical birds with him on PNW adventures. He would bring those birds on most every outing, setting them up with a sly smile or loud cackle. I believe those same plastic pink flamingoes are decorating Steve’s home in Bend to this day.

I’ll miss Steve’s passion for life, his self-depreciate wit, and that sly smile when speaking about his adventures. He was the kindest person I’ve known and would do anything for anyone. My time with Steve has had a real impact on what I think is important and how to lead my own life.  He never comprised on what he believed in and followed his heart as he lived his life to the fullest.  You will be missed my friend. 

The mountains are calling, and I must go.” ... John Muir

Steve is my big brother, my confidant and my hero.He lived his life exactly the way he wanted, a job was just that…a job, a way to pay rent.;What he really wanted was to climb and trek and just have adventures. He was the smartest person I have ever known and funny, he was so witty. It really resonated with me what Mark said about his gift of gab. We would talk on the phone for hours and laugh hysterically. We would talk about anything and everything and always ended our conversations with Love you. I am devastated and will miss my sweet brother forever.

I have known Steve since high school. We re-connected around 2012 and became close friends. I was able to share visits to the cabin and just time hanging out simply listening to his stories, of which I loved. That twinkle in his eye and the nod of his head will be forever missed. The last 10 years were so much more interesting as he had me looking at the world a different way than before. He was Steve, simple, adventurous, wise beyond his years but mostly, he was just Steve. He is missed, as is his cabin, cooking with him and, his Grandma’s quilt. I will see you every time I spot a mountain, a stream, a hike, a box of cookies and, in all things you opened my eyes too. Love you my friend.

It was such a shock and painful to hear of Steve's passing. We met him about 10 years ago and he quickly became a good family friend. He joined us on many Thanksgivings and BBQ's at our house. We always enjoyed his adventure stories, charm and quick wit. It is a pleasure to have been able to call him my friend. His kind soul will truly be missed by all.

I wanted to share what a honor is was to be a small part of your life my friend. Steve had spent quite a few Thanksgivings with us and a few Christmases. You always brought a positive aura, and so many worldly adventures with you, along with a sharp wit. You will be greatly missed, much love and respect for you my friend. Until we meet again, Rest In Peace.

As Steve’s sister I am heartbroken that Steve has passed.Thankfully I was able to talk to Steve a bit while he was in the hospital.He was very hard to understand but he made sure to tell me that I wasn’t allowed to drink all of his good scotch while I was staying at his house!He was still Steve until the end.Steve lived a simple life but was not a simple person.He tested at a genius IQ with a photographic memory as a kid.He could have been anything that he wanted but he chose to just be himself.He is the only person that I know that truly led the life that he wanted.Steve was just as happy sleeping in his van on a mountainside as most are staying at a 5 star hotel.Steve loved books,music and good food-and telling long stories!It has really helped his family to hear how many people loved Steve.I will miss him forever but if there is any solice it’s that Steve died exactly how he lived-without a lot of fuss.

I was so looking forward to seeing you in July, uncle Steve! It had been too long. This has been a reminder to me to not let it be this long between seeing the people you love. I will never forget the joy Steve brought to my childhood. He was the fun uncle, a genuinely kind soul, and he will be sorely missed in our family.

Although I never met Steve in person, we never had a short phone conversation. Seven years ago I started traveling/climbing with mountain madness, and he was always so helpful from gear, advice and over time we would talk just about anything, life, traveling hiking and lately his cabin in Oregon. I wish I could have taken him up on his invite to come out to his new home. I will miss the talks we had and will always remember him as a good hearted, friendly guy who I am glad I got to share perhaps a small part of his memories, travels and life. May GOD bless him, his family and those closest to him.

I just got the word of Steve's passing in an email from Mountain Madness today. No one--and I mean no one--ever made a better first impression in my life than Steve. His wit, charm, and encouraging words were second to none. He was amazing in helping my son and I understand the challenges of climbing Elbrus, Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua, and the volcanoes of Ecuador. He single handedly made us fans and loyal clients of MM. One unique thing we had in common: He and I shared the same birthday--I being 5 years younger than him. Since our birthday in June, I had Steve on my mind almost every day not knowing he was gone. And then I just received the news of his passing. Nothing has hit me harder this year than to learn Steve is gone. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. I am truly sad and brokenhearted today. Rest in Peace Steve. Matthew and I were your #1 fans in Texas.

Stunning tragedy. A good friend who will be missed. May his memory be for a blessing.