Memory from Stephen

OOOOOOO this is a cool thing goin on right here. This website is, rad! ( nice Chels, NICE! ha for real ) Being able to hear everyones memories and own personal experiences with the old man himself really is something else. After reading all these I’m just left with an overwhelming sense of appreciation and gratitude for my Dad and feel even more blessed to have him as my father. So thank you for sharing. 

Since being home and especially this time of year I find myself not being able to get enough of the outdoors from skiing, fishing, biking, and now with the weather all cherry I’m so amped to get out and go camping/backpacking. After my Dad passed away I distinctly remember this sense that I not only was losing my father but all my hobbies as well. Which is kind of a kooky concern. But he was always sharing his passions with me continually teaching me, giving me a deeper and deeper love and respect for the outdoors. It could have been anything and he would have always taken his time to explain to me the importance of each and every step. Even if he was drilling it into my mind getting all nuts and maybe small kind obsessive-compulsive, hah ahhh typical. He just always wanted to make sure I was enjoying whatever we were doing, and enjoy it as much as he was or more. His passions became my passions and they gave me the opportunity to see and experience the world in such unique ways. They gave me new perspectives on life. He’d always take time to enjoy the beauty around him, turning whatever he was doing into an art. I love that about him. Now in my life, I get to feel the closest to him from all that he has shared and taught with me. I get to go out and experience and enjoy the world and still feel like he's teaching me along the way, its pretty cool.

Some other quick things I love about my dad.

His compassion and genuine love for others. 
Always enjoying himself and had fun no matter what the situation.
Could still be immature and get away with it.
When he would get mad, its funny now... but wasnt then.
Sense of Humor.
Could be open minded.
The Land Cruiser.
Pit smelling action.
One cool dude.

Halloween garbage can

Quick memory from the old neighborhood. It was on Halloween and Steve hid in his garbage can in front of his house and scared all the little kids walking by. It was fun living by you him, he kept things interesting.

Memory from Trevor Sperry (neighbor). 

Waitresses

I was in a restaurant with a very impatient friend. He was so rude to the waiter. I was embarrassed for not only for the waiter but especially for my friend. Anyway, on the way home I started telling this friend about Steve, and how in all the restaurants we've been to with Steve and Mare (probably 100 or so) no matter what the situation, he always smiled at the waiters, flirted, winked, asked questions about their lives, told stupid jokes, teased them, kindly made fun of them etc. You were even pleasant to the bone head waiters like that one at that Chinese restaurant in New York ( remember the one that wasn't a Bread House)! Whenever we were with Steve, we always seemed to get the best service because he was always so cute to all the restaurant help. Thus, the simple lesson he taught me over the years is that kindness and playfulness to others is a great investment, no matter whom you give it to, it comes back to you tenfold. Thanks for all the fun and goofiness you gave to all of us. 

Memory of Annette Bell (family friend). 

Japanese dolls

I was thinking about when Steve went to Nagano, Japan for the Olympics. He was there working for the Olympic committee and going crazy with his millions of responsibilities. Before he left I asked him to bring home some dolls for my daughters. I never really thought he would remember, let alone take the time to shop and bring them home. But he did. He found the time to shop for 3 beautiful Japanese dolls to bring home to Kristi Ann, Natalie and Stacey. That meant the world to me. The crazy thing is he didn't bring home dolls for Chelsie and Alex, just the Bell girls.

Memory from Annette Bell (family friend). 

Steve Young's autograph

We were looking through an old scrapbook of Austin's and found a copy of a letter that he wrote to Steve Young. In it he wrote, "You are my hero. I think you are the best football player who ever lived. I wish I could give this to you myself but my good friend Steve Williams, my home teacher is giving it to you. Thank you for signing my card Steve brought." It meant a lot back then to Austin for him to take the time to do this. Not only was Steve Young Austin's hero but Steve became one also. Austin and I had the opportunity to attend a 49ers game and he was able to arrange for us to meet Steve after the game and we had Austin's picture taken with him and he signed a football which we display proudly in our home. It really meant the world to Austin and me to meet him. He was the one that arranged for this to happen. It had a great impact on Austin's young life. We as a family always enjoyed having Steve visit as our home teacher and there was never a dull moment with him around. 

Memory from Cindy Alm (neighbor). 

Hiking at Beaver Creek

I started thinking about the time when we went camping, fishing and biking up at Beaver Creek with Steve and his family. Stephen was only 2 years old and Stacey had just turned 1. I still remember the two of them toddling around in their overalls. Stacey could barely walk and Stephen had the best time following her everywhere, picking her up, and carrying her and sometimes dropping her. They were so cute!! Steve kept egging him on saying "Way to go boy, that's the way to chase a girl." Steve also told the kids a ghost story. I wonder if Alex still believes in all the crap he told the kids that night, that was pretty funny though, he scared them to death! He even let me try fly fishing with that expensive rod of his. That was a great trip. 

Memory from Annette Bell (family friend). 

White elephant dradel

Who knew that our last christmas party at Steve's house I ended up with a dradel that he gave as a white elephet gift and that I found under my bed in my room and will save and cherrish this 50 cents of plastic that remides me of such a great person that made me laugh that night so hard and would make me cry every day since. It remindes me of a man that helped give miracals to little kids and would paint pictures of corn on the delta. It remindes me of a man that never got mad at me when i was a little kid when I peed my pants sleeping over and never said anything about it and that spit a big one out the window and hit me in the eye. It remides me of a boy that could never see "big john" in the car and a man that could make everybody laugh. It remides me of a Dad who was always there for his kids and one I want to be like. It remides me of a man whose picture would be in my helmet all ski season and would be in my heart forever. Uncle Steve was one of the best people in the world. I'm so blessed to have had him as an example and a Uncle. 

Memory from Sam Williams (nephew). 

Qualities

Steve had a well honed sense of humor and general zeal for life. It was my privilege to associate with him almost on a daily basis and I have to say that I have continually been impressed with how he conducted himself and the Christlike qualities that he exhibited. His determination in the face of this adversity is staggering and humbling. I could not be more proud of him and feel blessed to know him and count him as a friend. 

Memory from Mike Washburn (CEO, Thanksgiving Point). 

Fishing with Dad

Our last Father's Day together was spent fishing with our good friends, the Wards. I was pretty excited to use the rod Dad got me so long ago (he gave it to me when I turned 8 years old), that I haven't been able to use in years. I was worried I wouldn't remember everything he taught me, but as soon as I landed my first cast, everything came back. I remembered every little trick he taught me, and didn't even get my fly caught in a bush or a tree behind me (I've learned that lesson already, ha). I even caught as many fish as he did (ok ALMOST, I had to let him win our contest, it was Father's Day). I used to think I was the coolest girl because my Dad took me to do fun things. I didn't know of any other Dad who took his daughter fly-fishing at the age of 8 (maybe even younger). I loved him for taking me camping, hiking, skiing, mountain climbing, boating, backpacking, and fly-fishing. Those memories, and the ones we made on our last Father's Day together are memories that no one can take away from me. He used to tell me that the place I can feel closest to Heavenly Father (besides the temple) is in the outdoors, the wilderness, and in the mountains. I not only feel close to Him when I'm there, but I feel close to my Dad too, because of all of the memoies I have spending time outdoors with him.

Memory from Chelsie Watts (daughter). 

Family and righteous decisions

I can remember at Jakes' wedding Linsey made the comment to me that it was very apparent that Steve was very close with his children and she thought it was so special how he interacted with his kids and family. She later made the commetn to me, "I hope that we can have that same relationship with our children." 

The morning of mine and Linseys' wedding right after the cerimony in the sealing room Steve came up to me and said < I know your sad that he is not here but you have to remember that it is because of the righteous decisions that he made that you are here >  He had no idea how much comfort that brought to me. But what he really didn't realize is the comfort that was brought to my wife. Four days prior to our wedding my wife's father passed away in a car accident and at that time about the only place she could find comfort was in the house of the Lord. What he didn't know is that later that day I was able to share with her what he shared with me and it was able to bring some peace to her soul. 

Memory of Dony Williams Jr. (nephew). 

Why Oblad loves Steve

I loved Steve because he was so fun to be around. He was witty, intelligent, spontaneous and sometimes just plain crazy. We shared many great times and a few hard times together. He was a caring, non-judgmental friend who was full of integrity and who strived to live a good life. He wad a strong spirit and a thirst for adventure. He did his best to live the way our Father in Heaven wanted him to live. My list of accolades for him is sincere and could go on and on.

Memory of Allen Naylor (friend and former mission companion). 

Girls camp priesthood duty

Years ago when Mary Ann was the second counselor in the 9th ward young women's and Carol McCulloch was the president. I was Laurel's President and yet I was still forced to go camping. (The unmitigated gall!!!) We went to camp one year and Steve was assigned to do his priesthood duty and keep the ninth ward teenage girls safe. All he did was get the party started. Then he kept it going all night long by scaring the living daylights out of every tent. Well done Steve. He left some large emotional camping scars on a whole generation of 9th ward girls. More importantly, he left a lasting impression about life in general and how to have fun with it even when you get mauled by skunks, attacked by spiders the size of the Washington Monument and sink all the borrowed boy-scout canoe oars. 

Memory of Rachel Smith (neighbor). 

Impacts from Lizzy

1. Telling me I look like Lucy Pevensie on “The Chronicle of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.” It made me feel like I was cute, smiled a lot, and have a sense of adventure.

2. The day after stake conference Steve told me I should have sat with him and his family after I said I sat by myself. This made me feel so loved.

3. He introduced me to the Porter-Rockwell Trail, which I frequent often. I can’t run on the trail without thinking about him.

4. I enjoyed sitting in Senior Management Meeting realizing I am not the only one with acne.

5. He treated people so well, brought out the best in them, and only focusing on their strengths. This made me want to treat other people better.

Memory of Lizzy, Lizard, or Lucy, Lizzy Lyde (co-worker). 

Life's a beach

I sat at the beach and reflected on the many beaches we have been to together during our 22 years.

*The beaches of orange county, as we traveled to California with the kids every year to the Telethon.

*Laguna Beach with Kathy and Paul and all of our kids and Karli.

*The beaches of Hawaii several times, just the two of us, with friends, and with the kids.

*The beaches in San Francisco when we visited Rich and Mandy, and when we went with VanAmens.

*The beaches of the Northwest, for one of our anniversaries.

*The beaches of Alaska, burrrrr.

*Omaha and Utah Beach in France with Bells and Homers.

*The beaches of Lake Powell all those years with our kids and our friends.

*The infamous beaches of the Grand Canyon. We really did have fun.

*The Beaches of NYC with our kids.

There is something about the beach that makes you think and reflect. The beach has always been a special place for me and Steve and I will always treasure our beach memories. 

Memory of Mary Ann Williams. 

Napping on the mission

I had flashbacks to the mission field, seeing Steve nap on the mission home couch, napping in his office chair, napping in the car while I drove, napping in Pres. Lynn's chair when he was out. Oh the memories of our companionship. Some things never change.

Memory of Chris Busby (former mission companion). 

Surgery nurse

I had the great privilege of caring for Steve at the hospital during a procedure he had. Our family had been praying and fasting along with the rest of the neighborhood, but it wasn't until that day that I felt like I'd done anything special or useful to help. 

As a surgical nurse, it's not uncommon for me to ask the Lord to help me to be an instrument in his hands, an answer to someone's prayer, and a blessing to those patients I will care for during my shift. The majority of the health care providers I work with offer similar morning prayers, because as we've seen over and over, frequently we are the ones who can make a difference in helping their experience be positive and helping them feel reassured that they are in good hands. It's a marvelous field of work and immensely rewarding.

During the morning report Steve's name was read as an "add-on," meaning he wasn't on the pre-printed schedule. When I heard his name, I knew it was the Steve we know and love and have been praying for. It was wonderful to be able to visit with him in the operating room prior to his surgery and to visit with Mary Ann in the waiting room and then to sit with Steve in the recovery room. I felt grateful to be able to be with him when no one else he knew and loved could. 

It was also not a coincidence that his recovery room nurse was a wonderful woman who went far beyond the call of duty in caring for him, as three years ago she was in Mary Ann's shoes caring for her husband who had Stage IV lung cancer. She related very closely with what he was going through and made sure he was comfortable and well cared for in every way. I have no doubt that she cares for every patient in the same compassionate way, but she took a special interest in Steve and gave him the kind of care you'd give the President or the Prophet: truly the red-carpet royal treatment. :-)

Memory of Cyndie Manning (neighbor and RN). 

Hospital stickers

Monday evening (in July 2006) our family was on our way to Draper to visit, when Mare called and said she had to take Steve to the emergency room because of his high fever and because his pain was out of control. We decided to turn around and go to the hospital, not expecting to see Steve, maybe just Mary Ann. We had the nicest visit with his parents and Rich and Becky. Right when we were leaving Mare invited us in to see him. He was in incredible pain. We felt so helpless. But even though he was suffering so much he still managed to tickle Brookie's nose and give her some special hospital stickers. This was so touching. She cherished those stickers that he gave her and put them in her special treasure box and showed them to all of her friends. This was such a simple yet sweet gesture. I am so humbled by his attitude and numerous Christlike acts.

Memory of Annette Bell (family friend). 

Road trip with cats

Mare and pregnant me (with Taryn of course) driving down to Albuquerque with 2 cats in the back of the truck...couldn't have them up with us because we are both allergic! Crazy!

Jackson Hole, snow, tent....(& baby Taryn!) Mare got the front seat because she got car sick (preg. with Chels!)

Memory of Mandy Wright (sister-in-law). 

Canoeing down the Provo

The 4 of us (Rich, Steve, Mary Ann, Mandy) + baby Taryn canoeing down the Provo...Steve dumped it over and Mary Ann wouldn't get back in the canoe with him, stuck on the other side of the cold river! (didn't Rich paddle over to save you?) 

Memory from Mandy Wright (sister-in-law). 

Sandy PB&J at Powell

It was over 21 years ago that Steve and Mary Ann and us two and little Taryn drove to Powell in our Landcruiser (with out the top) to enjoy the h2o and sun....remember that hugeormeous black wall of cloud that came towards us? In the tent Mare, Taryn and I huddled as Steve and Rich held the tent down outside in the tornado storm! The poles of the tent even snapped! Their backs were sandblasted and we all had a thick layer of sand on our scalps...even our bread had sand in it (which had been in the plastic wrapper) and we just laughed as we chewed the PB&J & sand! Didn't we find Steve's shoe about a half mile down the desert? What a trip!

Memory from Mandy Wright (sister-in-law). 

Skinny dipping and raft trip

I recall the CMN retreat we had 15+ years ago. Do I recall some skinnydipping in Jenny Lake? Nevermind-- I also recall him leaving me in his dust one afternoon when we rented bikes and rode out of town, and a raft trip on the snake with him in the front of the boat taking the brunt of the waves.

Memory from Jay Vestal (co-worker). 

Made a difference professionally and personally

Steve did such an incredible job at Thanksgiving Point. I noticed, finally, a definite change for the better once he came. We started out with basically no marketing, to spinning our wheels, to going through a period of change that basically just confused everybody. Once he started it seemed like we finally had direction and a purpose, as well as focus on what Thanksgiving Point is all about. He did an awesome job. We continue to see it everyday with the numbers of people who come to visit and the many who come back. He not only made a difference in our lives professionally but personally as well.

Memory from Karma Anderson (co-worker). 

Throwing chairs at speeding cars

Steve was the kind of person who lived his life fully in the present moment. He seems to embrace life and have no problem with people seeing who he is, both good and bad. It’s what allows him to pop out of a garbage can on Halloween to scare the crap out of kids, to throwing chairs at cars speeding down Old English Road, and to fight so hard to beat cancer. How many others would have gone to their jobs, as he did to Thanksgiving Point, still committed to making a difference? We are drawn to people we see as being complete human beings, people who are not afraid to be who they are, and I think that is why he had so many people who truly cared for him. 

Memory from Joel Brady (family friend). 

Uncle Steve

Steve and his family always provided a home where I could always come and feel 100% comfortable. Even at midnight when Lins and I had hotel problems and we crashed at his house, I didn't even hesitate to go to his house, I knew there would be a place for us to stay. Or how about the time we got back from our honeymoon at 3 in the morning and there he was with the trusty minivan. When we last talked I wanted to remember everything he told me I just thought about our conversation the entire ride back to pocatello. It almost made me mad that I couldn't remember every detail but the more I thought about what he said to me the more I understood and if I were to summarize the entire conversation and make it aplicable to me it would be to seve others and love my wife and family. I know that those two things will bring me more joy in this life than anything that could be bought or sold or experienced or felt. 

Memory from Dony Williams Jr. (nephew). 

Genuine

We have enjoyed many years of activities together with Steve and his family. The list is numerous, but what I admire most about him is how genuine he was with everyone in his life.

Memory from Ray Homer (family friend). 

Crest toothpaste

I have admired Steve's wit and charm since the first time I met him at a Thanksgiving Point Employee Orientation. I had been there only a week. He not only sold us on Thanksgiving Point and it's assets, but I also remember a demonstration he gave on Crest toothpaste. I was never a fan of Crest until he spoke with such conviction on a product he had used since childhood because his mom said it was the best. 

He really put his heart and soul in all he did and truly showed love and interest in everyone he met.

Memory from Vicki Lybbert (co-worker). 

Things I admire about Steve

There are so many things I admire about Steve: his charm, his wit, his athletic drive, his love of the outdoors and old Lancruisers, his engaging people skills, his talent to organize and execute huge events, his daring tastebuds, his desire to go to exotic places and jump into that culture, his uncanny ablility to keep track of all receipts, his love of housekeeping and organization, his ability to pack a suitcase, his love of all kinds of baseball hats, his absolute good looks, (whether sporting a goatee and a flannel shirt or bald with a wig, the Bell girls have always thought he was ruggedly handsome), his appreciation of well written hardback books .... but the thing I admire most about his is the relationship he created with your three sweet children. Steve was such an example of this to me. I admired how he lived the Word of Wisdom in keeping his body so physically fit, strong and active. Until the cancer took over, he was the most physically active and fun loving dad I know. He did it all with his kids. He mountain and road biked, water and snow skiied, hiked, run races, fished, camped, had crazy water fights, cliff jumped, coached and played every sport there is out their with his kids. I have even seen him disco dance with them. I have also so admired the way he was able to tune everything out and "simply listen" to Chelsie, Alex and Stephen. He was able to engage them, laugh with them, love them, and then teach them. Whether it be a home teacher or a young mens advisor, the way he magnified every calling he have ever had has been such an example of his love of the gospel and his testimony too. The endearing way he often spoke of his mission and the love of Navajo people that he served has been very powerful as well.

Memory from Annette Bell (family friend). 

Paris toast and angry neighbor

One of our all time travel highlights was meeting Steve and Mary Ann (and Bells and Homers) for dinner in Paris to celebrate Mary Ann's birthday and their anniversary. We have commented often about the wonderful heart-felt tribute Steve gave to Mary Ann as he toasted her (with bottled water). Even though we haven't lived in the same neighborhood for years, we still cherish our friendship and memories with him and his family. 

We have talked about life in the old neighborhood. We recalled the time when an angry neighbor (no, it wasn't Brent Bell) came charging down the street, furious about something our kids had done (or at least had been blamed for). He was intent on beating up somebody. I don't think we have ever properly thanked Steve for being the first one to mouth off to him that day.

Memory from Cathy Madsen (family friend). 

Childhood memories

We go back at least 41 years to Mrs. Cosgrove’s kindergarten class. Even at such a young age I sensed something special in Steve. He always had the ability to make everyone laugh. I remember yukkin’ it up with him while Mrs. C tried to get everyone to take a nap. I was also extremely jealous of him because he always got to play the really cool instruments in the kindergarten band, while I got stuck with the wood block. Then he moved away to the Seattle area for a few years. Boy was I angry that he moved away. We did get to meet up at least once. I remember visiting with him and his parents at Farrels (sp?) ice cream parlor in Seattle while visiting my Aunt Earlene and Uncle Harold. It was a great day when his family had the good sense to move back to Spokane so the fun could continue.

Going to the Shadle Park football games on Friday night was also a treat. On numerous occasions, Willy was there in the defensive backfield leveling an opposing player to save a touchdown. It was a lot of fun watching him play ball!

Playing hoops with him on the 3rd Ward team was also a lot of fun. One of my fondest memories is thrashing the “dream team” that the 7th ward put together! And we even had a guy named “Woodstook” on our team.

Memories from Kip Whitehead (childhood friend). 

Steak birthday dinner

I went back to the old missionary journals and wouldn't you know it that on Monday August 3, 1981 (our p-day) the mission home staff and Bro. and Sister Ford went out to the Flake's cabin for a steak dinner cookout in celebration of his birthday.

He was always the favorite with his good looks and devilish smile. The blond haired golden boys always got the biggest steaks and the best assignments.

Memory from Bryan Laubaugh (former Missionary companion). 

Potluck

I remember a group party we had at TP one time and it was potluck. He had forgotten to make something (or had forgotten to have Mary Ann make something) so he grabbed that pesto chicken salad from the deli. Of course he told everyone that he made it- in fact I think he said it was a secret family recipe or something. A silly thing at the time- but it did make me laugh. He had that ability to just have fun with life. And he made life fun for a lot of people. 

Memory from Lori Sume (former co-worker). 

Birthday Hostess Cupcake

We celebrated your birthday on the trail in the Wind Rivers of Wyoming during the 50 mile hike. Mary Ann had sent a Hostess Cup Cake and a single candle in a a zip loc bag. It got somewhat smashed in my back pack. We sang happy birthday to you in the rain.

Blake and I will always cherish that week that we spent with you and Stephen on that hike. At that time you were strong and healthy. It is hard to believe how our lives can change in such a short period of time.

Memory from Doug Zizer (family friend). 

Disney snow globe

Those that have been lucky enough to work with Steve will always have an event, saying or item that will help us to remember him. As I glance over to my bookshelf, there is a Walt Disney World snowglobe (with one Mickey ear missing) that Steve gave to me on his last day at Children's Miracle Network. He made me promise to keep it in the office and then pass it on to someone else when I move on to a new job. (I think he bugged it, but I have never been able to prove that theory).

Memory from Warren Junium (former co-worker). 

Grinning on the softball field.

I'm picturing Steve as he was the last time I saw him, years ago on the softball fields....huge grin lighting up his face.

Memory from Wendy Young (softball mom). 

Going to work almost every day

There have been very few things more motivating than seeing Steve come to work almost every day during the seven months of his illness. And there have been very few things as sad as not seeing the iconic white Land Cruiser out in the parking lot or seeing his office door closed and the lights out.

Amid the sadness is a firm desire, resolve and commitment to take the foundation Steve so ably helped us create at Thanksgiving Point and to build upon it; to realize the Ashton’s dream and vision of a gathering place that would bless the lives of many, many people - as Steve has done. 

Memory of Mike Washburn (CEO, Thanksgiving Point). 

Locksley the Fly

I will always remember the first fly my dad tied in your guys garage that he named after the street you guys used to live on in sandy, it sat above our fireplace with pride for many years. I think the name of the fly was Locksley Lunar.

The great times we had on trips when Steve and my Dad Max worked together from Disneyland and Disneyworld for the Telethons to DC and many other places.

Memory from Mike Burdick (family friend). 

Childhood memories

Childhood memories have been very vivid and my dreams filled with those fun carefree times. I recall a green Schwinn banana seat sing ray bike, I think Rich and mine were blue. We had a lot of fun together and he endured our teasing. We'd play the politically incorrect game of Cowboys and Indians. We would be the characters from "Big Valley". I think Rich was Heath, Donnie was Nick and Steve always ended up as Barbara. Not to mention our young adult times together. From Woodside to Newport to Myrtle court, BYU, and numerous other adventures, Steve has been like the younger brother I never had. And as an Olinski brother I geuss I did have him as a younger brother (bow-leg-ski).

Steve was always strong, kind, funny, and a great competitor. On EMBO (BYU flag-football) he fit in perfectly, with that never give up attitude that allowed us to have so many come back wins. I always got a kick out of seeing him on the BYU campus driving VIPs around with his golf cart.

Memory from Brad Hepworth (childhood friend). 

Made things happen

I worked with Steve on all the CMN telethons and how impressed I was then with his ability to make things happen - he never let anyone down, and then working with him again with Little League Football for Alta, when I was my son's Team Mom, and he continued to make things happen there for all the youth! 

Memory from Melodee Baird Paul (former co-worker). 

Always smiling

I still remember my first day on the res being driven to my first area; Elder Williams was up front and I was in the back of the truck, I took a photo of Elder Williams through the back window of the truck; as always he was smiling. It was a great boost for a bewildered new missionary from the suburbs of London, England to be gently introduced to the harsh desert of Arizona by such a kind and happy man. 

Memory from Tim Carr (former Missionary friend). 

"Go home and clean your room and make your beds."

For the four years Steve coached with us he taught me many things, and the one that will always be with me is consistency. He always, always, always, told the kids after practice or game to "go home and clean their room and make their beds." Logan, Brooks, and I will never forget his example and dedication.

Memory from Dave Harrison (Stephen's football coach). 

Scuba Steve

Steve to me will always be remembered as Scuba Steve.. he cared about us and he always let us know that .. he wasn't afraid to tell me that he didn't approve of everything I did, but he was also the first person to offer me praise for doing something right.

Memory from Taryn Dipo (Day) (friend of Chelsie's). 

Missionary

I was your dad's first missionary companion when he came to serve in AZ. I had the privilege of watching him grow, in three months, from an apprehensive but determined young man, into a polished sharpened tool that the Lord used to bless the lives of many people. He was one of the best missionaries that I had the privelege of working with. He was always thinking of others and was always willing to go the extra mile if it would make a difference in their live's! His testimony of the gospel was and is unshakable. I will miss him.

Memory from Randall Johnson (former Missionary companion). 

Positive energy

Steve is one of those remarkable people who just makes life a joy for everyone he comes in contact with. Of all his remarkable attributes (and there are so many) the one that will always stay with me is his consistent, postive energy. In two decades of working with him I seriously can't remember a meeting or a project or even a conversation that didn't include his trademark smile and laugh. I always came away from any experience with him feeling energized and ready to tackle the issue.

Memory from Michael Dunn. 

Umpire

I thought Steve was such a great sport when he agreed to umpire our (adidas) big softball showdown with Nike a year ago. But now I’m thinking that wasn’t much of a stretch for him as he must have been the facilitator of good times for thousands of people over the years. After the game I was distracted by celebrations and team photos, etc. and regret that I did not get to meet him and thank him like I intended. 

Memory from Justin Larson (co-worker of Chelsie's at adidas). 

Accessible

Steve was such an amazing person, leader, friend, Father....and while we all looked up to him and respected him greatly, we also loved how accessible he was to us all---just "hanging out" with him and laughing at all his smirking remarks and great outlook on life.

Memory from Linda Mecham-Mackay.

Master of his trade.

From that day he was the guest speaker in George Bowie's Introduction to Public Relations class I was attending at BYU, I have always considered Steve to be a mentor; somebody I really wanted to be like some day. That feeling continued through all those years at Children's Miracle Network as I watched his management style, his honesty in dealing with the media, his organization skills and sticktoitiveness, his ability to make the tough decisions when they had to be made (and usually get it right), and the easy going but driven way that he handled himself in every situation. I didn't agree with the decisions that surrounded him leaving CMN, and I felt that somehow maybe it should have been me leaving instead. Through the time he spent at the Olympics and at Thanksgiving Point, I was always watching and admiring his work; learning from someone I would truly call a "master" of his trade.

Memory from Roger Cook (former co-worker). 

He inspired

Steve was always one of those guys who had a natural ability, or knack, of inspiring those of us around him. During ninth grade basketball practices, I'll never forget how good he was at bench jumping....(all that skiing he did).....and how much I hated it......I think Herm truly loved watching him jump because he did it with such ease that I'm sure we had to do way more than we should have simply because of how easy he made it look......and how much it kicked the rest of our sorry butts just trying to keep up with him. He made us better. In high school.....he was the first to wear the "straight leg" 501's and the faux lamb skin lined levi jacket.......we soon followed. I always felt confident when number 43 was on the field in defensive backfield.....he sacrificed himself out on the field and kept the whole team going.

Many years passed since those days and it was great to reconnect and come down and spend time with him and his incredible family. It's too bad it had to take something such as his battle to bring us back in touch. But, that trip is a testimate to what type of friend he was and what kind of person he was. I'm pretty sure I can speak for the 10 others that made the trip to see him that it had a tremendous impact on each one of us. Again, he inspired and lead. I'll never forget the first sight of him walking into the conference room and seeing all of us middle age soft bodies sitting around in awe.....not really quite knowing what to expect. I know I was expecting to, and was prepared to let the big tears flow, but again, he gave it the proverbial "holy crap" and put us all at ease......again, he inspired.

Memory from Steve Rector (high school friend). 

Cinnamon rolls

Steve was amazing. He was ALWAYS there to put a smile on my face even when it was the worst day ever. We have many memories down at Thanksgiving Point. The late nights spent for "holiday lights" were always so fun. I remember most this last year trying to get and eat all the cinammon rolls we could from the rhodes people.

Memory from Shaela Whittaker. 

Stealing church talks

As assistants to our mission president in the Arizona Holbrook Mission, Willy and I traveled around the mission with our President and spoke at the zone conferences. There were 10 zones located in 4 states in our mission. We traveled to all of them in a 2 week period of time, giving essentially the same message each time, with minor alterations depending on the theme of the conference and inspiration. During our second round of these conferences at the 7^th or 8^th zone we visited It was his turn to speak first. Imagine my surprise when he stood up and gave a beautiful rendition of MY talk. Scriptures, quotes, poems personal experiences and all. He had been carefully listening and memorizing my material. The problem was that I had been sitting back, leisurely enjoying his talk, but not making preparations to give it.

Memory from Allen Naylor. 

Bringing people together

Steve always had a magic ability to bring groups of people together and unify them in a cause. He did this in life at Shadle Park High School, the Arizona Holbrook Mission, the Childrens Miracle Network, SLOC and Thanksgiving Point. He continues to do it in death. 

Memory from Allen Naylor. 

Memorizing poems

While driving around the Navajo Reservation in our little Chevy Luv truck, besides chatting, singing primary songs and discussing mission business, we often memorized scriptures, quotes and poems. One of the poems we learned together 25 years ago was written by a man name William Ernest Henley as his body was being destroyed by a painful illness. I have often thought about these words while watching my good friend these past months. It was originally titled INVICTUS, but could just as well be named WILLPOWER.

Out of the night that covers me

black as the pit from pole to pole

I thank whatever goods may be

for my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced not cried aloud

under the bludgeonings of chance

my head is bloodied but unbowed

It matters not how straight the gate

how charged with punishment the scroll

I am the master of my fate

I am the captain of my soul

Leave it to my good buddy with his driven personality and obsessive/compulsive tendencies to keep an eye on his wristwatch and fight off death until the exact day he was born 45 years earlier. No question, it has been painful to see his robust, healthy body shrivel up and wither away because of his cancer and the chemotherapy. I remember talking about the resurrection with him years ago as we ran together. We joked about if being restored to a perfect body meant having our bowed legs straightened and if so, how much taller we would be in the next life.

Willy loved the Green Bay Packers and carried a quote around with him in the mission field by the legendary Vince Lombardi. It was titled “The Habit of Winning” and the finally paragraph said, “any man’s finest hour, his greatest fulfillment to all he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle, victorious.”

Memory from Allen Naylor. 

Love of family

25 years ago, Elder Williams raved about Lajuana’s fantastic Italian cooking and told me all about the Upjohn products Don was selling. He loved his mom and dad and often expressed thanks for them as he bore his testimony. We have talked about the Olinski brothers and for some odd reason, he is obviously happy to be a part of this exclusive group of crazies. His favorite sister met us at the finish line of one of our races years ago. It has been inspiring to feel the love and support his siblings and their families have provided.

I am fortunate to have watched Steve and Mary Ann go through their courtship, engagement and marriage. In all the miles we have run, all the slopes we have skied, all the trips we have taken and all the talks we have had, he has never, ever said anything except how blessed he is to be married to her. He has gloated over Little Willy’s football and Lacrosse skills, boasted of Alexandria’s brainpower and discussed Chelsie’s suitors with me over the years. No love on earth can compare to a Parent’s love for his children and no parent on earth could love his children more than Steve! 

Memory from Allen Naylor. 

Making people smile

Whether it’s jumping out of garbage cans, making some off the wall remark to his little league football team or playfully teasing the waitress at a restaurant, he knew how to bring a smile to our faces. Nobody could do it better than Steve.

As we witnessed in many journal entries, his humor was very good in his writing. The fact is, it was even better in person. It was easy to find joy in life and to smile when we were with Steve. To quote my wife Sarah “the world will be a little less funny without Steve around."

Memory from Allen Naylor. 

Thank you notes

Years ago, long before his cancer battle began, Steve learned the importance of appreciating others and giving proper thanks for the things he received. Many times I found “thank you” post it notes and received cards thanking me for little things I had done that many people would not have even noticed. Steve’s own words from his journal help confirm this point. Almost every entry he wrote included a thank you or an expressed appreciation for something.

Memory from Allen Naylor. 

Cliff jumping in Lake Powell

RIght after Dad died, I went to Lake Powell with Joey and Lauren and some of their friends. There was a time I felt him with me. I think he even pushed me off a 50ft. cliff I wouldn't jump off..... I've never cliff jumped without him, and went through a state of panic as I was about to jump knowing he wasn't going to be in the water waiting for me. I heard him say "for crap sake, jump off the damn cliff, everyone is waiting for you!" I felt him in the water with me when I finished. (I'm sticking with him pushing me, because I don't ever remember taking the plunge myself.) Typical Dad.

He was always the first one to suggest cliff jumping at Lake Powell. He'd always find the best cliffs and be the one to hike to the top with the kids while the other adults stayed in the boat. He was a big kid at heart and I always thought I had the coolest dad because of it.