This pic is somewhere around 1990 after a day of working a flood at the Imperial Palace. Steve was not shy for the camera. Steve was a big part of my life in my 20s and even though we drifted apart over the years, he will always remain in my thoughts.
I worked with Steve and we were great friends. He had the kindest heart and a wonderful sense of humor. I remember you couldn't yawn around him without eating the "tube steak". I was with him the first night he met Patricia. I told Steve I loved my future wife before I told her. I remember playing basketball with Steve and always leaving the back of his shirt black with my handprints. He was eight inches taller than me and I had to keep him out of the paint. I remember when they got the "baby lexus". And, who's going to keep MGD in business? Nobody drinks that crap. It makes me so sad that we grew apart over the years. And, it makes me even more sad we won't get the chance to grow back together. I miss you. Robert
PS. Thanks Dan for letting me know about this website.
Just looking at my Face Book page makes my heart ache. I am very happy for all the mother's who can still celebrate with their children. Mother's Day was a very sad day for me. Even though we couldn't be together for all of the Mother's Days, you were still here to talk to, and for you to talk to me. Now I'm just waiting for the day when I can see you again. I loved you, and still love you, with all my heart.
Ps. It is also mom's birthday today, so maybe you can wish her a Happy Birthday for me. Love to you both.
This is for you my precious son Steven, I will love and miss you forever.
This is just the beautiful song...
http://youtu.be/C4dci4Z7p6A This is a youtube video...with lyrics and song
Flowers and house plants for Steven. Large pink and green is from his father (sent with regrets for not being able to attend), plants from Linda Kaan, Rita Erwin and Tom n Monica Bean. Smaller vase of roses given to me by Daniel Johnson in Las Vegas when we met for dinner.
Your good friend Dan Johnson has sent me a Mass Card in your honor. It was such a wonderful gift from a loving friend of yours. I will cherish it forever.
During the video session Jennifer left a message for Steven. Thank you for that Jennifer, it was really sweet.
Looking through my videos from the party, I found this touching condolence video from my lifelong friend Sharon Norman Stebbins Barnhart. Thank you for doing this Sharon, I just love what you said, and it was perfect. Photographed by Jennifer Stebbins (Sharon's granddaughter).
Love to you, Steven, from all your family and friends. Here come the special messages from all of us. Love and miss you.
If the videos don't play smoothly, just let them play out and then click on the play arrow again.
Here are your friends who loved you so much they came from Las Vegas to celebrate your life party with me. It was really good to see them again. Tom and Monica Bean, Patricia McCartney and Sandra Horvath.
All the friends and family gathered to release the balloons up to heaven to you my precious son, Steven. We have written special messages for you to send up with the balloons.
Today was the Celebration of Life Party that I gave in rememberance of you, my sweet son. It went really well, and some of your friends were there to celebrate with me. We sent balloons up to you with thoughts from our hearts. Hoping you have a blessed forever.
This event was held at Mt. Charleston every year. Many people would build sleds and many would just go to watch the sleds to see if they would make it to the bottom of the run. All the sleds were hand built with only paper products (cardboard, string or twine, and glue, no metal). The patriotic and pink one were built by Steven.
Steve....I wish I would have stayed in touch, I'll miss you friend.
I remember that road trip to Huntington Beach well. You caught that first wave and got up on that board like a pro. Sun...sand...Dolphins swimming beside us and a seal on the beach....good times.
I made this a couple of years ago with all the pictures from my computer. I thought it would be a beautiful slide show and music to be played on Steven's page. Enjoy.
Turn, Turn, Turn by The Byrds
Words-adapted from The Bible, book of Ecclesiastes
Music-Pete Seeger
To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)
There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven
A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep
To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)
There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven
A time to build up, a time to break down
A time to dance, a time to mourn
A time to cast away stones, a time to gather stones together
To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)
There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven
A time of love, a time of hate
A time of war, a time of peace
A time you may embrace, a time to refrain from embracing
To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)
There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven
A time to gain, a time to lose
A time to rend, a time to sew
A time for love, a time for hate
A time for peace, I swear it's not too late
It's no surprise to see Steve laughing it up with one of his friends. This looks like a three day all-inclusive houseboat trip to Lake Powell, one of many awards Steve received during his successful career in bottled water. This is back in the day when the company was Hinckley and Schmitt, which later became Sierra Springs and eventually Sparkletts. That looks like Robert Anderson by his side. Steve gained many friends during his many years in the business, including myself.
And now the end is near
So I face the final curtain
My friend, I'll say it clear
I'll state my case of which I'm certain
I've lived a life that's full
I've traveled each and every highway
And more, much more than this
I did it my way
Regrets, I've had a few
But then again, too few to mention
I did what I had to do
And saw it through without exception
I planned each charted course
Each careful step along the byway
Oh, and more, much more than this
I did it my way
Yes, there were times, I'm sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew
But through it all when there was doubt
I ate it up and spit it out
I faced it all and I stood tall
And did it my way
I've loved, I've laughed and cried
I've had my fails, my share of losing
And now as tears subside
I find it all so amusing
To think I did all that
And may I say, not in a shy way
No, oh no not me,
I did it my way
For what is a man, what has he got
If not himself, then he has not
To say the words he truly feels
And not the words he would reveal
The record shows I took the blows
And did it my way
The record shows I took the blows
And did it my way
Today has been a sad day. This morning my close childhood neighbor's grandmother died and I found out via face book. For the last couple hrs I have been numb since I read Elaine's status. Elaine is my grandmothers’ niece. Who I never met in person since she lives out west! Please send loving prayers her way. I can't even imagine having to bury my only son. I send love and light! Cyber hugs.
Today made me realize never to take anything for granted never say no when u really mean yes. Don't give up because in every pain and sorrow u feel there will be sunshine and rainbows on the other side. Be kind to one another. You never know what tomorrow brings. So live for today and cherish every moment! Make memories, take lots of pictures and just enjoy the time spent with friends and family. You can't put your arms around a memory so do it now! Hug the one you're with! If you're sitting at happy hour right now extend your hand to your bar mate. Ask them how their day was and actually be interested in listening to their reply. Call an old friend and catch up on Life. Life sometimes plays a shitty soundtrack but just learn how dance thru the storm! Love to all tonight! With tears in my eyes I just know no matter what everything is gonna be alright! Love you Elaine Banman from the bottom of my heart!
Nicole Marie
His first haircut, before and after.
Steven loved his cats so much that he even danced with them. He had a lot of pictures and videos of them.
