This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Steve Bistrow, 70, born on January 8, 1947 and passed away on December 26, 2017. We will remember him forever.
Background Music:
"You Oughta Be Here With Me" sung by Dana (Bistrow) Armstrong (Age 16). Lead Guitar: Steve Bistrow. This song is about a young girl singing to her recently departed father in the Musical "Big River" based on the Mark Twain Novel "Huckleberry Finn". The Music was written by Roger Miller. I find this exceptionally fitting right now. I will Miss You so much Daddy. Making music with you was always a sheer joy. I will miss that desperately.
"Unchained Melody" (A Tribute to Duane Eddy) as spoken and played by Steve Bistrow.
It is very heart-warming to read the tributes given to the man I shared my life with for 47 years. I get misty-eyed and smile at the same time as I read your stories. I will forever miss him and his sense of humor. There was always a laugh in him, and he could coax one out of anybody he was talking to. Thanks to everyone who took time to remember him here.
My family and I live in Homer Glen, Illinois which is a suburb of Chicago. I never had the pleasure to meet Steve, however we did have a few conversations on a popular guitar forum in which we shared a mutual interest. A few years ago in an effort to learn and improve my cover band, which is a passion and hobby of mine, I asked the forum an open ended question regarding band performances. Of course Steve responded with some fantastic advice. So much so, I reached out to him personally a few months later to share with him some success stories that were the direct result of his advice. While performing a show, Steve was the first to encourage me to make time for the audience, to not be afraid to approach patrons and introduce myself.
We shared a few emails, and he even sent me a few audio clips of his band back in the 70’s. It may sound silly, but Steve helped become a better performer, networker and businessman all because he chose to offer up some of his knowledge and wisdom. Please know that his influence will continue resonate with me. My thoughts and prayers are with Janice, Dana, John as well as all of Steve’s extended family and friends. Thank you again and rest in peace.
Neal Rudnik
www.nealrudnik.com
I have so many wonderful memories of my brother. He's married to my sister, Janice, But I consider him my brother. I used to live with them many years ago when I was a teenager and a babysitter for my niece, Dana. Steve and I used to see who could cut the other down the most. It was just a game to us but Janice thought we hated each other. One night as we were going at it Janice got up crying and ran out of the room. Me and Steve just looked at each other like WTF is wrong with her? After we explained to her that we were just playing it didn't bother her any more. She would even join in once in a while.
