When I was a senior in high school, the principal called me to his office as the year was starting and said to me, "As a senior, I expect you to be a leader for the whole high school. You're class president and the underclassmen look up to you. We have two new boys in the freshman class, Steve T and Steve Strout. Introduce yourself, get to know them, be helpful to them."

I did what I was told, and to my lasting joy, Steve and Steve and I became friends. I graduated and left for college, but when I was home on vacations I did my best to connect with them. When they finished high school, we lost direct contact, but others kept me informed of their general whereabouts. 
I was aware that brother Steve Strout was ill, but not that he'd gone home. For those left here to finish the journey without him, the road is harder than before. I mourn now and miss him with you. He was a good friend that God brought into my life (along with Steve T) a few months after my mom died of cancer. 

I first met Steve in 2010 at a Starbucks in Franklin - I was interviewing to be the newest promoter at Provident/Sony. He and I clicked so well and I remember thinking, “Well, shoot! If I get to work with THIS guy as my boss, I’m sold!”

Steve is the best boss I’ve ever had. A creative genius. An inspiring leader. A caring dude with a quick wit that was always one step ahead of everyone else.

He taught me some invaluable life lessons over the years.

A few that come to mind:
-You can always learn something from anyone. No matter your differences.
-“Readers are leaders, Katherine.”
-Always leave a company well.
-It’s okay to be creative and take risks.
-If you’re on a diet, it’s still acceptable to chew up a fun-size snickers and spit it out. You get the taste of candy without actually eating it.
-When a gas attendant claims your card isn’t working because “the pump is too hot” - take a breath, and drive to the next gas station. (I’ll always remember St Louis, AJ )
-If your inbox is flooded with 1400 emails, just delete them all - because “if they’re important enough, they’ll come back.”
-Anyone can be sworn into TSA, it's all about being at the right place at the right time. (AJ - remember the Orlando airport?? Ali reminded me of this one!)

Ultimately, there's 3 things that make me think of Steve: Work hard. Love well. Be kind.

That's how he lived his life. I hope to honor him well and do the same.

AJ, Satchel, Cecily, and Pippa - we love you and are lifting you up.

Go BoSox!

I have a silly memory to share that I hope brings a smile to your face, AJ. 

One year at CMB/Momentum, after the conference had wrapped up, Steve, AJ, Todd and I spent the evening at Magic Kingdom riding rides together. While Steve and I were not fans of rollercoasters, Todd and AJ absolutely are and somehow convinced us all to ride Thunder Mountain. As the ride started, I was so nervous and as we started that first incline, I hear Steve yelling "Lordy Lordy Lordy!" and he continued to yell that the entire ride. I was laughing so hard I was crying, and couldn't even think about being scared. We might have been four adults on that ride, but for a few minutes we were little kids that could not stop laughing. Even after the ride ended.

I've made several memories with my own kids at the parks at Disney in years since, but nothing tops that memory. I think about it often - how silly Steve was, how he would do anything for AJ, and how you could not be around him without a smile on your face.

AJ, Satchel, Cecily, and Pippa - we love you so much.