Baby, I've been searching like everybody else
Can't say nothing different about myself
Sometimes I'm an angel and sometimes I'm cruel
And when it comes to love, I'm just another fool
Yes, I'll climb a mountain
I'm gonna swim the sea
There ain't no act of God, girl
Could keep you safe from me
My arms are reaching out
Out across this canyon
I'm asking you to be my true companion
True companion
True companion

So don't you dare and try to walk away
I've got my heart set on our wedding day
I've got this vision of a girl in white
Made my decision that it's you alright
When I take your hand
I'll watch my heart set sail
I'll take my trembling fingers
And I'll lift up your veil
Then I'll take you home
And with wild abandon
Make love to you just like a true companion
You are my true companion
I got a true companion
Oh, a true companion

When the years have done irreparable harm
I can see us walking slowly arm in arm
Just like that couple on the corner do, 'cause
Girl, I will always be in love with you
When I look in your eyes
I'll still see that spark
Until the shadows fall
Until the room grows dark
Then when I leave this Earth
I'll be with the angels standin'
I'll be out there waiting for my true companion
Just for my true companion
True companion
True companion

Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Marc Cohn

I always loved how he tugged on Diane's hair. And when she was wearing a braid he would just grab it-this is mine.  The love they have for each other couldn't ever be hidden. 

His hugs were very special. I always felt safe with him. 

The first time he said he loved me I thought I had died and gone to heaven. He was the son I never had. 

I will always miss him. 

Love, 
Jackie 
Picture from the Balloon ride given for my 80th birthday.  

Steve often told me that he really didn’t like the human race and that the world would most likely be a better place without them. But it was clear that Steve loved humans individually and loved them intensely. When Steve and Diane were first married I lived back East working in a Baroque orchestra. When I’d come for a visit Steve would start asking me questions about music and the violin in particular. He wanted to learn all he could about my life and what I was up to. I’ve noticed that Steve does this with every new person entering his circle. They would become Steve’s focus; they were special to him; and what their lives were about were important to him. That interest and focus was a special gift to all those around him and I think it made all of us feel accepted, safe, liked, and loved.

This year of the pandemic was hard for so many of us. We couldn’t get together with friends and loved ones on a regular basis. But after vaccinations my family had the great pleasure of gathering together for Mother’s Day at my Mom’s place. It was delightful and we all chattered together, eating good food prepared by me, Diane, and Steve. Steve prepared a special smoked salmon salad and dip and my Mom was in heaven-So Yummy. One of the cute things Steve and I shared was an agreement, or understanding-my Mom and Diane share a conversational quirk which is that they will make a comment not related to what you’re talking about and wonder why you’re lost. Steve and I would exchange a glance and start giggling and Steve would quip “They did it again!”

  I loved talking with Steve about food, plants, animals, traveling, music, and politics. He would enthusiastically show me his maps, what route he and Diane were planning on taking the next trip or trips from the past. No computer generated trips for them-beautiful road atlases, maps, and instinct were the only tools Steve and Diane would allow. He and I shared a love of cast iron cook ware and often compared notes on the best way to clean and maintain them. I introduced him to a bean (a heritage flat bean and I don’t remember the name) that I would grow in my garden and he became an expert seed saver of said bean-I never had to buy a packet again! His garden overflowed with tomatoes and beans and other goodies and he made delicious salsas and dried tomatoes packed in oil. The backyard is a paradise for creatures and birds. In the front yard grows a Gunnera named Berta and it is exploding with life right now. Steve made delicious food sometimes using a recipe for inspiration, but it was always his own creation. One of the family’s favorites was his scalloped potatoes. It was not like any scalloped potatoes I’ve ever eaten before. One bite and you thought you were in heaven.

Just a couple of weeks ago Steve delivered to me an old cooler filled with the complete set of novels of Barbara Kingsolver. She was one of his favorite authors and we often talked about her writing. He knew that I loved The Poisonwood Bible but that I hadn’t read all of her books—so he delivered them to me in that old cooler. Now, Steve could read a book in 2 or 3 days and sadly I am a much slower reader. He told me “Doesn’t matter, take your time.” Well Steve, I intend to get started on these right away.

Watching Steve and Diane together was something inspiring-always. But one time was magical. We were sitting on their deck and somehow the conversation grew serious and became about love-love between the two of them. I watched as all that was around them disappeared-the two of them were the only ones in the world and they spoke in their own language of music, dreams, and life. The love they shared was and is still beautiful.

Thank you Steve for being a part of my life and my family’s life and bringing so much love to Diane. I will always love you. 

A song expressing what words can't at this moment:

Piece by Piece

And all I remember is your back
Walking towards the airport, leaving us all in your past
I traveled fifteen hundred miles to see you
Begged you to want me, but you didn't want to

But piece by piece, he collected me up
Off the ground, where you abandoned things, yeah
Piece by piece, he filled the holes that you burned in me
At six years old and you know
He never walks away
He never asks for money
He takes care of me
He loves me
Piece by piece, he restored my faith
That a man can be kind and a father could stay

Our family is forever changed without Steve. I can’t find the words to express how much he is loved. How much he will be missed & all that he meant to us. Steve was magical, loving, kind, intelligent and funny. To list all his attributes would take forever & all who were lucky enough to know him, know what I’m talking about. I am so lucky that I am able to call him my family. He is loved Now & for always. 
Sharshar-Dave-Caitly

When we moved next door to you and Steve, we had no idea what to expect – you just can’t tell. But over the last, now, 15 years, he was not only a fantastic neighbor, but a fantastic and much-loved friend, too (you, too, Diane). Whether it was dropping off a bag of the world’s most perfect potatoes, helping Natalie redo our bathroom, sharing tomatoes and our veggie patches, stopping by for a drink or two in the garage, loaning us various tools, or just chatting about everything and nothing, he was always incredibly nice, knowledgeable, and funny, with his great smile and unwavering generosity. Not having him around seems impossible, not hearing you and he sitting on your porch laughing and talking, not having him send out a friendly hello as I walk by with the dog. We will miss him terribly. Of all the houses we could have moved into, we’re so glad we picked the one next to both of you.

Love, hugs-

A.J. and Natalie

When we first moved to Seattle, we lived with Diane, before she and Steve reconnected, She welcomed us with open arms and we were so thankful.I would always think, she deserves a good man to love her. When they got together we were so happy for them, you could see the love they shared. We also wanted to go and explore Washington but didn't know where to go. Steve and Diane invited us to a hike with them, we said sure! That is the first and only time we have been to Neah bay. He showed us his secret Steve made hiking trail. It was beautiful out there, just stunning, and being their with him, feeling his passion for nature, and the ocean was contagious! Kealii and Steve fished all day, caught a ton of fish and had a blast, Diane and I sat back and enjoyed watching them, and just soaking in nature. We will never forget those times, it was a special place with special people and we hope to go visit that place again soon ❤ Diane our prayers are with you. We love you, Charity & Kealii

Steve was a man of nature and you both shared that love. Steve will always be with you. In the plants he planted in your garden and the birds he fed that will return to you each year. All will be signs that Steve is beside you always.

People come into our Life for a Reason, a Season & Sometimes a Lifetime
When someone is in your Life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, 
            to aid  you physically, emotionally or spiritually.
They may seem like a Godsend at the time, because they usually are.
                  They are there for the reason you needed them to be!
Then, without any wrong doing on your part or at an inconvenient time,
            this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they pass away. . . Sometimes they walk away!
            Sometimes they act up and force you to take a Stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, therefore their work is done.
          The prayer you sent up was answered and now it is time to move forward.
Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you Laugh!
              They may teach you something you have never done?
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of Joy.
                             Believe it, it is Real, but only for a SEASON!
LIFETIME relationships teach you Lifetime Lessons,
           Things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.
Our job is to accept the lesson, Love the person and put what you have Learned to
                 use in all other relationships and areas of your Life.
                               It is said that love is blind but Friendship is clairvoyant!!!

THANK YOU Steve for all the lessons and experiences we shared~ THANK YOU for being a part of my Journey through a Season and giving Life REASON ~ You Will be MISSED! This world was a Better place with you in it ~ THANX for helping to make it more tolerable for the rest of Us! XOXOXOXOXOXOX

Written by (although not for Steve) an amazing young woman, shared with permission:

The earth spins like a rolling ball.
Stars shine bright then fade away.
Darkness melts and turns to light.
The sunrise starts another day.
The sun dips slowly into the sea.
The moon will wax and wane.
The sea will rise and falls with tides.
And you will love again.

Nothing ever stays the same.
Mountains change with time.
Rivers flow and lakes run dry.
Salty tears will flood the eye.
Healing follows after pain.
A crush of grape becomes fine wine.
And you will love again.

Kate Brune

May 22, 2021

My husband, Michael, and I invited Steve and Diane to Lake Connor Park in Snohomish for a picnic. We had a trailer there and did camping. They arrived in their biking duds and we were amazed and wide-eyed. Seeing them in black leather was such a different outfit than I had ever seen them wearing. They wore black leather because it was for protection. I had given them directions on how to get there but Diane informed me that Steve figured out where it was and made his own plan. We had a great lunch and visit with lots of laughs and sharing of stories. When it was time for them to leave I was totally impressed to see them get on their black leather outfits which they wore quite well. It was so sweet to see Diane climb on the back and put her arms around her honey. Steve definitely knew how to handle that machine and to take care of his lovely passenger/wife too. He indeed was a caring, loving husband, biker.

We loved meeting you both. We commented then and remarked there are some people you meet that are friends from hello on. You have that gift, to make people feel welcome, accepted, and friends from hello. I love the memorial link, what a wonderful way to show your love and let others express theirs. We had a scare and I thought I was losing my husband last fall. Thankfully he's with me still. I think of how I would feel without him and it makes me want to hug you. Janet & Will

Diane, you BOTH were such a joy to have as neighbors. My heart truly breaks hearing the loss of Steve. It is evident how much you truly loved each other and how you both found the greater good in all around you. We are forever grateful to have been part of your story and to have known Steve and will always cherish the special pieces he made for our children. Hugs to you.

Note: Steve carved stone boxes for Angela's children in celebration of their birth. 

Oh, Diane, I am so sorry for your loss. Although I only knew him through Facebook, I have always admired your partnership. Having lost my love this year, I share this horrible sisterhood with you. Sending lots of love for now and the days ahead. 

OMG Diane,  I am so sad to hear this news! What an incredible loss.  I’m sure you are heartbroken!  I know you were looking forward to your years of living the carefree vagabond life & just being able to enjoy the world. So sad.

We will miss seeing Steve’s happy face & his cute T-shirts. I keep trying to copy how he cut them to look so cool. Haven’t quite figured it out. I was actually just thinking of you & wondering how you made those fabulous sun-dried tomatoes that you gave us last visit. Must be I felt something on the subconscious wires.

Hope you will come visit us some day when you are up to it. Thank you for letting us know.
We are holding your sadness in our hearts.

much love,
Rachel & John

Diane, you have written an incredible tribute that truly speaks to the depths of human understanding and connection to another. Both Cecil and I have witnessed this deep love and connection between you and Steve and were blessed to be able to share in your joy. He truly has been one of the kindest gentle souls I have ever met. Thank you for sharing your love and depths of compassion and spirit world with us. Steve and you, your friendship, your unconditional love and support has been a mark upon this world and upon our lives. We love you both and truly feel sad by his passing. We know in some ways he will always be with you and those he has touched. We know, however, it will never be as it has been. My prayers are with you as you begin this journey of healing. Be kind to your brokenness and trust that you are not alone. Many, many spirit lives and love of family and friends are with you to help guide you and carry you. We love you very much! 

katecbowler Here's a blessing for you who lost too much too quickly.

Blessed are you sitting among the shards of what could have been. It's broken now, that dream you loved and it spilled out all over the ground.

Blessed are you letting your eyes look and remember all the hope you once had. All the love, all the beauty, all the future selves. You could have been.

Blessed are you telling your tears they can flow, telling your anger, it can speak. Letting this loss speak all its terrible truth to your soul.

Blessed are you, when mourning is the holy work of the moment,
for it speaks of what is real.

Blessed are we who mourn saying let me stay here in grief's cold winter for as long as it takes.

That morning might be, to our hearts, the gentlest springtime. Let the thaw come slowly as we learn to live here in what is possible today.

Such a warm and loving man who found his soul mate in a amazing, unique woman. You were such an example of unconditional love for us all

Diane:  I am so sorry for your loss.
I very much appreciate you letting me know.  Steve was a wonderful person and he was so fortunate to have had you in his life. 

When Steve and I were together he shared with me the story of how you met, and how you were the first love of his life.  You were always the one who “got away”.  He loved you and missed you when you weren’t together.

I’m glad that you came back into his life, and that you were able to share some wonderful years together.  I know you will miss him terribly.

My heart is aching. My love and prayers to you and your family, Dave & Shar and family, and Mike & Susan and family.

Maureen

Diane, I will forever remember our recent conversations about your life long love for Steven and how deep and abiding your connection was from the beginning. You truly shared an extraordinary and beautiful journey together.
Sending you my heartfelt condolences and love. 
May his memory be eternal. 

❤️ Pat