Hi Steve and family, Lou and Bonnie here thinking of you often. Sending lots of love your way and hoping you can have some peace and comfort in your journey.
I'm thinking today about that long ago trip we took to American Samoa where you and John Ritter first introduced me too surfing. I had so much fun flailing around on the reef on my big yellow Morey Doyle while you both covered your eyes and hoped for the best. Ah, to be young again.
All the Best, Lou and Bonnie
Steve and Family,
Just got pointed to this portal - good idea. Know that you are right there in our thoughts and hearts - and just ask if there is anything you need (pizza ...). Your family is truly the 'poster child' of what is cool about Hood River.
Steve, Sagers sending you big love and gratitude and knowing your eternal nature. You will always be in our hearts and memory. Just now I see you sending me off from Big Winds on the fat tire (studded) ebike, to test-ride State and Oak on snow pack. Big Grins!! Thanks for the memories and friendship and deep goodness. You will be dearly missed but never forgotten
Steve, I'm remembering a significant time of life when you, Tony and I coached the girls softball team. It was such a terrific experience for me and you were such a powerful influence with your limitless energy and patience. I'm sure not having that fantastic energy now is super frustrating. I remember you pitching practice one day and jumping to retrieve a line drive and breaking your ankle from landing on one of the balls. Several days later you showed up with crutches to practice and 'ran the track' with the girls on crutches. I'm sure your influence will be in hearts and minds for a long time Steve. Thanks for everything.
Great hanging with you & Alaska Friends yesterday Steve / So many wonderful times & memories Amigo.
I’m So Thankful for our Friendship ✨ MAHALO NUI LOA
Hi Steve and Ginny and Family,
Counting on my fingers and toes, I think I have known you, Steve and Ginny, for about 46 years. Although we have not been extremely close all of those years, that long friendship has been responsible for many shared experiences. I met you, Steve, when we were both a couple of young hippies working at the Mt Alyeska restaurant and skiing half price( $5 lift tickets) 3 days a week. My how times have changed, but I remember those days at Alyeska, hiking Turnigan pass , and each of us sharing one of those tiny cabins as some of my fondest memories.
Later, when you moved to HR, I remember visiting the Gorge every August with my daughter, Arika, until I finally moved there for 4 years. That meant many visits to Big Winds, sailing together, dinners, and skiing Mt hood meadows together. And we got to watch each others kids grow up to the fine people they are now.
Years later I ran into our mutual friend ,Dave Seifert, at a Taj Mahal concert in Anchorage, when he informed me about that first surf trip to Cardon. The next day I was on the phone with you, and so started our 13 years of sharing waves at a spot that has become special to both of us, not only for the waves , but especially because of the wonderful people that have populated those trips.
Thanks so very much for all those memories Steve. Bonnie and I are sending you and your family good vibes and best wishes every day. I hope by entering the hospice process that you all can find some peace of mind and quiet times to share together.
Big Love from our Hearts, and all the Best Wishes in the World,
Lou and Bonnie
Thinking of you today as the snow falls for the third time this fall. Remembering fun family ski trips together, staying at Sun River, skiing Mt. Bachelor. Also, the many ski days at Meadows with Steve and days with all of our kids zipping down the mountain, Steve being the eager teacher, trying to coax good form out of our kids, and me too. “Pop the ballon” he would shout as I tried to make tighter turns. Grateful forever for Steve rescuing me after a harrowing fall down Heather Canyon. He rolled me over at the bottom when I was unconscious, I swear his beautiful, intense blue eyes kept me alive. He asked me a million questions so that I would not go into shock. A hero, my guardian angel, as I always refer to him. So many fond memories we share. I think of you all so much these days, understanding some of what you are going through. Rainy, Willow and I send you much love from Colorado. Sally LaVenture
Aloha Steve,
A beautifully written update. Thank you very much. Kay and I are holding all the Gates Ohana very much in the forefront of our thoughts and hearts. Keep thinking positively as you always do and as a very wise friend of mine once told me “swing for the fences!” Malama Pono, Al & Kay
I'm thinking today about that long ago trip we took to American Samoa where you and John Ritter first introduced me too surfing. I had so much fun flailing around on the reef on my big yellow Morey Doyle while you both covered your eyes and hoped for the best. Ah, to be young again.
All the Best, Lou and Bonnie