Good morning Steve and Family. Bonnie and I have been thinking of you so much lately. Your latest update, Jodie, was both sad and heartwarming. How great to see such a strong family pull together through this as well as the great community that Steve and you all have built over the years. Thank you also for being kind enough to share Steve's final journey with us all. It is an honor to be included.
May you sail on silver wings, Steve, sail on high with the wind at your back. Who knows what waits for us on the other side, but I know you will greet it with the wonder, enthusiasm, and integrity that you have shown us all on this planet.
Peace and Love to You All,
Lou and Bonnie
Dear Steve, Ginny, Jodie and Erin,
Thank you, Jodie for your beautiful posts and updates. We are thinking of you, and wish we were not so far away. Lots of love from all of us. Eva, Jim, Sofia, Kristian, Lukas and William ❤️
Hey Steve, So wonderful to get to "work with you" over the years. Sharing the pain, so to speak, and the joys. You have been such an inspiration to me in your positive attitude through some really tough times. Always a big hug and gigantic warm heart. I have loved our talks and "not talks", just table time. Sending one of those hugs to you now. Ella
Steve,
I have been thinking of you, of all the positive energy you have brought to the world and all the people you have touched. I feel honored that I am one of those people. Thanks. MacRae
Hey Jodie, thanks so much for the update. Steve, we had our family (including Eddy, Jess and Jake) over for dinner on Saturday night and I was reminded once again of the role that Big Winds and you played in my family's life. I think that both Andy and Katie's first job was working Kids Camp, and I have vivid memories of when Andy and the Farro twins were "Hookers" (yeah, they thought they were pretty funny). And the fact that you brought Eddy, Jess and Jake back to Hood River makes my heart sing. Thank you for being a thread in our lives. Love to you all - Nancy
Thinking of all of you today but especially you Steve. I can't help but smile when I remember some of our great ski trips around the Northwest. Playing co- captain as we reviewed the race results discussing who was "in" for sure and who was on the "bubble" for Buddy Werner. A stop at Jitters to caffeine up for the road ahead and lots of laughter as we rolled along. Since Tax Season generally made Ron a no show and Ginny couldn't always come, I really appreciated that we could team up and be a support system for each other. Watching you as a coach, a parent and a human being has enriched not only my life but all who have known you. Thanks for all the memories and just being you. 🤩😘
Steve, I still remember with such deep fondness the time we spent with you during Jodie's wedding festivities. Leave it to you to make time during a busy reception to engage in a deep conversation with your guests! Gideon and I were the recipients of that attention and enjoyed hearing about your transitioning of your business to your successors. What a gift to them to ingrain in them your wisdom and the passion that went into your vision and building of Big Winds--who does that? You do! Though our visits have been few and far between over the years, we've always felt it a special gift to be with you and to be surrounded by all the Irving/Gates clan. What a legacy!
With love and tremendous respect, Annie