Dear friends,

Steve passed away this afternoon at 5:15, July 28.  He died peacefully, painlessly, while surrounded by a group of people who loved him.  The Death with Dignity process was deeply compassionate and moving.

Though Steve was extremely fatigued in these last few days, he managed to make jokes until he was unable to talk anymore.  When we asked him for some last words, he said "So long, suckers!"  Classic Steve, til the very end.

One by one, each person said their goodbyes, and shortly after he went into a deep sleep.  We sat with him quietly during this last hour.  The room was very peaceful.  Steve's breathing was quiet and regular, and then eventually his breathing became shorter, and finally stopped after just a few gasps.  Fida lay next to Steve during this entire time.  After a number of minutes, there was a change in the room, a feeling that he was leaving his body.  It was very touching to see Fida lick his hand.  Several people later commented that they felt a powerful and very big energy all around us.

Steve was brilliant, kind, and a unique unforgettable presence.  He also lived with some deep pain, and never forgave himself for some of the things that happened in the past. He was a good friend to many, the best neighbor anyone could ever ask for, and had a heart of gold. He will be deeply missed.

Many blessings,

Alisha