Since I heard about Steve's death, I have been trying to think of how to describe what Steve's friendship meant to me. Steve was always there when you needed him and even though I hadn't spoken with him in several years, he has always remained in my thoughts and in my heart.

One of my favorite memories of Steve is a birthday present he gave to me that I still treasure--a birdhouse in the shape of a lighthouse his dad had made. It was at a time in my life when I really needed a friend and Steve was there--just like always. .

Steve and I talked alot about his desire to work with marine mammals when he worked at Point Defiance. The day he was hired to work with Keiko in Oregon was a happy day for not only him but also for me and many of his friends. Steve was going to get to do something he dreamed about and his happiness and love for that whale was infectious.

Later when controversy surrounded Keiko's return to Iceland, Steve's presence during Keiko's transition to the open ocean brought a lot of comfort to those of us who were still at the Aquarium. We knew Steve would do everything in his power to take care of him and he did.

I will of course remember his smile, the wonderful meals he shared with so many, playing checkers at Sit-n-Spin, heated discussions--especially about music and the environment, his sense of humor, bonfires at the beach, but most of all I will remember Steve's passion for experiencing life! Since one of our many debates centered around REM verses, the Indigo Girls and who wrote better lyrics it is ironic that when I heard that Steve had passed away I was listening to the Indigo Girls (sorry Steve) . . . somehow the lyrics from that particular song seem to be a perfect way to express both how Steve lived life (he understood that we are truly "better off for all that we let in") and how grateful I am for having had Steve be a part of my life.

 ---Chris Schmitz

" Dust in our eyes our own boots kicked up
Heartsick we nursed along the way we picked up
You may not see it when it's sticking to your skin
But we're better off for all that we let in

Lost friends and loved ones much too young
So much promises and work left undone
When all that guards us is a single centerline
And the brutal crossing over when it's time

I don't know where it all begins
And I don't know where it all will end
We're better off for all that we let in"

From All That We Let In by the Indigo Girls