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More Stories and Memories of Stephen -
| Stephen, Jen, and Lloyd; Always on the lookout! |
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| Photo: S. Sinelli |
| Some Michael Rose event, circa 1990 |
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| Photo: M. Rose |
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Since I heard the news about Stephen, in addition to being shocked and stunned I've been spending time feeling bad about
all of the things he did for me - and for Greg - over the years, and the fact that I never got the chance to repay him. Like
spending a week of his life helping us put a new roof on our house - possibly one of the crappiest jobs in the history of
all jobs - without being asked, and with never a complaint. Working all day on the roof and then cooking dinner for everyone
at night when the rest of us were too tired to get off the couch. Like making me laugh hysterically during a few otherwise
very tense moments in the field, in a couple of cases where things were seriously going off the rails and no one else could
have made me laugh. Like making sure that for every holiday we spent away from home we had a home-cooked meal and a gathering
of friends. Like treating his good friends like family, and knowing that no matter what else was going on he always had your
back.
Here's the thing I've realized about not being able to repay Stephen for all of his kind and generous
deeds over the years: 1) he wasn't keeping score; and 2) I was never going to be able to repay him anyway, because there were
too many of them. I'm very sorry not to be able to try. He was a true and loyal and longtime friend, and he will be very missed.
-
Jen Schorr
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You have to remember that he loved what he did. It wasn't just a job, it was his life.
I know that everyone
who came into contact with Stephen will miss him dearly. He just had that type of personality where everyone that met
him was drawn to him, and felt comfortable.
I know I did, and will always remember him!
He will be sorely missed, and
never forgotten!!!
- Jordan Fulling
I havent spoken to Steve for over 6 years now. I just happened to read the Seattle Times today because I saw the
blurb of "Free Willy". Steve taught my dog Montana how to speak (how annoying!!!!). We were over at his
house laughing and visiting when the topic of teaching a then 7 year old Montana a new trick came up in conversation.
Steve proved that you could teach an old dog new tricks. I am reminded everyday when Montana demands cookies and talks
back while being insolent. Later that week, Steve gave me a wonderful book and a training whistle as a present, just
because. I still have these things and think fondly of Steve. The damn dog is still speaking thanks to Steve.
I only knew Steve a short time, but I will never forget him, his sense of humour and his stories. My condolences to
his family; he will truly be missed. I hope his family knows that Steve affected me and my dog for a lifetime.
May his memory alway be bright and with the whales that he loved so much. Travel safe Steve, say hello for all of us.
Love, Patsy & Montana
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Stephen was one of these remarkable
people you rarely run into in life, he was, at different times, thoughtful and intelligent, then moody as hell, quick witted
and also a royal pain in the ass. Most importantly he was always, always a very dear friend.
When I think of "Stevie" many great
memories flood back about Newport, Keiko, Springer and all the other "interesting" times we all shared. The one time that
stands out to me most was a very personal moment with Keiko. Keiko was sick in Iceland, and we needed a blood desperately.
We had all tied to get some interaction going, but with no success. It was cold, wind blowing and Keiko was not eating or
interacting with anyone. I watched Stephen coax Keiko into position and using every skill he had learned and a remarkable
personal relationship that he had built over two years to perform a miracle. In the freezing water, underneath Keiko’s
tail flukes, Stephen worked for 15 or 20 minutes, talking to Keiko, reassuring him, to get that blood sample. The most remarkable
part aside from the physical act of getting a good sample in crappy conditions is how Keiko hung in with Stephen even though
he clearly wanted to be left alone. I will always remember Stephen not only as
a friend, but as a remarkable spirit. I hope that Stephen and Keiko are right now playing hide and seek together in a place
that they both find joy and peace.
- Pete Noah
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Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.”
–Thoreau
I love this field not only for its amazing opportunities but for the unforgettable people
I encounter along the way. I can not help but feel a deep connection for those
I meet and work with. After all, we are all out there for the same reason, working
passionately for the environment and loving what we do. I use this quote as a reminder of how I strive to live
my life as I make decisions along the way. When I think of Stephen, I believe he succeeded in capturing its
essence.
Although
we have heavy hearts, we know that Stephen has left an amazing gift for all. A
reminiscent thought inspires a smile and fills the air with warm laughter. What
an impression you have left on all of us, Stephen. Thank you for making our lives
brighter.
-Brenda
Rone
| Jamin at the Chappell residence, circa 1985 |
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| photo: M. Rose |
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I only met Stephen
about 3 years ago but his warmth, quick wit, and love of friends and life were so apparent.
He was one of the good guys! The loss to the world, all who knew him and
even all those who had not met him yet is great. My prayers to all his family and dear friends.
It was my pleasure to have been lucky enough to meet him. - Betty Lentell
Hello from someone who went
through school with Stephen from kindergarten on. I remember Stephen as simply one of the nicest kids -- Nicest, with
a capital-N -- in school. It sounds vague now as an adult, but at age six that was the most meaningful thing you could
say about another person in your world. What I got from Stephen was this neat combination of enthusiastic good humor
(as when reporting with Paul Segner to our 4th grade class on the thrill of seeing Star Wars ... for the fourth time) and
serious gentleness (as during a Human Rights Committee trip to the Makah reservation with Joel Seidel). It seems those
qualities infused his life as an adult, and it was surely a beautiful life. I feel lucky to have been shaped, even in
the smallest way, by our having grown up together.
My sympathies to those closest to Stephen; my cheers for you, Stephen,
for all you got done down here (and a promise to use whatever time I have better because you did!). - Love, Jill
Fair winds, calm seas and safe travels friend - We'll miss you!
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