It's so hard for me to find words that express how I felt when I heard that Steve had died. It was terrible enough hearing some time ago of his brain cancer. It really struck me hard - speechless with tears.
Steve was such a caring and gentle person. Didn't matter who you were. You could call him and the two of you would talk up a storm. I don't know how he found time but he always did.
We attended the same high school so we go way back. So many observing stories one can tell. But one non-astro story. Shortly after I got my pilot's license I took him for a flight. It was a hot afternoon so the low altitude air was rather bumpy. I said something about gripping the seat to lessen the effects. He said not to worry, he'd jumped out of an airplane some 400 times!
Oh, and did you know he was a beekeeper and a heavy equipment operator at various times in his life?
He was so fearless and creative. His 12" binoscope, his 40" f5 monster with 16 foot ladder of which I carry visual memories of objects that I saw through the scope with me to today.
He strongly impacted my 'amateur mirror making and telescope making' career. And still does. I happen to mention him just a few weeks ago in a Zoom presentation. He will live on in my mind and heart for as long as I live and breathe.
Mel Bartels