Uncle Steve

Five years ago this week my brother passed away. He was an amazing man and taught me so much. He was an example of righteousness, compassion, and respect. He was a friend to everyone and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was my best friend. I miss him everyday.

These are a couple of my favorite photos of us. They remind me of all the good times. Steven was always smiling, laughing and joking. He gave the best hugs.

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Here are a couple of special memories that have been on my mind this week. These are things I want to always remember about Steven. Things I want my kids to know about their Uncle. Things that make me smile.

• Steven was the best lawn mower. He was obsessed with getting perfect, straight, even rows. He lived with us for a couple of months between jobs and school and for rent he mowed and took care of the lawn. My lawn has never looked that good. (sorry Derek)

• Steven loved Saturday morning breakfast at IHOP. I don't know if it was the pancakes or the bacon, but he thought it was delicious. He was always gathering up a group to head out for breakfast, and on most occasions, when he actually had money, he would pay for everyone. 

• Steven was one of first people to the hospital when I had both my girls. He loved and adored his nieces. He left work early in Logan and drove to Provo to wait for hours for Abby's birth. I still remember him arguing with my parents and sister about not taking equal turns holding the new baby. He was a baby hog. When Sydney was born, he was living in Rexburg by us going to school and spent a lot of time in my hospital room just rocking baby Syd. 

• He was the best uncle. The girls would both light up every time he entered a room. He spent all his time with them crawling around on the ground and letting them 'steal' his hat. He hated missing the first two years of Abby's life while on his mission and spent the time after he got back making up for it.

• Steven had so many jobs. And each job was COMPLETELY different from the last. He went from grocery bagger at Carl & Dons to assistant at the local mortuary. He crawled around in attics working as an HVAC guy one summer and spent another grinding down cement and adding decorative finishes. He delivered electronic equipment for the Rick's College Library and finished metal roofs on large buildings. But no matter what the job, he gave it his all and never quit.

• When I started dating Derek, Steven was not very impressed. He wasn't sure about me getting serious with a 'city slicker' from Chicago. He thought he dressed like a 'pretty boy' and was kind of a geek. But this only lasted until they really got to know each other. Steven and Derek were always going to concerts together and talking about new bands and songs. They became the best of friends and enjoyed playing racket ball and poker together, going river rafting, watching movies  and eating cookie dough balls. And when Steven lived with us, they worked as an excellent team in making fun of me. 

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I'd love to hear any memories or stories  you have about Steve. He was always up to something...never sitting still, always making people laugh. Please comment and share.

And for a good laugh here is a the family photo that goes with the picture above. I've been laughing about my dad's hair and mustache all week. Enjoy!

  

Comments

[Kurt Webb]

Jessica, these are some great pictures and memories. As I read through your post my mind was flooded with great memories of Steve.

I remember coming over to your house (the one over by McKinley elementry)and playing basketball with the nerf hoop in the hall way. I can't remember how many holes we probably but into the walls. We would go outside and watch one of the older Jeppsen boys ride is skateboard. We decide that we could be skateboarders. I was always jealous because Steve was way better at skating. A few years later it was the same story but now we were on rollerblades. Steve was good at everything he tried.

I remember being so excited that we were finally going to be in the same class in 3rd grade. And how devasted I was when you moved, not long after school started. The bike ride was now a little longer to come over, but I made it as often as I was allowed.

Steve was a great friend. He was always pretty good with the girls, there was never a shortage of cute girls wanting his attention. He tried to help me overcome my ackwardness when it came to girls, I could still use his help in that department.

I will treasure the experience of receiving our endowments together in the Logan Temple, as well as our many trips back as we prepared for our missions. He was a great example, I wanted to be like him in so many ways.

I still remember the call from Casey with the tragic news. It came just a few weeks after my son was born. I cried for hours wanting so bad for him to have that wonderful experience. He would make such a great dad. I know he loved your girls more than anything. He had an amazing ability to love. Still today I can hardly see through my tear filled eyes to type this.

How do I miss our late nights, talking about everything from things of little imprortance to things of a great eternal importance. Steve you are the best, thanks for you frendship and example. I miss you.

[Renee]

What a neat tribute! He sounds like a wonderful brother. Do you know how much you look like your mom!??? :) Hugs to you! Have a great weekend!

[melissa]

I still dream of Steve on a regular basis. It's always so good to see him, and I feel lucky to be spending time with him. One of my favorite memories of Steve was sitting in the Subway by your "modular home," and listening to him talk about his temple road trip. He was SO STRONG in the gospel, and was such a great example to me. It's funny, but if I try to think of a sad, angry, or frustrated Steve, I just draw a blank. How many people can we actually say that about? I remember when Adam spoke at the funeral, and he said one of the most true statements ever. "It doesn't matter who you ask, they will all tell you that Steve was their best friend."

Steve really was one in a million, and even though he was called back earlier than everyone would have hoped, he made the most of his short time here. And I know for a fact he's working, with the same fervor, in his new home.

Love you, Steve.

[Cammie Warren]

Jessica, Thanks for posting this. I canremember a lot about Steven and a lot of it was when we were younger and did a lot together. He was my first friend and he was the one to get me excited about sports. We use to play t-ball and he had it where the ball was connected to a string on the T and so when you hit it the ball would come back. One time he hit it so hard that the string broke and he just looked at me and said you can go get it. I can remember him always being happy and wanting to make people laugh. I still remeber when my mom called me with the news about his passing and it didn't hit me until the viewing. I told myself not to cry,but I couldn't hold back the tears. I will always treasure the memories that we had and my girls love the pictures I have of us when we were young and us playing ring around the roses. I regret the last time I saw him not going up to say hi because so many people were around him.He was a great friend and still miss my Stevie.

[Mandy]

After my parents were divorced, I always felt like I didn't fit in with the Lasley's very well, but Steven always had a way of making me and my sisters feel completely welcome! He always had a such a way of drawing people in and making them feel so loved and accepted! I truly miss him and his handsome face, and wonderful smile. I fill so blessed to have known him and be related to him.

[mom]

I didn't have a lot of time with Steve, but the time I did have echoed every comment above. I never saw him without a smile and a twinkle in his eye. My favorite memory of him was of meeting him at the airport in Chicago as he was leaving for his mission and having dinner with him and others that were also heading out. I remember him walking away with his back pack swung over one shoulder and smiling back at us. It was that picture that came to me the night I got the call about the accident. I remember how complete horror melted into sad understanding as I realized that Steve was heading out on another mission. He was an amazing young man and I can only imagine the wonderful things that are happening because of his service on the other side. I know we'll all get to hear all about it one day and all the tears of sadness will then be gladness.

This really was a precious tribute from a loving sister to the brother she'll always love. Thank you for sharing it with us. I'm sure it wasn't an easy thing to do.

[Tiff]

Tears everywhere. I don't want to remember the day Trisha called me five years ago so I am going to concentrate on the amazing life he led, and the great example he has always been to me. I cannot believe it's been five years. I think of him every May and every October, and a lot of times in between. When I think about Steve, my images are him laughing, him making fun of me (again the laughing), how all my Layton friends thought he was "so cute" and told me how lucky I was to live next door. I would say, really Steve? But he's Steve.. he's my best friend. I can't think of him like that. I liked what Melissa said that everyone can say he was their best friend. What an amazing quality to love like he did. One of my favorite times with Steve was when him, Casey, Marisha, and I went to California to visit Harmony and Trisha in Bonnie (was that the car's name-it doesn't sound right). He was a very responsible driver (until he got a ticket-did you know that Janet?) and ridiculously funny! I remember when Harmony put alcohol in his ear because she "heard" it would help an earache. He cried. I remember when he would wear a rubber band on his wrist so he would stop swearing. I remember when he broke up with his girlfriend in 9th grade and listened to Desperado over and over again. I remember when he got back from Sons of Helaman and how powerful of an experience that was for him. I believe one of my fondest memories of Steve is the day before I left for New York. He had just recieved the priesthood and I really do feel so happy that he was able to give me a blessing, his first. He was nervous and yet he comforted me. He was a great example, the best friend, and I cannot wait to see him again and see his wonderful smile. I have always loved Steve and and I always will. No one can ever replace Steven.