Sad news...The Chef Memorial thread

[scwafish]

Me and PAL were getting concerned late last week as Chef was not returning our calls, which is unusual unless he was getting treated.  Even more unsettling his mom wasn't returning our call either.

I finally got through today, and his mom passed on the sad news.  Stephen passed last Thursday.  There will be a memorial party in Monterey in a few weeks.  I will keep everyone in the loop.

Chef was a great friend, and the bravest man I have ever met.  The way he dealt with the card that was dealt to him was truly inspirational to me.

I am sure the fishing is good up there Steve, but its gonna suck down here without you.

I'm gonna miss you brother!

[Lost Mojo]

It isn't fair to lose a friend to so many people. He will be missed by all.

-Brian G

[Randy]

How sad. 

The world has lost a gentleman.

Condolences to his family and loved ones.

Tight lines, Jade Pirate.  We'll miss ya.

[Big J]

It's always sad to lose a friend but especially so when they are so young and such a role model in showing others how to live life to its fullest. I regret that I didn't have a chance to meet this special person and feel a great sadness for those of you who were fortunate enough to know him and call him "friend." I'm sure his loss leaves a big void for you. My heartfelt sympathies.

Janice aka "Big J"

[Tote]

Chef was a great guy and I will sadly miss him. My fondest memory of Stephen was watching him, CHUB, Jdyak and Zilla paddle out for a prefish at last years Elk tourney in some nasty conditions. It was cool looking from the cliff above at the four of them headed out.I am glad CHUB got to do that with him and see someone like that deal with adversity the way he did.
Now Chef is watching all of us from the cliffs above.

[KZ]

There are no words...  

Chef will be missed, but will definitely be remembered as a brave soul with endurance and perserverence without measure.  

Tight lines up there buddy... Your NCKA bretheren will always remember you.

EK

[mickfish]

I am so Bummed I will never kayak or fish again without thinking of Chef. Evey fish I catch will be a reminder of his strength and positive attitude. Condolances to Steve's Family and Friends my thoughts will be with you for quite a while. Tomorrow My family will be getting together in remembrance of my Sister who died  on 4/1 to young also we will all say a prayer for Chef.

Only the good die young.                             Michael

[KayakJames]

I cant find the words.....

[bluekayak]

That's really sad news, sometimes life really doesn't make sense We were just recently wondering about him

scwafish When you talk to his mom if you think it appropriate give her condolences from my wife and me We're complete strangers and I know this is a very private time and already crowded with enough without having to think about other things

Also at some point if you can discreetly get a bead on what her situation is we'll contribute what we can financially if it's helpful

Paul

[scwafish]

If you have Chef pics, please post em!   

[scallen]

Thanks Sean, for sharing the sad news, and more especially, for being such a good friend.  And same to you Paul, if you are reading this.

I have a few sunset pix of Chef when he and PAL and I fished Big sur last year with Randy and Pat, I will add to the post later.

I did get to chat with Chef just a couple/few weeks ago.  He remained full of pluck despite having exhausted just about all the avenues of treatment for his cancer.  We alternately talked serious stuff and laughed together about silly stuff, mostly us.

He was still teasing me about the first time we met, which was at at Moss Landing.  We chased salmon all day, ended up about 7 miles offshore in 3000 feet of water.  A boon companion indeed.

I will always admire his attitude about death and dying, and hope I can be as "OK" at the end as Chef seemed to be.

I too, would like to send or arrange to get a message to Chef's family expressing condolences and reminding them the high esteem with which I, We, held him.

Enough for now. 

Allen

[KZ]

Doing what he did best... cooking up a storm with ChuckE at Elk last year.

[Bill]

I will miss you man.

Chef trying to give Mooch a nice ramming.

[fishshim]

Paddle in Peace Steve,we will miss you.You fought the good fight.
Here is a picture from our 2006 Elk launch.

[Lost Mojo]

http://customink.com/cink/r.jsp?E=kayakfishingman%40icqmail.com&F=chefshirt

Who is interested in having a tourney to benefit his mom and future years a donation to a cancer society? I created a tshirt design at the above link. Shirts would be around 10 dollars (plus or minus) depending on the quantity. Trophy would be a plaque carved in to the shape of a chef's hat with brass name tag. Open to suggestions?

-Brian G