Steven A. Lopez, 57, a resident of Beaverton, Oregon passed away in Miami, Florida after a long and dedicated career in the Aerospace industry. Born in Safford, Arizona, Steven was Safford High Student Body President and 1978 Class Valedictorian before joining the United States Air Force from 1978-1982. Steven’s artistic abilities and his education in engineering allowed him to travel the world while performing the work that he loved. Steven was employed as Vice President of Aeronautical Engineering and his passions included golf, music, his cats and his grandchildren. Steven is survived in Arizona by his father; Steven, mother; Mary, sister; Michal, brother; Larry, ex-wife; Michele, son; Brandon, daughter-in-law; Tina, granddaughter; Lena, grandson; Logan, great-granddaughter; Penelope and many loved aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Funeral Service will be on Thursday, October 19, at 10:00 A.M. at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd. Interment will follow at 12:30 P.M. at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix.
Kris Richard
Steven was an amazing man who touched many lives, not only the people he knew and took care of but the stray cats he never stopped looking after.
He inspired loyalty and devotion. His loss leaves a hole in many lives.
My condolences to the entire family. He will be missed but never forgotten.
Pat McIlroy
I knew him as a young man full of mischief. Always pulling jokes but alway treated me with respect and love. He has and will always have a place in my heart.
Ben West
I hired Steve at Aero Corp in Lak City Florida over 22 years ago. Steve was a fanaminal employee and in no time he as running the Engineering Dept there.
Even though Steve and I left Aero out paths crossed and we stayed I’d touch. I always enjoy d sitting and chatting with Steve.
Steve made many friends over the years and they all liked and highly respected him.
I was very saddened to hear about Steves passing OND I offer my deepest condolences to all of his family and friends.
Steve it no longer physically with us but he will live in all of our hearts forever.
May God Belss Steve and all of his family
Fair Winds and Gods Speed my Friend.
Pat McIlroy
I should of said the reason I knew Steve was that he was my son-in-law. He was good to me and as I said..I have a place in my heart for him always
Jay Murphy
My sincerest condolences to the whole family and Steve’s friends and colleges.
Brian McCarthy
Steve was the most kind and gentle soul I think I have ever met and he had a way of bringing the best out in people with is calm and simple approach to life. The world needs more calm and gentle people like Steve Lopez .
He will be missed and loved as he falls into the palm of Gods open hand.
Lindy Larson
Please accept my deepest condolences. Thinking of you at this sad time. Rest easy, Steven
Rosie Hoyos Lugo
My Condolences to my Dear friend Michal and her whole family. Rest in Peace Steven. You will be missed. Blessings, Love and Light.
Lynn Savage-Richardson
It sounds like Steve had an amazing life! A life that ended way too soon. I was honored to know him, while growing up in Safford. My condolences to is family and friends.
Eddie and Beth Lujan
We know words seem so inadequate, but we are so very sorry for your loss. When we say ‘your’ loss we mean everyone that had the opportunity to meet and know Steve. It is a wonderful privilege to meet a person with the special personality that Steve had. He was an incredible individual who will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him.
The last opportunity that Beth and I were able to spend with Steve was at our home in Safford, Arizona. We had all gathered for a class reunion and we were recounting endless stories of the days gone by. We laughed about his attempts to teach me this game he loved so much…golf. Steve always said he won because of luck. He was such a talented player while maintaining his modesty.
I often remember when I first moved to Safford at the beginning of high school. Steve was one of the first to welcome me and help me get acclimated to becoming a Bulldog! This was a wonderful act of kindness that I will never forget and shows what type of person he was. I can truly say that my life is far better and blessed by having met such a wonderful man. While he was a highly respected member of the student body I also know that he inspired others to be better. He always gave so much of himself.
Even though we had lost contact over the years, we are left with countless fond memories of our pastimes and we will always hold a special place in our hearts for Steve.
As always, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Eddie & Beth Lujan
chung low
Steve was a loyal friend. Never asked of those he knew. Always smiling big time and gave to others unstintingly thru the time i was given to know him and Michele. In short i feel his passion was life. I know Steve has checked into a different address now. If one word is given for a description of Steve, I’d say Exuberant. And kind to a fault. Regards Steve-san.
TJ
So very sorry for the loss of your Dear loved one. May you put faith in the words mentioned at Isaiah 26:19 & allow it to give you hope and comfort at this difficult time.
Dave McDonald
I was fortunate to meet Steve while we both worked at Aeronautical Engineers. He was all of the things written by others, calm, quick with a smile, dedicated to his work, and unusually giving of his time to help others pursue their goals and to improve themselves.
Please accept my deepest sympathies to his family and friends for your loss.
Laura Knowles
I mostly only talked to Steven on the phone discussing “what buckets” our invoices to PC are under. He also came to our office on occasion. Steven was always cordial to me. I was envious of his ties to Beaverton since my son and DIL as well as my Grandsons live there. I am sorry for your sudden loss…it was such a surprise. Gone too soon! I hope your happy memories get you through this difficult time. Laura Knowles, Finance Mgr at Wagner Aeronautical.
John Guilfoil
There just aren’t words to reduce the pain/shock of this! I met Steven while he was at Precision Engineering and and we stayed in touch after he left. He had a huge heart! God bless him and his family!
Philip and Letty Rankin
You gone too soon, Steve, But you know what they say,God only takes the best,Everything happens for a reason,
it was a shocked to us when we heard about your passing, you’re not only a boss to my husband, Philip Rankin, but you’re also his mentor and a friend… Certainly heaven is rejoicing for another good soul has finally reach his true home. To Steve family please accept our heartfelt Condolence. You’re always be in our hearts, Steve, Rest in Peace..
Shelly Sorenson
Steven believed that there was a thin veil between this world and the other side. He approached it as crossing over. He had a bright mind, kind heart, beautiful spirit and warm nature. He told me that he strove to be consistent. He achieved that. He loved Bruce Springsteen, his cat Chile who loved spicy food like he did, horses and his family. He loved parties at Michal’s where he felt accepted and loved, and he loved all his family. He was a generous, thoughtful and humble man who touched many lives. I will always think of you with the highest regards. I will miss you, Steven. I am saddened by this terrible loss. My condolences to his family and friends.
Armando
I had the privilege of getting to know Steve as my manager at Aeronautical Engineers. In the short time that I knew him, he had touched everyone in the office with such compassion and understanding. Willing to go out of his way to make sure everyone was happy and on track to always better themselves.
I have never been so inspired by someone to try my best in everything I do. Steven taught me that with honest and hard work, anything is possible. I will forever be a better person for having known this example of a wonderful human being.
You will be missed so much. I will always carry a piece of your memory with me as inspiration to be a better person in everything I do.
Clear skies and tailwinds, Steve. May the clouds part before you and fill you with everlasting peace.
Carey Connell
I worked for Steven for five years but he was so much more than a boss to me. He was a mentor, role model and friend. He was such an important part of my life’s journey. I am so grateful for his guidance and example of true integrity and compassion.
He came to my wedding and quickly became a family friend, always asking how my parents and husband were doing. I was pregnant with my first child shortly after he moved away and he would frequently call to check on me and see how I was doing. When my son was born I sent him pictures and he always wrote back that they made his day. Shortly after his birth, he sent a handwritten letter to my son Rowan welcoming him to this magnificent world. I will cherish it forever and will tell Rowan all about Steven when he grows up. When he came back to visit Portland he and Rowan got to meet. He was so sweet and gentle with him. Rowan looked up at him and studied his face like he knew what a special soul he was.
I know he touched many lives. I am grateful that I got to know him and that he was a part of my life. He left too soon but his spirit lives on. My deepest condolences to his family and all who knew him.
Shawne &Jimmy Cochrane
Steve was a wonderful person and a great conversationalist. He had a light that shined so bright. May you rest well and God bless your family. You will be greatly missed
An old colleague and big fan of Steven
Steven’s family:
I had the honor of working with Steven about 20 years ago and remember how he treasured getting a haircut from his Dad, calling his Mom everyday, looking forward to seeing Brandon, the gym – and had an empathetic magnitude that moved him to care deeply about ties in Florida. I think he had a three-legged cat named “Tri-pod”. His art was mind-blowing and lent understanding to his creative genius and patience for engineering excellence. I am so thankful that you shared a picture of Steven capturing his warm smile. So he cut off the curls of his 40s! I can’t think about him without remembering all the keen pranks he could pull off and keep a straight face and later break into that smile and laugh that still resonates. You folks did a really great job of raising a good one and Steven never stopped polishing his own additional adult standards. I hope that we all get to see him on Day 1 when our time comes. He made people, better people, by just being Steven. His fluent Spanish wowed the chicks, too. Take a number, Angels! May God bless those who are remembering him this 3rd year of our metaphysical relationships with Steven.