Stevek

The Freestyle community is enormously saddened by the sudden death of Steve Kenney, whom we all knew, simply, as "Stevek". A pedestrian accident in New York on Nov 26 took away a person who unselfishly committed everything to our sport and to all of its participants -- from medalists to the smallest, youngest competitor. For those of you who didn't know him, Stevek was many things to our sport -- Head of Eastern Freestyle, international TD, member of USSA committees, and much more. But the thing of which he was most proud was being a Stratton coach for kids just starting in Freestyle.

Although I'm sure he would never have admitted it, Stevek was the most generous person I've met in my life -- sharing with everyone all of his time, his possessions, and his love. I'm personally going to miss him terribly.

--Dick Stone

Letters People Sent:

Although my son Adam has not competed in the last few years , we certainly remember and are deeply saddened by this news. He was a great guy, nice guy, he was there for everybody.

Thank you for circulating the sad news about "Stevek" He will most certainly be missed by all who knew him.

When I read the subject of your e-mail I was hoping it was not going to be the news that it was.

I am also deeply shocked and saddened. Stevek was an advocate for, and a help to my freestyle program since its beginning. He supported me and my athletes for no reason other than his generous nature and love for the sport. One incident in particular stands out in my memory. In our early years when we had only one coach, I had to split my team and send some skiers to a meet with no team support. I was worried about what kind of experience they would have with no coach but when they returned they said there was no problem because a nice, funny, knowledgeable man with a strange name took them under his wing and made sure they were all OK. Several times Stevek took ME under his wing as a program leader and I will always be grateful.

We all loved him very much and your kind offer to help memorialize him is greatly appreciated.

On Friday morning many of the Stratton Freestyle parents met with management here at the mountain. They are fully committed to helping us move forward in the wake of this terrible tragedy.

As you know, Stevek kept a great deal of information in his head. Our loss is both personal and profound, but we need to take immediate action so that our kids can honor his memory by skiing for him.

To this end, the A and B team parents asked me to create a temporary website, http://www.ShellyPalmer.com/Stevek Its main purpose is to help us create a database and email list. Would you be willing to send out an email to your list asking Stratton people to visit the site and get on our list? It would help us populate our database. Sadly, Stevek used Outlook and blind copied his messages over three separate messages instead of using a list-server, so our email list is not available any longer.

As you can imagine, we are a little lost right now. Stevek's special gift was that he made everyone in his life feel like they were his best friend. It is a beautiful legacy, but makes his death profoundly painful for everyone who knew him.

While at a Spring conference in Park City, I accepted a ride to dinner from Stevek. He had rented a car in Salt Lake which flatened a tire shortly after leaving the airport. He put on the spare mini tire and continued. As we were getting on the highway, I mentioned the limitations of the "mini" tire. He said, "I'm from New York. I only know how to drive one way-Fast! The tire will just have to hold." So we sped down the highway "tilted" at 70 mph.

I will never hear a Jewish joke without thinking of Stevek. Just as Freestyle has changed because of him, it will never be exactly the same without him.

Life changes quickly... I never knew Stevek well. What I did now of him, was that he always had the will to spend a moment with you no matter the time or how well you new each other. Truly a generous soul!

I'm very saddened and shocked to hear the news about Stevek. Steve certainly was one of the few who had stayed true and hung in there with the sport of Freestyle for decades. I am not sure when I first met Steve. I started coaching in 1971 after "retiring" from the Masters competitions. I can say that he was still involved when I retired 29 years later. It seemed like he was often in the same sentence as the sport of Freestyle. Steve was involved with many of the legends and regular skiers of our sport at Startton. He definitely was the mouth piece for the athletes. I found that he would applaud the youngest and most beginning skier on up to the top level ones. He would speak up for athletes from other teams when it was necessary as well. Steve would also speak very well to us competing coaches and of our athletes. Steve often acted as if all of them were "his kids". You also hit on his never ending generosity. The man would give without thought, always. He truly will be missed.

Our hearts are broken and we are in shock that our wonderful friend and mentor has been taken from us.

Stevek - few people have moved through life with the love, strength of character, dedication and selflessness that you possessed. Whether it was entertaining us with jokes, handling the most difficult of life's circumstances (places most people would never dare to go), guiding us through our careers and relationships, or leading us down the path of integrity and courage you were always there for all of us all the time. You have taught us well and we will carry your message with us.

Thank you for your loving contributions to my family. Your deep caring for and encouragement toward Wes and Tim and with Nick and me, your endless patience, honesty and support. You were like a father to us and we will miss you forever. I can't say good bye because I expect that you will walk, ski, play, work and laugh with us every moment of every day. With deep respect and love,

I'm so sad to hear about Stevek... he was always so kind and generous to our family during the lovely years growing up in the world of freestyle... Thank you Steve...

For me and for others Stevek protected our individuality ... he saw in each of us our best and helped us to reach further ... and our worst, he helped us to turn it around and get beyond it. I only remember his heart and how he lived and acted on his love for each of us and the sport. Even the talks in the back of the locker room to rein us in a little, just a little, was his special way of letting us stay just outside the lines and keep the spirit and passion for skiing alive. Here's to a great man and his passion. I am one of the lucky ones to be able to say. I worked for Stevek at Stratton. God bless.

I was always going to tell you this in person, but our schedules seemed to constantly be too busy. So I’m writing this now in memory and in honor of your life.

Ten years ago on December 6, 1993 I called your office in New York. You were the first person I had ever spoken to in the Freestyle community. I was skiing out of Mount Snow and at the time and there was no freestyle team there. You explained to me about competing and about the sport. You watched over me and gave me the opportunity to train with the Stratton Team and to have a coach in the gate with me. At the time, this meant the world to me.

After five years of competing and another five years of coaching, I never thanked you for giving me my start in Freestyle and guiding me along the way. Thank you for your assistance in helping me read my scorecard after my first meet on World Cup, helping me figure out the FSP List, and thank you for explaining the reasoning of why Flapper and I had to make our landing hill 80 feet at 32 degrees as opposed to 28 degrees.

Not only did you show kindness and concern for my family and myself, you are one of the major role models in my life. You had the ability to balance a distinguished professional career, be a cornerstone in the Freestyle community, coach hundreds of athletes, and still took the time to offer your assistance to someone who had just called you out of the blue ten years ago.

You are an inspiration to anyone who came across your path. You had the ability to move mountains and the assistance of thousands who would help you without asking why … because we respected you and trusted you. I will do my best to exemplify your enthusiasm for the sport, and I will try to make you proud.

I wish I could have told you this in person and I cherish every conversation I ever had with you. Thank you for being yourself and thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a part of your life.

I was wondering if you could post this on Stevek's page at eastfree.org. It would be very meaningful to me, to let others know that his contributions to myself, Stratton Mountain, Eastern Freestyle, USSA, FIS, and the entire skiing industry will never be forgotten...

You molded me in to who I am today. I'm so greatful I have had the opportunity to know you and be part of your life. If it wasn't for you I would be nothing, you have given me everything...There is not enough space on my computer to even begin to say what you have done for me.

But there is room to say THANK YOU FOR BEING A PART OF MY LIFE AND I WILL NEVER EVER FORGET ALL THE WONDERFUL THINGS YOU HAVE DONE FOR ME. THEY WILL BE REMEMBERED EVERYDAY FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE.

You may not be around in plain sight anymore but are forever in my heart where ever I go.

This news leaves me speechless. Stevek has been a constant in my life since I was an M5. I've known him as a coach when I was a competitor, a boss when I was Stratton coach in college, and a priceless friend throughout. He has always been there and I have trouble comprehending that he is no longer. I am sick about this.

As a Stratton parent, I had the good fortune to have both my kids in Stevek's Freestyle program, and be a part of his world. He had a profoundly positive impact on my family; one that will never be forgotten. He made everyone feel that they were important to him, and regardless of the enormous demands on his time, he always generously gave his time to one and all. There are many individuals, old and young, who can say that they are a better person today because contact with, and lessons learned from Stevek. Not to mention that all the kids that went through his program were turned into exceptional skiers. Stevek's presence will forever be felt in the Freestyle world, and particularly at Stratton. Sometimes you don't realize how good you've had it until that something is gone. In this case it's Stevek. He will be forever missed and remembered.

I am no closer to accepting that you are not with us than I was when I first heard of this unfathomable tragedy on (of all days) Thanksgiving. Not seeing you at Saturday's lineup was heartbreaking. Could what they say be true? You were not there to tell the coaches to take one run and check back for more kids. Where were you, the heart and soul of freestyle ...the man with the red jacket bulging with a walkie talkie ready for anything and anyone. It was only the beginning of a very sad and difficult journey we must now embark on as we try to piece together the tapestry you single handedly created. Seeing the countless children, teens, and adults grief stricken and in shock writing about you and to you on a Torah-like scroll of paper revealed the depth of how much and how many lives you so lovingly touched. Its just not fair...you had so many plans...so much yet to do...8 million people in NYC and you had to be that one in a million...why? There is just no logic to it. Stevek, I can still see you and hear your voice and then I realize your not here...its like hitting a wall. I just can't get beyond it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything and every moment you shared with us. We were blessed to have our paths meet with yours. May you rest in peace and God bless you. I will never forget you.

You have taught me everything i know about skiing and i am grateful for that. You were a kind and generous man and teach people more about skiing. You would buy skis for people who couldn't afford skis and you would buy clothes from people who couldn't afford clothes. You would always organze things perfectly and not make a mistake and if people wanted to give up on skiing you would always make them try harder until they get good and could compete for competitions. You would also take young kids in your program so they would get good as young as they are. when i forgot my poles in my locker you would lend me some from yours. I wouldn't have great skis, poles and bindings if it wasn't for you. I miss you soooooo much. can't believe your gone!

Dear stevek, youve helped me so much in my life I dont know were to start. When I got a deep cut in my leg from my ski boot u took time out of your way went with me to Otis Clinic and helped me get a new bootfrom first run. it took about 3 hours but you didnt care how long it took. You just did what you do best, helping others. When I wasnt fitting in in skiing and I was in middle of fights, you talked to our group and helped me out. When I did something wrong or broke something by mistake, you were the best. When someone asked who broke it he said "It was me" taking the blame. So this is why I miss you Stevek. I bet there is a place up there that was reserved for you from the day you were Stevek

Dear Stevek, You were a very kind man. You helped me so much like when I was sad you cheered me up. you helped me get into allegro when I was too young for it. I will never forget you and I will never forget your hugs. If I was happy you would make me even happier and if I was sad you would make me happy.I WILL MISS YOU SO MUCH STEVEK

Dear Stevek, I loved you all my life. we all hope you will be back . we all love you. we hope you are haveing a geart.

He was there when we first got involved in Freestyle. He was always my mentor in the sport. It grew beyond friendship when our son died. Steve called me to ask how I was, when everyone else was calling me to as how Sandy was. For that he will all ways be loved.

Later on when we were about to lose our home, after I had lost the business, it was Steve who stood by us and helped us get back on our feet.

When it came to insurance, no one could match Steve. When he gave you a presentation it was complete and balanced. He made it so easy to see the best path for my family.

Steve continued to be my mentor when we moved Philip’s Scholarship Fund to EASEF. He recommended me as a board member and made the position transferable to my sons.

If anyone should have the title “Mr. Eastern Freestyle” it is SteveK. As a coach, office holder, and chairman he was able to show leadership while wearing many hats and protecting many diverse interests.

His family went so far beyond his immediate relatives; it embraced the entire sport of skiing, locally at Stratton, regionally in the East, nationally for the USSA and internationally with FIS.

Steve was truly a man for all seasons. Though we were robbed of Steve, I take a small satisfaction knowing that Steve was living the life he wanted, he desired. I wish that he could have had a family of his own, but we were all richer by his being a part of each of our families.

He always showed up no matter the distance, the weather, the pressure of time and I will always expect the door to open or the phone to ring. Our cell phone time was Sunday night when he was driving home from Stratton, somewhere between Greenfield and Northampton when he was on I-91. And he would always say good bye by Springfield; Goodbye Steve….

"A PROFOUND LOSS...STEVEK WAS ...AND IS...STRATTON MOUNTAIN. MORNING LINEUP WILL NEVER BE THE SAME...THE BASE OF SUNTANNER HAS LOST IT'S "SUN". STEVE GAVE US ALL THE GIFT OF THE "HUG"... "HUG" SOMEONE YOU LOVE... AND STEVEK WILL BE SMILING. WE LOVE YOU STEVEK...

Stevek never knew the impact he had on peoples lives-I'm not sure we knew. We just knew he'd be this whirlwind running through the Stratton base lodge, or running up to line-up, or running to get someone skis or poles out of the many in his locker...always running somewhere. I met Stevek at Stratton when I was 10 years old and not a very good skier. But he pushed and encouraged and he knew when to push some more and when to back off. he knew how to get the most out of me. I followed along in the freestyle program, through knee surgeries and later coache dfor him in the Allegro program. He never had time to talk, but you always knew he cared. He was my teacher, my coach, my boss, a pain in the ass, but mostly he was my friend. I will miss him.

From my first freestyle competition, at age 9, (now 36) until the day he passed, Stevek was the best friend anyone could ask for. His generosity to me, my family and every person who came in contact with him will never be matched.

Stevek. I didn't know he had another name. He is one of those people that didn't need two names. It was only two years ago that I met Stevek at my Okemo B Mogul Event. Registration was crazy busy. I wanted to close registration. Stevek suggested that we pay the USSA fine and let ALL THE ATHLETES compete. At the end of the competition, I had the awards sorted. He reorganized the awards. Stevek wanted to make sure ALL THE ATHLETES got their awards. When it was time to distribute the results, I wanted to make sure we handed out only "official" results. Stevek handed out all the results. He wanted to make sure ALL THE ATHLETES went home with a copy of the results. That day I learned one thing about this man we call Stevek. He had heart! He was in Freestyle for the right reasons. He was in it for the ALL THE ATHLETES. He will be missed.

i really cannot believe that you are gone. avital says that maybe they made a mistake,maybe it wasn't stevek. oh how i wish that you were still here..of course in our hearts you will always be with us. the impact you have had on our lives is amazing. my children all waited for the time that they too could be in allegro. freestlye skiing became apart ofour life as a family.

stevek, your influence on our lives went far beyond skiing. you were always there for us. you had time to talk to arielle about the teen parties, time to help zev and eitan with all their various injuries and group dynamics, time to cheer up ephraim, and time to re-assure avital that she would eventually be old enough for allegro. you were always ready to listen to me. I also dont know how you were able to call me and remind me to sign up for lake placid, fill out competition forms, and answer bar/bat mitzvah invitations. you were truly involved in our lifes.

stevek,you are gone much too soon. your hugs will always remain in our hearts. i hope you are in peace,and that you know how much we love you. we will never let go of you. you will always be with us.

Well, it seems just the other day that we were packing our ski bags with my sister Liz….. better known as Pix to Stevek and many of you. Stevek was a comfort to all of us as we grew up on the mountains putting our bodies through things that we can only now image. It didn’t matter what ski are you were from, he seemed like everyone’s coach. He was always there whether you did great … or you were weeping on his shoulder.

Even in the “Big Storm of 1978” when my dad somehow got past all the police road closures to get to Stratton for a meet and I broke my collar bone on the first practice run on the moguls... Stevek was one of the first to be there as I enjoyed the “sled ride” down with the ski patrol. Whenever we traveled and my parents couldn’t be there they always wanted to know … “Will Stevek be there??” and if the answer was “Yes” they were at ease.

Now I am living far from any snow and I can now reflect on the kindness and sincerely that Stevek imparted to us as we were younger and hope that I can pass on some of those “fatherly” characteristics to my four children.

Pastor Chuck Heidenreich
Greater Grace Church of Ashaiman
P.O. Box 193
Ashaiman Ghana, WEST AFRICA

Stevek was always so alive which makes his loss even more apparent. He knew everyone on his hill; he knew the competitors and parents. He encouraged competitors and parents.

I remember a conversation he had with a young child at the top of his course; you remember the typical young competitor whose helmet and outfit looked three times the right size. The kid was clearly spooked and Stevek asked "you're not afraid are you?" There was an nod. "Well they don't give you extra points for that so why don't you just have fun and I'll meet you at the bottom".

He launched that child and many others ( including my own ) it seems. He will be missed.

I have never felt a persons absence as quickly as I have felt yours. All of the times that I have wanted to pick up the telephone to ask you something or to tell you something. On Thanksgiving, my daughter asked me what was I thankful for. I uttered to myself that I was thankful for having been your friend and for having you as my guardian angel.

As I looked over at the ski school building this weekend, I kept hoping to see your smiling face (hat on backwards), but only saw my memory of you and realized the many ways that I will miss you.

1) I will miss your warm, sincere smile and comforting hug that made me feel secure.
2) I will miss the sound of my children screaming "Stevek's here " when they realized you were at the house, and the look of love in their eyes when the saw you.
3) Yes, I will even miss you riling them up long after bedtime.
4) I will miss your integrity, honesty and straightforwardness.
5) I will miss your ability to solve any problem, or at least put me at ease that you were taking care of things.
6) I will miss the pride you took in helping people get through difficult times.
7) I will miss your ability to see good in everything and everyone, as frustrating as I may have found it at times.
8) I will miss our unedited discussions about how to manage teenagers in the Allegro program.
9) I regret that my children will not have the opportunity to grow up under your loving and watchful eye. How I looked forward to taking them to a freestyle competition, with you as their coach, and reminiscing about when you were my coach.

Your warmth and love touched the lives of so many people. Hopefully you can see how many people loved and appreciated you. May your values and compassion be a guiding light for all those who had the good fortune of knowing you, and may we have the strength to live to the standard you set for yourself.

My family will miss you and I will miss the presence that you have had in my life for the past 30 years.

I’ve got the clearest image of Stevek running down the Killington landing hill back in the early 80’s yelling at someone about athlete safety. He was always looking out for the best interests of the athletes in particular and in so doing, made the sport better. As a competitor and then as a coach, I always looked up to Stevek for his generosity, love for his athletes, and his never-ending supply of energy that he selflessly poured into freestyle. He will be missed, but definitely not forgotten.

Although I have not been a part of Stratton's freestyle team since I was 13, I just want to say how much Stevek meant to my family and me. We will miss those winter weekends with his smile, his selflessness, his encouragement and of course his Jewish jokes. Even after my brother and I were no longer on the team, we still came to Stratton a lot and Stevek would have lunch with us. I remember the time he told us all about how "Steven K" became "Stevek." I will never forget that story and the time I spent with him. He was an amazing person who did wonders for the skiing community. Stratton and the freestyle community will not be the same without his warmth. He will be deeply missed.

He always taught by example: Advocate. Entertainer. Motivator. Friend. That's how he challenged each of us to be better people, and made our small community of sport bigger in the ways that really matter. We are now challenge to fill the beautiful empty he's left behind. I think we can, mostly.

I am now starting my 33rd year at the Otis Clinic.....Stevek has been there it seems just as long.....with his kids.....as a Pied Piper.....

Whenever one of "his kids' landed in the clinic..Stevek was there.....to help, support, and expedite whatever needed doing. We always knew that he'd be down....to check on one of his own.

But....the amazing thing that always happened.........he NEVER forgot our help!!! Each year he would stop by at the end of the season, with a ditty bag of goodies for our staff.....not only did he think of his kids.....he was thoughtful enough to think of those who helped his kids. Totally from his heart....and presented by him with a smile and sincerity...........he had that gift of making all of us feel worthy......I heard someone say on Sunday----it's as close as anyone can come to being "irreplaceable".....sounds about right, and I am so sad for all the kids....

had the pleasure of meeting Stevek over 20 years ago when he started coaching my little brother, Peter Haynes. He was truly a person who loved life and gave of himself always. When I was going through a divorce, he helped get ski equipment for my children and ski clothes. You never had to ask. He always anticipated your needs himself and took care of them. You won't ever find a more generous, giving, humorous and kind man as Stevek. My heart breaks for the hundreds of people whose lives he touched, that will miss him, and especially for my brother. God bless

We here at the Olympic Jumping Complex are very sad to here the news about Steve's passing. He has been a great supporter of this complex for many years in subtle ways. The staff here wishes to pass along our condolences to his family and friends. Anything we can do to help out please let us know.

Stevek, I still cant belive that your gone... You were like a second father to me on the slopes. You always knew how to cheer me up when i was feeling down you helped me decide witch pair of skiis I was going to use. Almost every year that i was in the allegro program you lent me a pair of skiis. you were they reason I became a freestyle skiier and not a racer. I remember every year you made sure I had the perfect skiis, bindings.... you always made sure that my boots were fitted with my bindings and you did it your self even when you were in a rush. I remember your red coat fleace thing and your radio attached to your chest. They say that a person is never gone as long as you remember them and that they will be with you forever. Im doing just that but even though your so close to me you seem so distant and i cant bring you back. I can still remember your voice as if it was painted on my memories.

STEVEK, YOU HAD A WAY OF MAKNIG ME FEEL SPECIAL, I HOPE I CAN GROW UP TO BE HALF THE MAN YOU WERE. I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU DREADFULLY. I PROMISE TO DEDICATE EVERY COMPETIITION I'M IN TO YOU.

Stevek, you have taught me much more over the years then just how to ski. You showed me right and wrong, you taught me humility, compassion, dignity, and most importantly you showed me how to think. I am forever thankful that I became a part of your life and you a part of mine.

I have become a part of something great over the past decade, and all thanks to you. I have become somebody loved by the Stratton family. A family which you were and always will be the father of. The bonds I have made with the mountain and the people run deep, not blood but as kin none the less.

Now that you are gone I want to help others as you have helped me. I want to give back to what has given me so much. I now realize the answer to the question I have been asking myself for the past few months: "Who do I want to be, who can I be? What the heck am I going to do with my life?" The answer is this; I will be the best human being I can. In an aspiration to be loved and respected by the people I touch as you were and always will be. And I can do it if I use the lessons you have taught me over the years. Stevek, your legacy will never die. The good will you have spread to all you have met has changed the world for the better.

I love you Stev' you helped make me the man I am today and the man I will become.

Stevek was like a gale fore wind--he was everywhere at a freestyle meet--and at the same time looking out for the kid who needed extra help. Steve would phone you out of the blue just to say, "How are You?" He was a good friend, and a loving son and uncle.

Stevek lived life fully every moment of every day. He was a great mentor to my son Tim--to every one of his freestyle kids, and to all the kids that crossed his path. He gave all his phone numbers to each of us--"Stevek can't right now, but he will when he can" that's sometimes what you heard when he couldn't. But he always did get back to you asap. The Stratton community is pulling together to put all the pieces of Stevek's programs together. He should be so very proud of all his young coaches and skiers that he has raised through his programs--they are wonderful people due to his mentoring--the personal development of each one of them terribly important to him. He always expected his kids to do the right thing--and they do. I don't know of anyone who had such a presence throughout the skiing community. He is sadly missed by all of us. We all will keep him in our hearts forever. I am ever thankful for his assistance and nurturing of my son.

When I first met Stevek I was terrified. I knew how much influence he had over my now husband, Peter. If Stevek didn't like me I was history. That first meeting went much better then I expected. I believe the defining conversation went something like this. "Can she ski?" Peter told him I could. "Is she any good?" Peter said I was. "But is she as good as you?" Pete just laughed and Stevek laughed along with him. From that moment on I came to love Stevek as much as anyone ever could. He helped to define my world.

That world is all off kilter now. Nothing seems to make any sense. I'm not sure how we go on without Stevek. My heart is broken by this loss and the remnants are shattered by the thought of all the children who will never know him. I can't believe my children will never know his kindness, love and generosity.

Stevek - I love you and I miss you...and I will forever be sorry I missed your call last Wednesday.

From the day that my family met Stevek until the day that he was taken away from us we had a special bond between us. From finding doctors for us to go to or just talking with us about the stupidest things like where I would go to high school next year, Stevek was always there for us. Stevek was like a second father to my brother and me. I remember the first time that I jumped on a trampoline the only reason that I do is because I was with Stevek. Ever since then Stevek was my best friend and a person for me to look up to. He even happened to have a nickname that he made up for me when I was little, it was: "Turkey". He would always take me to Vermont when my parents couldn't and he would always arrange for me to have the best ski equipment so that I could get the most out of skiing. He told me after I came back home from Oregon this summer that I had improved tremendously and that he wanted to tell me that now I really was a good skiier. I will never forget the last joke Stevek told me. He was over at my house sometime in early November and he told me his usual Jewish joke. I said," Stevek, you've told me this joke like 1,000 times." I don't know what I will now do without him. He would always cheer me up when I was sad and he was always a person that I could call whenever I needed to. Stevek was a wonderful person and always would go out of his way to help someone else; he was extremely selfless. From November 26th, 2003 and on; everyone who knew Stevek will miss him. I MISS YOU, LOVE YOU, AND DO NOT KNOW WHAT I WILL DO WITHOUT YOU!

Mary and I and our whole family are very sad to hear of the tragic loss of Stevek. The first time we met him, his love for skiing and competition was evident in the sparkle in his eyes and the smile on his face. He was one of those bigger than life human beings who touches all who meet him with his love of people, life, kids and the world of skiing. His unselfish passion for promoting and making the sport of skiing so enjoyable should serve as a model for how all of us can impact the quality of people's lives. We will miss him terribly but we will never forget all the enthusiasm he instilled in all of us for the sport of skiing.

- Number of hugs delivered while running through the base lodge on any given weekend - 500.
- Number of tears dried, athletes encouraged, jitters calmed, problems solved - 500,000
- Number of smiles brought to everyone you met - 500,000,000.
- Value of Stevek in our hearts and lives -PRICELESS.

Steve was an inspiration to me for all the reasons yu have mentioned in the 80s he helped us in Telluride and it was always a joy to work with him and share the fun of skiing and freestlye. We will all miss him for a long time

I first met Stevek in the late seventies when I was in charge of the Rosemary Bowl at Waterville Valley, something which I did for 3 or 4 years. I was immediately struck, not only by his care and concern for his kids, but also for their parents, many of whom accompanied their children to Waterville for what was then a 3 day competition. Unlike some other coaches, he never gave me or any of the on-course officials a bad time even if he might have been justified in doing so. I continued to see him into the eighties whenever he came to WV and he always had a friendly smile and hello even though he was obviously busy. We lost touch after that until my daughter and her family began to ski at Stratton several years ago. Sure enough, there was Stevek, in his perpetual rush, but not too busy to remember who I was and to say hello. This continued on an irregular basis through last season, which was the last time I saw him, but I will always remember the warmth of his greeting and his big smile. Even though I haven't been involved with Freestyle for many years I am well aware of his huge contributions to the sport and of the extent that he will be missed, especially at Stratton.

I can't begin to explain the roller coaster of emotion I have been on since you left. I apologize deeply for not comming to NewYork to see you off but I figured being at Bromley carrying out your mission as a freestyle coach was what you would have me do.

Only a handfull of my young freestylers had the privlaged opportunity of meeting you, but every last one that had that privilage cherished it. Little Chris Conetta remembers trading jokes with you at the top of Wolrd Cup, and Parker White remembers telling you not to worry about it after you told him not to go so big off the top air. Brett Winne remembers how much his sides hurt after laughing at you and Chris trading jokes. Three out of five of the kids I brought to your meet that day have fond memories of you, the other two never had the privilage of meeting you, for that I am truly sorry.

I, however, did have the privilage of meeting you. You are the reason I have a career in Freestyle skiing. Had I not met you that sunny day at Stratton with Justin Klien, niether one of us would have had the joyous experience of competing in Eastern Frestyle, we never would have gone to C.V.A. and we never would have had the experience we thrive on today. Though my road through the freestyle world has had its ups and downs, I have looked to you for guidence every step along the way, and I still will.

Chris still goes over the line with his jokes, and Brett still laughs until his sides hurt, Parker still goes way too big, and every time they do I think of you. Every time I meet a new prospect for my program I will think of you. Every time I show up for a meet and there is chaos I will think of you. Every time the awards are late I will think of you. Every day when I go to work and put on my skis I will think of you and work a little harder to make sure that every freestyler who's life I touch will share in the truly amazing experience you have afforded me. Thankyou for everything,

It has been a week since we all have lost our dear friend Stevek. It hasn't gotten any easier. The thought of never receiving another e-mail, not hearing his voice on the phone from the road or office, not seeing him at line up and especially not having him walk thru our front door is still unbelievable.

We will miss his jokes, his advice and his love. Every family is at such a loss. Stevek was a text book type A personality. How many times did he talk so fast that you couldn't keep up with him and you would just nod your head in agreement? How many events or parties did we all help out with that he had planned with such ease. How many families did he visit in one night at Stratton. He was truly one of a kind. What Stevek could accomplish on his own, we will have to form committees to handle.

We are so thankful to have had him in our lives. We are the lucky ones. Those that never got the chance to know him are lucky in that they won't feel the pain. The memorial will help give us with closure and I'm sure Stevek is ticked that he can't be organanizing it himself. On the other hand, he is probably too busy running things in Heaven. We love you Stevek.

Stevek, I still can't grasp the idea that you are gone. I wish I could just have a little more time with you. You have become one of my closest friends. I have seen you almost every weekend this fall, except when as you would say...I'm too busy with girls. You mean so much to me. You have always been there when I needed you, whether it was skiing, injuries, friends, girls, cars, or any other number of things. You always had time to help settle our friend problems when no one else could spare a moment. You would bring us to dinner to help everyone get along. At Mt.Hood you brought a few of us in your car instead of the van, so we could all talk and work out our problems. I remember at Lake Placid when I was upset, you were there with me until you were sure I was all right. You always had the best advice. You worked very late and also on the weekends all year long, just trying to make this program run perfectly for all of us. On your way to and from Vermont, you called dozens and dozens of families just to check in and see how they were doing. You always fit in time to come by the house and just hang out with us. You have taught me so much in the years I have known you. All your values will stay with me and still be at heart. All your rules although I have fought them, you were only trying to make us learn right from wrong and protect us. You have made me a better person with all of your life lessons. You even taught me to drive; I couldn't have asked for anyone better, you are patient and calm. You have helped me in many ways and I can only hope to help someone else this much. You were always giving, never taking. You are the most generous person I have ever met. I could write about you forever, there is just so much to say and so many wonderful things you have done. It is truly amazing how many lives in this world you have touched. I will give back to you what you would have wanted most, I will try to be the best person I can and as caring as I can. I am sad to say I have lost a true best friend. I will always miss you and remember you forever. I will do this ski season for you.

Dear Stevek, There is so much i would love to tell you and so much i have to say about you, but words, especially typing them, cannot describe anything that i feel. I wish i had one more chance to say goodbye and tell you how much you mean to me, and how much you have done for my family and how you have been an amazing part of my life since i was a little kid. The last time i got to talk to you, you were yelling at me on the phone for not calling you back.........this time i really wish i had. I miss you Stevek, i love you!

The only thing that I could say to Stevek that would truly show him how much he means to me is: I love you. I cannot describe my feelings for him, nor show how much he has helped me in any other way. Instead, I will share with you a poem that he carried with him in his black book that was one of his favorites and that I believe truly captures his essence.

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
And remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others,
Even to the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter,
For always there will be greater and lesser persons that yourself.
Enjoy you achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in you own career, however humble,
It's a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
Many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love;
For in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
It is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
Gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
No doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.