Steve chose four statements to be printed in his memorial service program.  These messages represented the qualities he most wanted to be remembered for:

• “Work Hard, Play Hard…that is something I always believed in over the course of my life.”

• “I always made a point to make people feel better around me.”

• “Always do the right thing. I always took pride in doing that, whether at home, the office, etc.  If it was morally and ethically the right thing to do, that’s how I would try to promote what I did on a day to day basis.”

• “This is not a goodbye forever, because I will see you all again sometime.”

And he is remembered for these things – and many other inspiring qualities.  Years after his body left this world, his spirit remains through the positive influence he made on so many people:

• Craig: “What Steve was all about was certainly communicated so effectively at his service. There was not a single person that attended his funeral that did not walk away as a better person. We that knew and loved Steve were SO BLESSED by having him in our lives!!!”

• Kim:  “At first, Steve was just a friendly neighbor who always smiled and waved as he drove past our house.  Eventually, we became friends and he offered support in my first triathlon.  He was enthusiastic, energetic, fun, and upbeat. And when he became ill and began to grow physically weaker, I saw his inner strength.  Now, when I face difficulties in life and I start to feel overwhelmed, my husband asks “What would Steve do?”

• Tom and Rita: “We have wonderful memories of our family trips and continue to reflect upon Steve and Julene’s character while Steve was fighting cancer.  Steve’s message encouraged us to share the best of ourselves with others, if only with a simple smile.  Be grateful: Steve showed us how delightful it is to be grateful for the smallest of things.  He wanted us to love life.  His Stevism of ‘work hard and play hard’ is a good example for all of us because we don’t know how long we have been gifted on this earth.”

• Rich: “It was an awesome moment and I was very proud when the Andrews family had the flag on the altar with other mementos of Steve’s life prominently displayed. Steve’s life and friendship meant a lot to me. His spirit helped move me up the highest free standing mountain in the world. His love of life will be forever missed.”

• Dayna: “I have Steve’s picture up on my vanity and look at that infectious smile while I do my makeup. His photo is such a great reminder to me to live in the moment, be fully present with my family, and find the good in every situation.”

• Alan: “Years ago, Steve told me that his secret to achieving his goals was to do just one thing – big or small – every single day.  I try to follow that rule.”

• JeNelle:  “When people would ask Steve how he is doing he would always respond, “FANTASTIC!!!” whether it was completely accurate or not. His goal was to focus on the other person and help them to have a better day rather than dwell on the details of what is going on in his life. This was a life-long trait of Steve’s, well before he was diagnosed with cancer. I try to do the same, on a daily basis. Focus on the positive and be a good friend!”

• Jani:  “As we all race through life, Steve taught my husband and I to simply ‘Smell the Roses’ a little bit more…Breathe and appreciate how precious life is….He reminds us there are no bad days when you know a dear friend fought for his Life with Grace, Integrity and always a Big Smile on his face.”

• Robert and Suzanne: “After having the pleasure of Steve’s company, and the sweetness of his fellowship for fourteen years, we understood that not only was he choosing to ‘Work hard, play hard’ every day of his life, he was doing all things ‘heartily, as to the Lord’.  Our inspiring friend will receive the reward of his inheritance, for in his quiet and most impacting way, he served the Lord Christ.  His example resonates within our hearts, and within the hearts of our children, and all those who had the privilege to know him. ”

• Margi: “From Steve I have learned that each day when I wake up I have a choice to feel sorry for myself about all that is on my plate or to live my life with joy.”

• Karlie: “My Dad taught me some invaluable life lessons; “Always do the Right Thing”, “Work Hard Play Hard”, be kind to everyone (a smile and hello go a long way). He motivated me to work hard and be the best I could be. I learned a strong work ethic and dedication.  Most importantly he taught me to live in the moment and enjoy every minute of your day. No matter what Steve was doing he was always happy, positive, and smiling. He found the good in every situation and made the most out of it. Life is too short to not be happy. Enjoy the little things in life and do not think too far ahead, enjoy the here and now, be present, and appreciate the people you are with. You will never get today back again, make it amazing!”

• Jo: “He was a wonderful son, a good man.  He loved his family and was so proud of Michael and Karlie and Julene.  He was an inspiration to me.  Always he was cheerful, kind. One of his inspirations was one I often observed in him, ‘Always try to make the other person feel good about himself.’  In this troubled world if only the inhabitants would observe this inspiration.  Be kind to one another, make the others feel good about themselves.  Do the right thing.  I miss you Steve.  I love you.  I hope to be together again.”