From my family the event was attended by our oldest brother Roger, our brother Bruce, our nephew Nathan, my husband Bob & myself
Its hard to find words to describe this wonderful person so I'll post a few video links from some who spoke at the event. And then a few remembrances of my own, and some of Steve's own words.
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| April 29th post |
From his wife Sydney, a friend read what Syd wrote about Steve.
In this 2 minute video, one of Steve & his wife Syd's longtime friends reads something Syd wrote about Steve, and its so perfect I thought I'd share it here. A glimpse into what made this brother of mine so incredibly special. They were together for 57 years when he passed. Many of us, family and friends both, also learned so much from him about so many things. An inspiration to all of us. I wish I could share more, but many of the photos of Steve or by him are from his collection and not mine to share.
Syd is the one in a black and white blouse on the far left when I panned that direction. The videos are just from my iphone and I'm very much amateur with videos.
My brother Roger Manning. Unfortunately It got cut off a a bit too soon but here are 13 minutes of stories about Steve.
My brother Bruce Manning
Our nephew Nathan Gosink
Part 1 and 2
The whole playlist with one other friend included, at least what I managed
to get on my phone is here.
More memories:
This video is from 5 years ago about the business that he helped found and run for nearly 2 decades
Steve is interviewed in this video.
Part 2 of this series is here:
He wrote in his email:
"Michele,
I'm sorry this is a bit late, but I could never forget your birthday as you are sandwiched between Mozart and Mom which is an enviable and unforgettable place. I just started chemotherapy yesterday and have of course been wrapped up in preparation and apprehension. The infusion went well and day two I felt remarkably well and thus I have high hopes. I know it is inevitable that there will be downsides including probably having my 50 year old braid fall off my head. What can you do, it is still so lovely to walk amongst the living I'm going to try to do it for a while longer.
One of the things I have been doing of late is going back over my archive and reworking some images that I never felt I quite got right. This image I am sending you is one of those I think I now have right. It is an image taken high on the great dune in the Eureka Valley in the northwest corner of the expanded Death Valley NP. The dune is a juvenile sandstone being formed, the sand is from a Jurassic granite to the west and the huge wall of the Last Chance Range is Cambrian, half a billion years older than the dune and holding evidence of the first abundant metazoan life. All in beautiful juxtaposition which we have the wonderful privilege of witnessing.
So best birthday wishes and keep watching those beautiful sunrises.
Steve"
I'm sorry this is a bit late, but I could never forget your birthday as you are sandwiched between Mozart and Mom which is an enviable and unforgettable place. I just started chemotherapy yesterday and have of course been wrapped up in preparation and apprehension. The infusion went well and day two I felt remarkably well and thus I have high hopes. I know it is inevitable that there will be downsides including probably having my 50 year old braid fall off my head. What can you do, it is still so lovely to walk amongst the living I'm going to try to do it for a while longer.
One of the things I have been doing of late is going back over my archive and reworking some images that I never felt I quite got right. This image I am sending you is one of those I think I now have right. It is an image taken high on the great dune in the Eureka Valley in the northwest corner of the expanded Death Valley NP. The dune is a juvenile sandstone being formed, the sand is from a Jurassic granite to the west and the huge wall of the Last Chance Range is Cambrian, half a billion years older than the dune and holding evidence of the first abundant metazoan life. All in beautiful juxtaposition which we have the wonderful privilege of witnessing.
So best birthday wishes and keep watching those beautiful sunrises.
Steve"
And another
Meet Herman
Some thoughts I wrote to Steve 10 days before he passed away:
To my Dearest beloved brother Steve, and Sydney too.
I heard it's been a bit rough for you, and that our phone call tomorrow is postponed. You are much on my mind and heart.
I thought I'd share a few musings of memories I have.
There are a few memories that are salient and precious to me of time with you. You may not know what they are so I thought I would tell you.
I have the very faintest and fleeting memories of Thailand. My first audio memory in this life is of Thai temple bells ringing and for some reason I think you are there with me. Perhaps you were physically closest at the time , carrying me or holding my hand. Do you recall such a memory?
The next memory is sitting on your lap on the front porch in Kentucky during a wild thunder and lightning storm, and you were trying to explain to me what lightning was. I don’t recall being scared of the storm securely there on your lap, just fascinated and interested. I have loved thunder and lightning storms ever since.
Another memory is when we (mom Dad, Sue, Bruce and I) were on the USS Lurline about to depart for Hawaii in 1966. Mom was crying and upset because you had not come to say goodbye. Then we spotted you down on the dock waving. Mom was relieved but balling her eyes out. I could feel her emotions and it was a very strong grief mixed with gladness. I think we've talked about why she felt that way.
I fondly remember the gifts that Syd made for me, your little sister, that were sent to Hawaii. A velvet cape that I adored , and two hand sewn felt stuffed animals. I had them for many years, but finally gave them away as gifts to a friend’s child. I also still have the glass marble that she made at some point and that you both gave me as a gift. I think that occurred when you lived in Berkeley (and after we returned from Hawaii) in that wonderful Victorian (It was magical to me that house) and that Doberman pinscher? Or German Shepherd ?… what was his name? F…. something.
Then the cabin. Yes, going up to the Feather River cabin where you guys lived. It was such a thrill for me, I loved that trip. What was the name of the old miner that lived up there? Woody? I can’t remember it now. I remember he nicknamed me “Brighteyes” which I loved. I also remember how silly Aunt Barbara behaved on that trip and how that distressed Mom, but it is mostly a very happy memory. I also remember that Uncle Bill had to lay down in the back of their camper while Aunt B drove because he was so afraid of heights and the cliff edge on the road. That was quite a road. And I recall you giving me a photo of you up there, and I still have it. Bruce and I were both so excited to see you and explore the area.
Those are just a few of my favorites, I’ll write more if I think of some.
For now my dearest brother, I want you to know that I love you very, very, very much, and you too Syd, I love you too and am so grateful that my precious brother has you for a partner.
With all my heart, Michele
We will all miss you deeply Steven, but what a beautiful legacy of art, knowledge, and beauty you have left. I was honored to be your little sister.
