Steve was confined to a wheel chair when he joined our 7th grade class at Kentfield Elementary School. He suffered from Muscular Dystrophy, but in the years that I knew him, I never once heard him complain once about his affliction and he always displayed a positive attitude towards life.
Everyone liked Steve and he was everyone’s friend. You were always greeted with a warm smile and a sense that he was genuinely glad to see you. He was always sincerely interested in how you were and what was happening in your life. He was a great listener and was a friend to all.
At Redwood, there were no ADA requirements or even an elevator. His classmates carried him up & down stairs so that he could attend classes as his schedule required. I will admit that we dropped him a couple of times, but he always was thankful and we all had good laugh.
If there was a party anywhere, it was at Steve's home. It was sort of like a home away from home. You were always welcome at the Ross’s home.
For several years, Steve and his mom would round up a whole bunch of us at Halloween and we trick or treated for UNICF. I would later become a Rotarian and I think this was the beginning in learning about "Service above self".
Steve went on to College and became an accountant, which was a tremendous accomplishment, considering his physical disability. He later counseled the terminally ill when in reality, he was terminally ill, and was suffering considerably.
Steve was a remarkable individual and exhibited so many admirable personal traits and a life long positive attitude that we all should be reminding ourselves to emulate him.
Steve’s mother, an extraordinary lady, set an example for all of us when it comes to total and complete devotion, commitment and love for her son. She spent 40 years of her life caring for Steve before his death. Steve died about six months after our 20th High School reunion.
When I think of Steve, I am reminded not only of his constant battle to overcome what life had dealt him and his unwillingness to give in to it, but of all the fun times we all shared. I'm very thankful to have known Steve.
Knowing someone whose daily struggle with those everyday challenges the rest of us tale for granted, even complain about, is a priceless lesson in living a full and gracious life. I do remember Steve. Didn't know him really, but one didn't have to know him well to recall his friendliness, his kindness, and his obvious love of life. You drew a tough hand, my friend. But you played it well. And may you now rest in peace.
Reading your comments tells me alot about the persons you all have become. I am proud to call you classmates just like I am able to call Steve Ross my class mate. My only regret is that I didn't take time to get to know him better. Like many I am afraid I was so self absorbed that I lost sight of how I could be of more service when at that age. My recollection of Steve however limited, is one of being a gentle soul... quiet, kind, and never complaining. Oh that I could have more appreciated what lie under that handicapped exterior. Apparently several of you did rise above yourselves to provide service.. to be his friend... to know him well. Thank you for that.
Your heartfelt comments speaks to others of us who are feeling the same as we read your note - how many times I saw the guys carrying him up the stairs between classes, and never gave a thought to what a kindness that was, it seemed so normal, yet I did nothing to show my friendship or respect either. I am sorry now.
Steve Swigard
Steve Ross
Steve was confined to a wheel chair when he joined our 7th grade class at Kentfield Elementary School. He suffered from Muscular Dystrophy, but in the years that I knew him, I never once heard him complain once about his affliction and he always displayed a positive attitude towards life.
Everyone liked Steve and he was everyone’s friend. You were always greeted with a warm smile and a sense that he was genuinely glad to see you. He was always sincerely interested in how you were and what was happening in your life. He was a great listener and was a friend to all.
At Redwood, there were no ADA requirements or even an elevator. His classmates carried him up & down stairs so that he could attend classes as his schedule required. I will admit that we dropped him a couple of times, but he always was thankful and we all had good laugh.
If there was a party anywhere, it was at Steve's home. It was sort of like a home away from home. You were always welcome at the Ross’s home.
For several years, Steve and his mom would round up a whole bunch of us at Halloween and we trick or treated for UNICF. I would later become a Rotarian and I think this was the beginning in learning about "Service above self".
Steve went on to College and became an accountant, which was a tremendous accomplishment, considering his physical disability. He later counseled the terminally ill when in reality, he was terminally ill, and was suffering considerably.
Steve was a remarkable individual and exhibited so many admirable personal traits and a life long positive attitude that we all should be reminding ourselves to emulate him.
Steve’s mother, an extraordinary lady, set an example for all of us when it comes to total and complete devotion, commitment and love for her son. She spent 40 years of her life caring for Steve before his death. Steve died about six months after our 20th High School reunion.
When I think of Steve, I am reminded not only of his constant battle to overcome what life had dealt him and his unwillingness to give in to it, but of all the fun times we all shared. I'm very thankful to have known Steve.
Respectfully submitted,
Steve Swigard
Gayle Partmann
Thanks for the moving tribute and memories, Steve -
Jeff Dippel
Nice piece Steve
As one of those who helped carry Steve up and down stairs, I thought of it as just helping out a classmate. Nothing more.
Later, as a Rotarian, I realized that doing so was my personal introduction to Service Above Self. It was a great way to start.
Jeff Dippel
Marianne Gustafson (Menter)
Knowing someone whose daily struggle with those everyday challenges the rest of us tale for granted, even complain about, is a priceless lesson in living a full and gracious life. I do remember Steve. Didn't know him really, but one didn't have to know him well to recall his friendliness, his kindness, and his obvious love of life. You drew a tough hand, my friend. But you played it well. And may you now rest in peace.
Marianne Menter
Frank Norton
Reading your comments tells me alot about the persons you all have become. I am proud to call you classmates just like I am able to call Steve Ross my class mate. My only regret is that I didn't take time to get to know him better. Like many I am afraid I was so self absorbed that I lost sight of how I could be of more service when at that age. My recollection of Steve however limited, is one of being a gentle soul... quiet, kind, and never complaining. Oh that I could have more appreciated what lie under that handicapped exterior. Apparently several of you did rise above yourselves to provide service.. to be his friend... to know him well. Thank you for that.
Frank Norton
Carol Hamm (Fluke)
To Frank Norton regarding Steve Ross:
Your heartfelt comments speaks to others of us who are feeling the same as we read your note - how many times I saw the guys carrying him up the stairs between classes, and never gave a thought to what a kindness that was, it seemed so normal, yet I did nothing to show my friendship or respect either. I am sorry now.
Helle Jacobsen
I had dinner with Steve in San Francisco a couple of years after we graduated. I agree with you all.