You were a friend to many!

I don't remember exactly how long I new Stephen but it would have been
a great loss had our paths never met.
One of my first visits to his apartment amazed me at all the "toys" he
had. I found a large box of wooden bricks of all shapes and sizes just
waiting for a childlike mind like mine to play with. At first I was a
little apprehensive - were they there to look at or could I really
play with such wondrous pieces of art.
After looking at them for about 5 minutes someone said "go ahead,
play. Thats what they are for" so in I jumped and built castles and
bridges and many other mystical things. Soon Stephen joined in and
then someone else and before long there were about maybe 4-6 big
children all making their own worlds out of bricks.
I almost cried when it was time to leave but felt better when Stephen
told me I was welcome to stop by and play again. I did so many times
after that. Thanks for the wonderful memories my friend.

                                 SUE HIGGS

                                   PEACE

I have known Stephen for a short while thru Drix's friendship. I spent
time with Stephen learning and playing a marble game while the gang of
his friends enjoyed his company. His was a very kind-hearted man who
took time to share with strangers as well as friends. He will be missed
by many and myself. Farwell Stephen plesent journeys my friend!

I've had the great pleasure of working with Stephen the past 7 years.
  I came in first, he right after.  I always went out and got the
coffee and we traded days to pay.  Sometimes when he paid I sneaked in
a berry scone. (I shared it with him) as we evaluated our work day and
discussed how wonderful it would be when we could walk away and retire
and laughed about all the stupid meetings we had to attend, solving
zero.  The girls at the coffee shop next door never saw him, and
sometimes accused me of making him up.  November 1 I went over for
coffee and a scone to just sit on his desk all day, and I had to tell
them they wouldn't ever get to meet him. They gave it to me free.  I
really miss my pal, now I sit in his desk and try to fill a gap until
we have to hire and it's hard.  I am so proud to have had the
opportunity to have met and worked with him and shared so many
laughs....and cups of coffee...and an occasional scone.

--- In stephendeckmemorial@yahoogroups.com, "sariphna" <sariphna@...>
wrote:
>
> To all that have ever met Stephen instantly took a liking to him,
> unlike any other. I personally have had a long strange fun trip with
> my ole pal and it's not over. The memories just begin in his time of
> passing. I would like to thank everybody for remembering and loving
> our friend. See you on the other side Deck.
> Your friend Tj
>
TJ...
I fondly remember You, and Stephen making a batch of Sho Fly Pies.
Could you make some for the Memorial service at Bean's
LINDY

To all that have ever met Stephen instantly took a liking to him,
unlike any other. I personally have had a long strange fun trip with
my ole pal and it's not over. The memories just begin in his time of
passing. I would like to thank everybody for remembering and loving
our friend. See you on the other side Deck.
Your friend Tj

Mt friend Drix took me upstairs at MillHouse to Stephen's one night and
we sat and talked with Stephen and two younger men.  I was quite
impressed with Stephen's style.  Everything seemed for purposeful.  And
of all things, he has a collection of "very light spheres of about this
size" from a white wooden ball, to a carved puzzle to I don't remember
what else now, but the only thing they had in common was that they were
the all spheres, were white or off-white and "about this size".
Personally I can not imagine geting my life down to just the
essentials.  I have been working on letting go of things, shedding the
load so to speak.  Stephen's apartment was bare but full, simple but
elegant and he had everything he needed and no more.  I don't have any
idea of Stephen would agree with my assessment, in fact I have a
feeling that he would have delighted in my misreading of him, but I
will say this, whether is was an accurate assessment of him or not...
it made an impression on me.

I lit a candle for "Drix's friend Stephen" Sunday night and said my
little prayer and sent a blessing his way.  Thank you Stephen... you do
live on.

T

Stephen's good pal Bean has offered to host a get-together for those what can - to come spend some face time with each other and share memories of our enlightened buddy Stephen.
If you can't - we'll just talk about you more!!! <g>
(Mmaybe if you're far away- just call there then too.
Password: Stephen Deck)!

Stephen Deck Memorial Service
Saturday, November 17th, 1 - 4pm at Bean's house.
If you don't know the address, contact Drix.
You'll know the place by all the laughter!!

Stephen and I are the same Age... It is with sadness and Joy that I say
"Good bye" Save me a good seat by the window.
LINDY

(A Drix note to Shaz),
Hope you are fine.
We've had some changes up here.
Carol said it best…
-------   -------
"At 5:50pm pst, our friend Stephen Deck died.
Halloween.
I just look back upon the 1979 Halloween of all Halloween parties.
Light a candle.
Think of Stephen.
I'm in Portland now.
But Bean his close friend, Michael his friend for ever & a handful of 1312 Mill (MILLHOUSE) neighbors (MILLHAUSERS) were beside him.
His lungs went out.
He never left 1312 Mill until his last venture to Sacred Heart...for more than a day...week...

I felt you should know.

A special person has left us.
My wonderful memories of Stephen was his gift of conversation.
No matter how messed up a circle of thought got, he could always pick & choose, & get the train of thought always back on rail.
Genius.
Years & years could go by, but he always knew how to create a doozy, woozy memory back.

He was our NEAL CASSADAY.

Kerouac & Kesey, (or whoever...) would be off on a herbal tangent, but Cassiday would always get it back.
Stephen had that knack.
I swear,
We would swear, we, we all were,  all,  were as spaced, tripped-out or whatever as Stephen.
au contraire
He'd trump you.
He'd always get the gist of the conversation & add his own most pithy susinccint comment.

You always want a Cassiday beside you.
Stephen isn't  gone.

Everytime you walk that cat backward.
Think of Stephen.
He will be there, purrrring.
(you got it)

Carol
("just keep the boat dry…")"