I just got home from attending Steve's funeral.
My girlfriend and I went up to represent MEB and the Early Bronco community which Steve loved so much.
I'm not real good with funerals as I can get choked up real easily. This one was especially tough. We were searching for the address and knew we where there as soon as I spotted Steve's bright orange Broncosaurus prominently parked in front of the funeral home.
We got there just a few minutes after the scheduled start of the service and there was a line out the door and down the sidewalk. It took about 30 minutes in the receiveing line until we got up to meet his step-daughter Stacy and her husband Matt and Steve's wife Darlene.
As we approached, I saw the displays set up with many photos, albums and memorabila that represented Steve. It was overwhelming how much of it was Ford, Bronco, and MEB related. Probably 75% or more. There were items I recognized that really choked me up such as one of the first MEB Staff antenna flags I made and gave to event staff and volunteers and a Paragon Adventure park antenna flag. I also quickly spotted a MEB East Coast Bronco Roundup shirt from the 40th Anniversary we hosted in 2006.
Pat and I introduced ourselves to his step-son-inlaw and step-daughter and I tried to offer my condolences as best I could at the moment as I we getting pretty choked up. Darlene then finished speaking with the person ahead of us and turned to me. It took just a moment for her to recognize me (must have been the clean shave and suit?
![Wink ;) ;)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
), but as soon as I said her name she started to cry and gave me a big hug and thanked us for coming. She told us how much Steve loved his Bronco and the club. We spoke for a couple minutes and I told here that if she needed anything to be sure to let me know as I gave her one of my club cards with my phone number and email.
She said that she was certain that she could not keep his Bronco as she is not comfortable driving it, but she did intend to drive it home from the funeral home with Steve's ashes as his last ride. That again really got to me!
After speaking with her and seeing how much it meant to see us there, it really made me so glad that Pat and I decided to take off work and make the 2+ hour drive up.
We then proceded to look at a few tables full of various items that represented Steve's life and passions. As I mentioned, there were LOTS of Bronco related items and photos. We thumbed though a few of the albums. One caught my attention in particular, the build album of Broncosaurus. I got to see just how much work Steve and Lucas did to that rig and when the cut the rotted rear of the tub off. When I got to the page showing the rear tub section Steve got from me and the work they did to seamlessly blend it into his rig was another point I got quite choked up.
The final Bronco item that caught my attention was a laminated half page newspaper article with a color photo of Steve and his Bronco. It was from 1999, just after they completed his Bronco. It was about a show that he had won and detailed all the work that went into the project and showed Steve's passion for the Bronco. One line that caught my eye was where Steve was quoted describing a group photo shoot we had that year at Bloomsburg where I had gathered all 28 of the Broncos at the show for a group photo and to try to get MEB rolling. Steve was quoted in the article as saying "we're starting a new club, Mid-Atlantic Early Broncos". This was even more proof of just how much Steve has enjoyed and felt a closeness to the club since day one.
There were also lots of photos of Steve's friends and family and their activities at his hunting camp which was also a huge part of Steve's life as well as some of Steve's younger years which are always interesting to see.
Pat and I then worked out way into the next room where we saw his best friend Lucas. We spoke and traded stories about Steve for at least 20 minutes. Lucas could easily write a book about some of the antics they got into over the years! Lucas said he hopes that he of one of Steve's friends buys Steve's Bronco to keep a close part of Steve with them. I too hope that is what happens and told Lucas that if one of them do get it, that I hoped they'd attend a future East Coast Bronco Roundup as I'm sure the member and participants would love to see at part of Steve there again. I thanked Lucas for reaching out to contact me.
On our way out (after an hour and a half with less than 30 minutes of the scheduled time remaining) there was even a much longer line out the door and onto the street with at least 75-100 people still in the receiving line.
As we walked out though the parking lot and past Broncosaurus, I stopped to get another close look at Steve's price and joy and felt blessed that Steve and I met 12 years ago and were able to share our passion.
Rest in peace my friend, you will be missed!
Drew