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Stephen Faulkner Lacey

Stephen Lacey Obituary

Lacey, Stephen Faulkner Left his material form on September 18, 2008, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, at the age of 62. He is mourned by his cherished wife of 40 years, Kathleen, and his treasured daughter, Ninon, of Great Falls, MT. He is also survived by sisters Elizabeth (Guy) Harris of Mountain View, AR, Ninon (William) Starke of Brookhaven, NY, and Kathleen (Thomas) Scheibel of Brookhaven, NY. He was preceded in death by his father, Faulkner Lacey, and his mother, Helen (Pooler) Lacey. Further survived by aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, devoted friends, colleagues and associates, clients, and students. Stephen was born in Boston, Massachusetts on September 22, 1945 and grew up in Brookhaven, NY. He conquered polio as a child and later ran track in high school. As a child and adolescent he designed boats and became skillful in a variety of sail and ice boats on the Great South Bay, and enjoyed adventures on the water and on land. He was devoted to nature, conservation, peace, and the appreciation of life and beauty in all its forms. Through visiting his father at Brookhaven National Laboratory he was further fascinated by science. Through hurricanes he was enthralled with weather. Through tending his grandfather's land and forests in New Hampshire he became a lover of wood. Through making house calls with this same grandfather, a doctor, he thought of studying medicine and could sew up an injured animal with ease. He graduated from Brookhaven High School in 1963; from Rockford college in 1967. There he earned his B.A. in Art and Education. Printmaking, as a specialty, led him to the Fishy Whale Press where he did lithography and paper making. At the same time, he became head of the Art department at the Jackie Robinson Middle School for open education. Thereafter, in 1972, he started his own business as a designer and builder of decks and kitchens and soon moved on to the creation of artifacts and fine furniture at an ever increasing level of sophistication, , and meticulous craftsmanship. He became known especially for his tables with exquisite joinery details. Stephen is completely self-taught in his craft. He established Plane Design in the former Fishy Whale Press, developing his vision before he joined the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design in 1981. He taught courses in Materials and Methods to every student at MIAD for 27 years, earning the respect of students and colleagues. Stephen was passionately devoted to education and the inculcation of knowledge through experience. His spirituality stemmed from his connection with the physical world in such a way that action was also a meditation, allowing a unique encounter with the entire range of experience. A Memorial Service and Reception celebrating his remarkable life will be held on Saturday, September 27 from 1:00-3:00 PM, at Flux Design, 811 E. Vienna Ave., in Milwaukee. It is the first block south of Capitol Drive and four blocks west of Humboldt Boulevard. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design 3-D Lab to promote his mission there.

Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Sep. 24, 2008.
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Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Lacey

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Kathleen,

Please know my prayers are with you during this time. Thank you for all

Monica Merkel

October 6, 2008

My condolences to Steve's family and the greater MIAD family.

Bob Tambellini

October 3, 2008

dear kathleen and nanan
my love goes out
to you so much
jacob obletz

jacob obletz

October 1, 2008

I just found out about Mr. Lacey's departure. I was a student of his; we had stayed in contact throughout the years since my MIAD experience through occasional telephone conversations which we usually ended up talking about sailing. He inspired me to patent a concept for a sail and we had many conversations about as well.

I remember one time I was building a project out of black walnut, Steve told me that you couldn't get black walnut that didn't have die in it anymore. Years later my great uncle died and I found a truck load of black walnut hidden in the rafters of his garage that had been hand cut from timber that was on his farm. It had been there for probably 50 years or more; I thought of Steve and called him. I ended up driving the load from SW Minnesota out to his house because he wanted to buy it! That is the type of passion that he instilled in all of us.

I will miss those conversations, those experiences and I will miss him.

He always allowed you to look at your own questions as answers with in themselves, his passion fed of yours and he allowed his fascination with the wide possibility of solutions to feed you. A solution as simple as a finger pull on a drawer could spontaneously erupt into a conversation that would last for hours and would never be dull, not even for a second.

Thank you Steve.

Sincerely your friend,

"Sluggo"

Sluggo, Matt Murphy, Kent Solberg and Tim Hanson were all official members of the "Flying Monkey Squadron" Which I'm certain Steve is smiling about as I write this! That is another conversation in itself; however, I will say that the look on Steve's face when he found out what this "especially creative" group was up to is simply unforgettable...

Michael Trost

September 30, 2008

Dear Kathleen and Ninon, My heart go's out to you both. I have been so fortunate to be apart of your family.Stephen was one of the most creative minds I have ever met. He was also a caring soul mate and Dad to you both.I know you were the most important thing in his life.Having moved away from Milwaukee some thirty years ago I have always looked forward to some great conversations with Stephen going over our latest projects. Coming back to Milwaukee will never be the same.

William Darin

September 27, 2008

I write to express my sincere and deepest sympathy to all who mourn. I am a stranger, who is mourning. with you.

Karen

September 27, 2008

My deepest condolence to you and your family, Steve was such an amazing role model to me and so many other students, he will be dearly missed.

Kate Alt

September 27, 2008

Dear Kathleen and Ninon, I am so, so sorry for your loss. Steve was a great mentor to me during my years at Miad, I remember him very fondly. My heart goes out to you and your family.

Kathleen Kennedy-Klassen

September 26, 2008

What a loving and inspiring summary. Thank you, Kathleen. The Lacey family has been a blessing in my life. Peace be with you. May life be gentle with you for this while.

Elizabeth Burgert

September 26, 2008

Man. What a loss. I'm currently a Senior in ID at MIAD, but I've been going to different colleges for almost a decade now, and I'm proud to say that Steve was one of the best teachers I've ever had. When I first had Steve as a teacher, we quickly bonded over our love of the water and boating. We discussed classic raceboats, sailing, and antique outboards. He was more than a teacher to me, he was a friend, and he treated me as an equal. He knew when I cut corners, and he constantly pushed me to take more risks. What strikes me most is how I can recall something important I discovered through Steve, with every project in his class.
Starting with the sweeps project, Steve gave me a B because my design had a thinly tapered section that he said would break easily. Ever since then, I've been determined to keep them in great condition, so upon graduation day, I could show him up. That's one of the greatest things I had with Steve... the fact that I loved to prove him wrong, and he enjoyed this. It was almost a friendly rivalry, and it really pushed me to work harder and harder on each project.
For the 2-cut project, I wanted to be different. I'd seen years and years of MIAD students make 2-cuts, and they all looked similar... a vertical shape with some squiggly line. I was determined to make something that nobody had done before, and used jigs to cut my project up at strange angles resulting in a very elegant, geometric form. I was proud of the shape, proud that it was different and unlike anything else. Then, while doing a demo of how to repair dings and applying a good finish, Steve pulled out a 2 cut basically identical to mine. I was dumbfounded. I kept asking him who's it was, who made it, and he would just look at me and grin. A few hours later I confronted him again, and he just smiled and said "Why, it's mine Rob." Argh. Again, it felt like we were equals.
For the mechanism project, I again tried to break the mold, and used an unorthodox central chassis design, and an unorthodox egg timing mechanism. It was so simple it looked like cheating, but Steve loved it as I was thinking outside the box. It dropped the egg in the hole, EVERY SINGLE TIME I tried it. I was pumped, especially when it turned into a class war between Steve and Frank's classes, of which class would have more winners. Steve knew mine would work, but stupidly, for some inexplicable reason, I changed my rubber band at the last minute, which sent my mechanism flying down the track at high speeds and it completely missed. I was crushed. When doing the critique, when mine came up, he just said "Well... Rob.... we all knew yours worked.... what happened?" and upon my explanation, he just started laughing. I definitely learned a LOT that day.
I remember so much of what he taught me on later projects, from techniques to having a positive outlook. He changed who I am, and it's pretty amazing to think back on all the ways he's affected me. I think my relationship with Steve can be summerized in one experience.
Last year, I was struggling with how to make a complex clay model into an appearance model, and I thought about vacuum forming the clay. Steve told me that it wouldn't work at all, which of course only encouraged me to try it out. After freezing the clay for a few days, it worked great. I remember walking into Steve's office and handing him the thermoformed plastic. He struck his infamous pose, and inspected it, and said "Hrm... plastic". And I said "Thermoformed plastic over a clay model, Steve." He jumped with excitement, smiling and asking me questions with all this energy. Being able to teach something to one of my greatest teachers was awesome. He was just beaming with happiness. I'll always miss you Steve, and I'm looking forward to thinking of your knowledge, personality, rationality, and lessons in the future. You were an amazing teacher, and I'll remember you always.

Rob Podell

September 26, 2008

Such a shock, and then a great sadness, and finally a regret -- to have been so close many years ago and then to have forgotten and fallen away. I knew Ninon as a youngster, Steve as a carpenter and business partner, and Kathleen as a friend. Then I went my separate way, only to have the circle come 'round again. Bless you all, and we'll see Steve again in the fullness of love.

Pasha Zukowski

September 26, 2008

For all the memories I have of Steve, for all the remarkable things he said, the one image which somehow stands out the most is of Steve taking a deep breath, striking a balanced pose, and through one swipe of a file putting a set of perfectly serrated teeth onto the edge of a thin sheet of metal. Somehow witnessing this simple action made me seriously rethink what it means to make something. It was like catching a glimpse of some profound, inner equilibrium.

My condolences go out to Steve's family. He is missed greatly.

Joseph Bolstad

September 26, 2008

Dear Mrs. Lacey and Family-

I am deeply saddened by the loss of your husband Steve Lacey. He was an instructor of mine while attending MIAD as was many others.

I learned quite a bit from Steve drawing from his past experiences and also had allot of fun with him doing so. He was a great person and really cared about the students.

For as much time and passion he put into the school, I am sure he appreciated the tremendous support from you and his family.

I can say with affection and deep sympathy, hope that the fond memories you have of Steve will give you comfort.

My family and I are thinking of you and send our heart felt condolences.

Sincerely,
Harold Wikel

Harold Wikel

September 25, 2008

I am very sorry to hear of your loss. Steve was a great instructor during my years at MIAD and will be truly missed.

Rachel Kuenzi

September 25, 2008

I wrote for all the Kathleen "Italian family", we don't meet Stephen in life, but we meet Kathleen love for him, for us he is part of the family and we know the pain for Stephen passing, we are so far from USA but our heart and love are with all of you.
Mauro and family

Mauro Conti

September 25, 2008

Our son Casey is currently a MIAD ID student. He was anxious to introduce us to Steve. He referred to Steve as "Norm Abrams" (from "This Old House") to the 10th POWER, and we know why. We had the great pleasure of meeting Steve and spending some time with him (in the MIAD shop) on two occassions. His energy was magnetic, his devotion to helping students grasp information was amazing, and his knowledge base and skill set were phenomenal. Not to mention that Steve clearly brought joy to all that he was engaged in. He made a huge difference in Casey's education/life, we can only begin to imagine how many young lives he touched, and helped along their path. We are greatful that our son had the opportunity to know, work with, and learn from Steve. He will be sorely missed by many. Our condolences go out to his family, friends, and all his colleagues and students at MIAD.

Robin Taffler

September 25, 2008

Steve made quite an impression on me when I was young. I started MIAD my sophomore year in the design department (1985). One of the things I fondly remember about him is the time he spent with me in the lab. He taught me two important things: pay attention to detail (which has been one of my strengths both professionally and at home when creating art or building something), and to slow down and enjoy what I'm doing. His enthusiasm was contagious, as was his love of teaching and learning. My condolences go out to you and your family. And please know that Steve has always held a special place in my heart all these years.

Lorinda Walters Flores

September 25, 2008

It was a huge shock to learn of his passing. I had a rough night later that evening. I just kept thinking about what he taught me. Steve Lacey was the most energetic and amazing teacher I had at MIAD. He was right there with you, involved in and still intrigued about every step of the process. He taught me to never give up and to always push the limit if you believed that you could do it. Steve was an amazing man. I think that all of his design students can best remember him for the Mechanism Projects over the years. It is the most exciting thing that happens in the 3-D Lab every year. Steve Lacey will very certainly be missed but always remembered.

Alton Janelle

September 25, 2008

Such a beautiful life, such a wonderful person. As a part-time instructor at MIAD, I did not know Steve as the rest of the community did, but I felt his extremely positive presence while passing him the halls. And now, I feel his absence through students, faculty and staff who knew him well. But am quickly reminded by the Leslie Marmon Silko's novel Ceremony, that love does not leave us, when someone close passes away. Rather, they continue to love you as much as always, and your love for them continues as it always was. I see him on the water, in his boat, under the life-giving sun.

Zoe Darling

September 25, 2008

What a great person. I hadn't seen Steve in almost ten years, but seeing his photo, reading this tribute and the comments others have written brought it back to what seems like yesterday.

Steve's unshakable patience, guidance and kindness in the lab (particularly for a... well... "3-D-Challenged" student!) will never be forgotten, and I know I speak for many with that statement.

My condolences to the family.

Heidi Staats

September 25, 2008

Here I am half way around the world, crying for the loss of a teacher who came to our old school on Water Street in 1981. He transformed the shop into a place of cleanliness, order and discipline. He transformed his students into thoughtful, caring artisans of their craft. In an indirect way, he helped me believe in a higher power, because if there weren't one looking out for me, I would not still have all ten fingers, or worse. Thank you Steve . . . I wish you knew how well you are remembered and loved.

Liz Avian / Nee Neidle

September 24, 2008

A great life and spirit continues elsewhere. I see the smile, the grin, and remember the humor, and gusto.
My deepest sympathy to Kathleen, Ninon, and family.

Deborah Hoft

September 24, 2008

Memories live forever. I sure was lucky to have Steve as a mentor. As an ID student from 83-87, I found Steve to be a leader, a teacher, and a friend that influenced me greatly in a very passive, comfortable way. Steve quietly radiated wisdom while being friendly and down to earth.

I want to share a story that might make the hair stand on your neck, but It didn't mine because Steve has always been so comfortable. The morning that Steve passed away I had been working all night. Rather than go to sleep at 5am exhausted, I decided to read emails and opened one from MIAD about an exibition or what not. I looked at MIADs website which I hadn't done in years, and while reminiscing, searched to see if any of my old instructors were still there. Steve was on the list of faculty and I opened his bio. When I saw his face I smiled since I hadn't seen him in years, and I smiled seeing his boat and reading about him. On that note, I went to bed and slept a few hrs before a meeting. That afternoon I opened my email fo find Steve had passed away. All I could think is that he somehow influenced me to think about him, and I'm thankful he did :)

Craig Williamson

September 24, 2008

Steve was my instructor, my employer and my collaborator. As a student he often answered your questions with questions so you could learn by answering and gain the gift of your own knowledge. As my boss in the Work/Study program he always challenged with tough projects, let you run your show, and praised successful outcomes. As I prepared to teach he dove in to lead us through planning, preparations and prepare for growth.

Steve will be missed by so many, some for reasons they know and some for reasons they will discover.

Thanks for everything, friend.

Mike Samarzja

September 24, 2008

I am deeply saddened at Steve's passing, and offer my condolences to his family, and to the countless people whose lives he touched. I got a lot out of my relationship with Steve from 1996-2000 as a former student at MIAD. He taught me a great deal about integrity in design and construction techniques. Additionally, we shared many laughs and intellectual, philosophical, and spiritual conversations, and I loved his wry smile that often accompanied any situation. Thank you, Steve, for contributing to the wisdom of the next generation. Your legacy will not be forgotten.

Shannon David French

September 24, 2008

My Sincerest condolences for a man who had a never fading smile

Nick Hansen

September 24, 2008

I remember his passion for teaching, and his impressing upon me the importance of taking great care with using power tools - I also feel like he helped empower me with knowing that I COULD use power tools - the knowledge of which has contributed to a feeling that I can build or fix anything if I put my mind to it. My heart goes out to your family - I'm so sorry for your loss.

Jenny Bradley Vent

September 24, 2008

You were a good man, Charlie Brown. Thanks so much for all you shared with me. You have touched the lives of many and will not be forgotten.

Cedar Marie

September 24, 2008

Sail on Steve.
You will be greatly missed.
Katie & I love the step stool you gave us for our wedding. We will keep it with us as a part of you for the rest of our lives.
I hope comfort come to the family.

Adam Meurer

September 24, 2008

And so passes a legend... Steve taught the art of problem solving, which is perhaps his greatest legacy. He is joyfully remembered as my favorite teacher. We shared the same genetic trait that forced us to stick out our tongues when concentrating. ("Of course, you know it's a sign of genius," Steve would say.)

A teacher lives on through his students, and so it is. Thank-you for your generosity Steve, you are greatly missed.

Pax et Bonum,

Andrew Gleisner

September 24, 2008

My family and I extend our deepest sympathies to your family. As one of Steve’s former students, I cannot express the profound impact that he had on my life. Not only did he teach and nurture in me the creativity that I enjoy today, he was also a shining example of selflessness. He gave immeasurably of himself for the sake of his students, and for that he has my eternal gratitude. This world is a lesser place for his absence, but it is also a greater place for the legacy he has left here and the knowledge he has passed along to all of us.

Tim Stirmel

September 24, 2008

My condolences. Steve taught me many thing while I attended MIAD, although materials and methods was a class he taught me (amongst others as a ID major) those thoughts were not what come to mind as I remember him and all the times spent at the shop on the 3rd floor of the old buiding on Water Street. I have the vision of one of many times sitting around in Steve's office with he & myself, more often than not Frank and some other students talking about life, politics, science, chess or whatever the topic of the day was. Another that is pretty vivid is when I had been cutting a board on the table saw when I had blinked a little to long (sleeping did not seem to be a priority back then...) and it kicked up and grazed my leg after the gaurd kept it from going though me at hit the wall behind. Steve came running in and once he saw I was OK got that big grin on his face and spent 30 minutes recreating what exactly happened, then had me sign the board and hung it on the wall to make sure no one else comitted the same error. The ironic part is that he had announced the the entire lab I was "in charge" during his absense as he went to get a cup of coffee,(this is something he only bestowed upon people he felt worthy and typically were seniors) and I bieng a sophmore made it all the more rare, well before that happened anyways. Steve eventually did grant me that title again... after a little while though.
Steve made my experience at MIAD that much better while I attended it, although I did not realise how much he influenced me until later on.
Thank you Steve.

John Moerner

September 24, 2008

a good man who taught me a lot about respect.

Matt Murphy

September 24, 2008

My heart goes out to Steve's wife and family. I’ll never forget his curiosity, and genuine appreciation of life.

Steve Baumann

September 24, 2008

It was with great surprise that I learned of Steve's passing. He was always an inspiration to my while at MIAD. My fondest memories of MIAD are of working in the shop on projects with Steve's guidnace. Friends and family, please accept my deepest sympathies in this difficult of time. A former student - Jennifer Hissa (Thurner)

Jennfier Hissa

September 24, 2008

One of my greatest memories from my college experience was a comment Steve made while viewing my work in the 3-D Lab. He looked at my work, looked at me, shook his pen up and down while bouncing a little in place, and said, "I forgot you were brilliant."
I dwelt on that comment for weeks - Steve complimented my work! But Steve also alluded that I hadn't been working up to my potential...But he called me brilliant! Or did he mean I had been brilliant but no longer was?
It was comments like that that made Steve a great teacher - he knew exactly what to say to make his students delve deeper into their own creativity.
Steve was an amazing teacher and I consider myself very lucky to have had his guidance.

Ryann Paszko

September 24, 2008

Steve Lacey was a one of a kind. No where did you find an individual with more passion to teach, create, and enjoy life.

Jeff Bentzler

September 24, 2008

Remembering with you...
...the life of someone so dear.

Steve Lacey was a wonderful professor, mentor and friend and will be missed by many of the students and staff of MIAD. The lessons he taught will live on through each student he has ever touched.

Natasha Lyn Wier

September 24, 2008

While Steve was just beginning his tenure at MIAD as I was graduating, he made a distinctly positive impression on me and my work. As I began my teaching career at MAID a few years later, I worked with Steve both as a faculty member and as a frequent user of the 3D lab. He was a professional in every way, and will surely be missed by all who had the opportunity to work with him.

John Luttropp

September 24, 2008

Steve taught me all about materials and methods, but what I learned from him went far beyond that. He taught me to concentrate on every detail separately and appreciate the process. I was standing by the table saw one day and he asked me what I was making. I told him, "A desk." He said, "No. You're making a saw cut." That was in 1986. Everything was important to Steve, and he taught me how to look at things that way. I still draw upon what Steve taught me so long ago. He was truly extraordinary.

Peggy Brown

September 24, 2008

A great teacher and a terrific guy. He had obvious passion for his work, and a lively sense of humor every day. I will always remember the beautiful tables he made out of old bowling lanes that were in Century Hall on Milwaukee's east side.

Phil Norton

September 24, 2008

The earth is a sadder place.
The trees are somber. The
water and wind continue as before to bring peace with their change and timelessness.

Stephen was an amazing soul.
All of the people who knew him and whose lives he touched are changed and inspired. We will miss him greatly.

Kathleen and Ninon I can't imagine your pain.
I will remember him smiling,
showing me his art and projects - with his happy dogs milling about his feet.
I am honored to have known him.

I am here for you anytime and sending my love and prayers.
-Julie

Julia Nesheiwat

September 24, 2008

We were stunned to learn of Stephen's death and send our deepest sympathies to his family including all his sisters, nieces and nephews. We are thinking of all of you. love, the Harris-Gips Family, Cape Elizabeth, Maine

Karen Harris

September 24, 2008

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Alessandra (Alex) Klück

September 24, 2008

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