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Steven Lee Stelmach Steven Lee Stelmach, aka Biff Parker, unexpectedly passed away of natural causes. He was born in Everett, Washington in 1962. His father served in the military and the family moved multiple times before settling in Austin in 1969. Steven was a talented and industrious person who had many passions. His early love of music led him to create both a label, biffco Records, as well as his mysterious moniker, Biff Parker. He was tour manager for many early classic Austin bands including The WayOuts, The Reivers, Wannabees and Buick MacKane. Biff also worked as the caretaker of the Caswell House for over fifteen years. His Caswell House role led him to a long career in catering with companies including Word of Mouth, An Affair to Remember and The University of Texas. It was during this time that Biff became a founding staffer for South By Southwest. Biff served in many roles throughout his career with SXSW ranging from signing venues, training stage managers, selecting bands and party management to his current and possibly hardest role as the Community Liaison to the City of Austin. He worked closely with local businesses, residents and city staffers in protecting the interests of all involved during the event. All of his previous life experiences have helped make SXSW what it is today. Along with a second identity, Biff had a second home and split his time between Austin and Butler, Pennsylvania. He enjoyed the changing seasons (snow!), slower pace of life and the close community ties and friendships he created. Continuing another interest that began in Austin, he acquired old houses and began to fix them up. He was a terrific landlord. Steven will be greatly missed by family and neighbors who have watched him grow from the hard working young boy selling papers on the corner of Ben White and IH35 into the brother and son you could always count on. Biff will also be greatly missed by two cities, the New Jersey Devils, Swansea FC and friends from far and wide. Steven Lee Stelmach is survived by his parents Gary and Wanda Stelmach, partner-in-life Leslie Uppinghouse, sisters Debra Stelmach (Martha Cutler) and Mardi Clissold (David) and Grandmother Frances Johnson. In lieu of formal services, family would like to invite you to celebrate Steven's life and our time spent with him at the Caswell House, 1404 West Ave. on Sunday, November 13th from 2-5 p.m.
Published in Austin American-Statesman on November 6, 2011
