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Jesse Steed Obituary
Jesse Steed's former colleagues remember him as a joker.
"He was a character. If you look at all the old photos of him, he was doing things to make people laugh," said Cooper Carr, who worked with Steed in the Hotshots from 2001 to 2003.
"He was good at impressions, and he sang songs; he was just great for morale. He'd just talk in a funny voice and have us all in stiches," Carr said. "And he was strong as an ox."
Carr remembers that Steed once spent the better part of an hour positioning a water bottle just right for a photo so that it would look like Yosemite Falls was cascading into it.
Steed was also remembered for his dedication to fighting wildfires.
"He did it for a long, long time. I think he started in 2001, when he got out of the Marines. A job like the Hotshots is hard, hard work, and you don't stay in it if you don't love it," Carr said.
Steed, 36, was one of the older members of the crew. Renton, Wash., police officer Cassidy Steed said his brother "always put his life on the line for people who he knew he would never meet."
Associated Press reporters Raquel Maria Dillon in Seal Beach, Calif., Sue Manning in Los Angeles; and Felicia Fonseca and Hannah Dreier in Prescott contributed to this story.
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
88 Entries
January 19, 2019
Still thinking of you! We will never forget!!
Ben Thayer
June 15, 2018
You were a true hero. Thank you for your service, you will never be forgotten
Kathy Killgore
July 4, 2014
It has been one year since your loved one died. Let not his death, but his life endure, in your memory and what you learned from him. Until you can meet him again, much love. The community will not forget him.
How you can show support
Kathleen
November 30, 2013
Dear loved ones of Jesse,
It has been nearly six months since this horrific tragedy. My prayer is for you to continue to endure in spite of the emotional pain that greets you each day. May you be comforted in knowing that our heavenly father knows how you feel and listens intently if you call on him and come and pray to him, he listens and will calm your heart. – Jeremiah 29:12
Jen Tobin
November 17, 2013
Jesse was such an amazing man!!! We love you!! Your legacy will forever live on!! God bless!
A headstone from ireland quote
August 15, 2013
Michelle Kendall & Family
August 10, 2013
The world is full of men, but what of men noble and true?
Can you say that you have known such a man?
These men are far too few.
But let me tell you a a story,
About a team of men
Who left behind a legacy
That will not be forgotten.
Highly trained,
They passed every test,
Chosen to fight wild fires,
They were called the best.
One scorching June day in 2013,
When a wildfire raged
The Hotshots were called upon
To battle the fiery blaze.
Armed with tools and heavy gear,
They set out in their prime,
No job too hard for these men,
No hill too tall to climb.
Command was set, plans were made
To tackle the fire's wrath
But winds shifted unexpectedly
And they were trapped in the fire's path.
19 men were caught that day,
The fire drew quickly near
Though they knew they were truly trapped,
Not a one showed fear.
Dig your shelters, men came the command,
Each one knew what this meant
They dug with haste and with one final look
They took to their tents.
Then let us look away,
For we cannot bear
What came to each one next,
Each man endured in those fiery moments,
His final Hotshot test.
And when the aid finally found the men,
The blackened landscape bore
The testimony of death everywhere,
And the men who were no more.
Oh children, your father was so brave,
A man who did his best
In work excelled, he fought to save,
withstanding every test.
Dear widow, may you never shed
another tear at some unhappy strife
For you've suffered enough dread
The day your husband lost his life.
Young sweetheart, your hopes and dreams
Lay in ashes, from the fire's wrath
May you find hope and dream once more
Though sorrow has changed your path.
Sad mother, your beautiful son,
your joy and your pride
Whom you succored with patient love,
has bravely lived and bravely died.
Two prayers I pray for you, the first,
Though all hope now seem dim
May you have a hope in God,
And place your trust in Him.
Second, May something good,
Something beautiful and strong
Emerge from this tragic loss
From something that went so wrong.
Then like a Phoenix from the ashes
May these men and their noble deeds
Live, for love is stronger than death,
In the lives of those who who stop here to read.
A mountain reflection the stars
August 9, 2013
The voyage
August 9, 2013
Sandee Garza Schock
August 7, 2013
To the Family & Friends
of Mr. Steed
Please accept my deepest
sympathy in the loss of
Your HERO. May He Rest In
Peace. May God comfort You
during this difficult time.
Sincerely
July 25, 2013
God Bless!
Aunt Cammie
July 16, 2013
Will miss you everyday til we see each other again. Love you Jesse James!
Printer family
July 16, 2013
No one can thank you enough for the amazing hero you are, we are so sorry for your loss Desiree and family and hope that in time you find peace. Jesse- you and your crew leave behind a legacy. It will be tough for anyone to follow in your footsteps. Thank you for reminding us of the importance of family and to live life to its fullest. May we be able to pay it forward to your wife,children,family and world!
Jen Carroll
July 16, 2013
My heart aches for you and Desiree and the kids.
Michael VanderHart
July 16, 2013
Semper Fidelis Jesse, it was a great honor knowing you. We love you and will miss you greatly. Bravo Co. 1/4
David Hartley
July 16, 2013
My brother you will remain in my heart till we meet again. I am glad I knew the hero you were before the rest of the world did. Semper Fi
William Rivera
July 16, 2013
It was an honor knowing and serving with you.
Charlie Payne
July 16, 2013
RIP Steed from the boys of Bravo co.1stBn 4th Marines.
GRUMP
July 16, 2013
RIP!!!
Kim and Bob Sheets
July 16, 2013
Bless you Jesse .??
Martha Doty
July 15, 2013
Although I didn't know you, you, your brave brothers in fighting fires, and your families will be in my prayers. I am grateful that there are still heroes like you! Thank you for your work and dedication!
Nikki Aloisio
July 12, 2013
"Lifting the family up in prayer"
David & Carol Kramer
July 11, 2013
We are so sorry for your loss. Jesse was an amazing being. He will always be in our hearts. May God Bless you all.
Dayna Lombardo
July 11, 2013
You are a true hero Jesse- your family loves you so much- I know you are the angel for Desiree and your beautiful children- Rest in Peace-
Pennie & Tammy White
July 10, 2013
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
July 10, 2013
Thank you friend
Michelle Licano
July 9, 2013
Jesse: you truly were one of the greatest people I ever met. Desiree was so proud to be married to you. Not a day went by that she didn't talk about you. You will always be her shining star. I know you will always be there to watch over her and your beautiful children. Thank you for your honor and courage. God bless you and your family.
Mary Sue Thompson
July 9, 2013
There are no more honorable vocations than those that serve others. His devotion to this path never ended. A real hero for us all to look up to. You must be so proud. Take heart from all the love surrounding you now.
Kevin and Tasha Heaton
July 8, 2013
Our deepest condolences to you the family and loved ones of this extraordinary young man. He has touched the hearts & minds of the world with his exemplary character,integrity, passion and dedication. He will not be forgotten. His life made a difference. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the days to come. May the God of ALL Comfort - comfort you as only He can. "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed,for His compassions never fail. With great respect,
Barbara Kolb
July 8, 2013
So sorry to lose this incredible young man. There is deep sadness in the hearts of Arizonans. We mourn with you.
Eileen Andric
July 8, 2013
So very sorry for your loss. A true American hero.
Richard Moreno
July 7, 2013
Its so very difficult for those whom are left behind to deal wih the loss of so many men who are the definition of the words heros and greatness. Jessy, was my friend and a fantastic father, brother, and blessing to all he met. With a kind word and a huge smile and a big hug you always felt like you were a part of jessys family, we miss you and love you jessy, jesus just needed the best firefighters more than we did. We pray to see you in time.
Jo
July 7, 2013
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Marjean Kinsey
July 5, 2013
May the Lord's light guide you through this difficult time and may it provide you some comfort to know that Jesse was and will always be a hero.
Rick Grosscup
July 5, 2013
So sad that fire snuffed out such a good life too soon.
May his legacy and the strength of his memory give you strength in the days and years ahead.
He is not gone until he is forgotten.
Debbie Luevano
July 5, 2013
Our deepest condolences. God welcomed all the Hotshots home with open arms. RIP
Miki
July 4, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. I am praying for your family during this time of grief.
George Hilbish
July 4, 2013
The Marines and Corpsmen of the Pierce County Detachment 504 Marine Corps League, Share in Your Loss. Rest in Peace, Marine. Semper Fi!
susan cowell
July 4, 2013
So sorry for your loss of this BRAVE young man. Our hearts go out to his family. Put your arms around his lovely young children and let them know how brave their Dad was to put his life on the line to save others. Cherish all those special moments you had with him and know our prayers are with you
Brock Fischer
July 4, 2013
Jesse brother you were a great man. I miss the days of driving around camp Pendleton together. You were a great friend and roommate. Your family are in my families thoughts and prayers.
July 3, 2013
our prayers are with your family
Marian Marsceill
July 3, 2013
So sorry to hear about your loss. Thoughts and prayers are sent your way. God bless.
Chelsea Russell
July 3, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss, my thoughts are with the Steed family and all his friends. RIP Brother;
Chelsea Russell, Toronto Fire Services
July 3, 2013
hero and the memory is what is to carry your family now. prayer to your family R.I.P.
Always in our hearts!
July 3, 2013
Danny and Joyce Snide
July 3, 2013
Comfort the Bereaved
When earthbound days are done, and loved ones go beyond, Sometimes our Lord's promis for eternal life is hidden in grief and loneliness and strife, but, a sympathetic nod, a note that says, "I care", a gesture or a hand to hold will lift clouds of despair. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Romans 12:15. We are weeping with your family as you try to cope with this tragedy. Love Joyce, Peoria Az
Jenny Bruner
July 3, 2013
My deepest condolonces to the Steed family. May God bless each of you and give you the strenght needed during this time. A true Hero!
Carolyn Hettich
July 3, 2013
My heartfelt condolences. I am so very sorry for your loss; so very grateful for your sacrifice.
Charlene Rathgeb
July 3, 2013
Sending you much love, and hope that you are granted strength in the coming days. Our sorrow is truly numbing, and our hearts are with you. Charlene and Mike Rathgeb, both with Toronto Fire Services, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Chris Shippy and Family
July 3, 2013
It is so tough to hear that a good man like Jesse and his men have fallen. Our thoughts, hearts and feelings are with the family's. This tragic event has robbed us of greatness, something that is very hard to find these days.
True hero's, forever to be recognized and looked up to. May you all rest in peace!!!!
July 3, 2013
God Bless to the family of this true American hero. We admire and love all that you have done.....
Darlene
July 3, 2013
Thank you for your service and bravery RIP young man.
July 3, 2013
The thoughts and prayers of the nation are with you as you grieve the loss of your loved one. May you find some comfort in knowing that you are in the thoughts and prayers of so many at this sad time.
Rich Reay of WHFD
July 3, 2013
God bless the Steed family and friends during this difficult time. Jesse was truly a hero for what he believed and for what he did for a living. May God bless Jesse!
July 3, 2013
My deepest sympathies to family and friends. May our Father in heaven give you strength during this trying time...
Robyn
July 2, 2013
Peace be with you all. Thank you for sharing this lovely photo of Jesse so that we can gaze upon the face of one so loved and who obviously loved what he did.
EDGAR & NELL BROWN
July 2, 2013
TO FAMILY OF JESSE STEED MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU AT THIS TIME AND OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH AND MAY BLESS, COMFORT AND KEEP.
Prima & Ron
July 2, 2013
Our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of this true hero.
You are in our thoughts and prayers…
R.I.P. Jesse
Alexandria Napier
July 2, 2013
So very sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Jesse was a hero, and will never be forgotten.
Jim & Dianne Hart
July 2, 2013
Our sincere condolences go out to you and your family for the loss of your loved one. He was truly a hero and will always be remembered.
Carol Durkin
July 2, 2013
God Bless the Steed family and friends.
All of Arizona grieves with you.
With Deep Sympathy --
Monica Martin
July 2, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts. No words can help at this time but please remember we share in your loss. My husband, my oldest daughter, and myself are firefighters.
Jody K
July 2, 2013
I am so very sorry that your family is going through this great loss with the passing of Jesse. Please know that your family and Jesse's friends will be in my thoughts and prayers. Prescott will never forget!
Jeanette
July 2, 2013
Deepest Sympathy for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Steve and Keely Callaway
July 2, 2013
Deepest condolences to your family & friends for the loss of your dear one; a true hero. God be with you in comfort and love as you grieve the loss of this great man. Be assured he gave his life in great honor. There is no way to thank him for his sacrifice; so in the memory of his dear passed soul I thank you, his loving family and friends. You are now his legacy. My heart is broken with you. So, so sorry for you loss.
July 2, 2013
God's blessings
Kathy & Brian Kent
Blenheim Ontario Canada
Nancy & Norm Sandoz
July 2, 2013
I am listening to a news report here and the people interviewed are expressing our very thoughts. Jesse and his brother firefighter were indeed heroes. With all we send our prayers and thoughts to a man who gave so much to his country in so many ways.
The O'Coys
July 2, 2013
Prayers to the Family and Friends. You will never be forgotten. Go in Peace.
David & Kathryn Luithle
July 2, 2013
May you find strength in God in this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May Caden and Cambria someday find comfort in knowing that their father was a true hero.
joseph bria
July 2, 2013
Semper Fi Brother. My heart breaks for your family. Bravo Company 1st Battalion 4th Marines
Tony S.
July 2, 2013
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of these fine young men that paid the ultimate price. My prayers are with you! SEMPER FI my Brother!
July 2, 2013
Desiree: Sunny and I are heartbroken; we got to know you and Jesse so personally when we were working with the two of you; you and the two boys are in our prayers not only now but into the future; Jessie is in a better place, but he's watching over the three of you; we will make the memorial when find out when it is.
Dr. Don (doc) Miller & Sunny
Catherine Woodard
July 2, 2013
Our hearts ache for you, Desiree, Caden, and Cambria, and we pray God holds you close. We are grateful to have spent an evening with you; we saw Jesse's love of family and life first hand. Our deepest sympathy... Bill and Catherine Woodard, parents/in-laws of Cassidy and Ellie
July 2, 2013
May God give you peace,comfort and strength to endure this tragedy. My heart breaks for all of you.
Carol Underwood, Burlington, NC
Charlotte
July 2, 2013
My heart breaks for Jesse Steed's family. I pray that God comforts them with an everlasting peace and love
Scott Chamberland
July 2, 2013
Please accept my Deepest Sympathies
Marty Boles
July 2, 2013
You will be sorely missed! God Bless and keep your family in His arms through this most difficult time.
robert
July 2, 2013
my heart is broken. god bless him, and your family.
M B
July 2, 2013
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
July 2, 2013
Thank you Mr. Fireman, Jan Tempe Az
July 2, 2013
Desiree,
So very sorry-Keep those fond memories you have of Jesse-in your heart -they will last a lifetime.
With Love,
Mary Kanton(mom of FFF Chris Kanton) Paso Robles CA)
July 1, 2013
Rest in peace my friend Jesus is at the gate with his arms open
Jennifer
July 1, 2013
My thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Jesse. May God Bless You!
Dawn Stacey
July 1, 2013
Continue your watch from above :'(
GS
July 1, 2013
Way too soon. My sympathy goes out to his family.
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