Stephen Hopkins Armitage

Dear Ellen--
I am so sad to know that Steve has passed. Steve was a wonderful, smart and creative man. His funny and honest, clear-eyed takes on life and work will stay with me always. I am so glad that I first met and got to know him when we met in Westport. You and Steve welcomed Pat and me when you chaired the Horn Book Globe award so many years ago. Words fail at times like this. But please know that you are in my thoughts and in my heart.
Love, Barbara

Dear Ellen, my thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Keep your memories close, and know the love of your family and friends.

Ellen,

I send all my sympathy to you and Steve's family. I had just heard a few days ago that he had been ill, so I was very saddened to see news of his death in The Register. You are in my thoughts.

So sorry to hear about your loss, Ellen -- Steve was a wonderful guy

So very sorry to lose such a great guy. My most heartfelt condolences. I lack the words, I'd have to be some kind of poet to express the sense of loss.

My Deepest Sympathy to you Ellen and to Steve's Family.I knew Steve from my years of working in the Multnomah County Library System. He was always as I remember him a very pleasant person to work with. I am so sorry to hear about his passing. He will be missed by friends and co-workers alike.

I was sad to hear the news. Though I didn't know Steve well, I valued his quiet insights and love of art as he shared his assessment of books in our book group. It seemed he never took himself too seriously but was always gracious to the folks he was with. I will miss him.

Sad to hear this news. Peace to family and friends.

Clif Mills (Staples '61)

Steve was a valuable mentor to me early in my career as a librarian – most notably he served as a model of how meaningful it is for public librarians to act with kindness, calm, patience, and a passionate commitment to service, lessons I continue to use every day. He was a great teacher, a great librarian, and a lovely man. He made a difference in many people's lives – friends, library patrons, and colleagues – and he will be sorely missed.