Steve Sigur

I am devastated to learn of Steve's passing. I had lost contact with him for some years and hoped to visit him on a trip this summer. We were friends, room mates, and colleagues at the University of Maryland. He had a clarity of thought, a sense of humor, and a gentle manner that was a rare combination.

Steve was my mentor teacher when I was hired to teach AP Calculus at Paideia. To say that he was a mathematician was an understatement. Steve had one of the greatest minds I had ever seen. I appreciated his desire to teach EVERYONE mathematics. He inspired all students to learn mathematics. He will truly be missed.

Alas, I only found out that Steve has died just a few days ago. I knew Steve when he was at the University of Maryland, and he really was a *bear* of a man (in a good way), and I am sorry that our time together was so short. I never forgot him. As a new grad student then, I appreciated his sharp logical mind deeply.

In the late l960's and early 70's my husband at the time, David Wycherley, played basketball in the church league and the city league with Steve...and what games those were...often winning the championship! Steve was a part of our life as a physicist, mathematician, basketball friend and philosopher. I am so sad to read of his loss and not surprised to know of the power of his presence in the lives of those who traveled a part of life's path with him.

It was always a pleasure to visit Steve's classroom on parent night where he inspired confidence in parents, radiating an always-fresh enthusiasm for the work being done by students for whom math was not necessarily their strongest subject.

Mr. Sigur was the only math teacher who could explain algebra to me with any success. Many years later I was teaching at Holy Innocents' I saw him at a basketball game when we played Paideia. I reintroduced myself and told him just that. He was humble. I'm sorry to hear of his passing. He was one of the greats.

Steve was one of the most caring and genuine people I've ever met. He taught me more valuable lessons about life than any other teacher I've encountered.

I remember playing one-on-one pickup games with Big Steve at Northside High School and feeling so intimidated by his size and moved that he would take the time to work with an aspiring high school athlete. My condolences to brother Joe, Coach Ozzie Wadewitz and to all Northside alumni who were touched by Steve.

Steve was such a wonderful man. He was great friends with my mom and my dad for so many years. He not only helped me with basketball, but helped me progress through multiple years of math. I will always remember how loving and concerned he was with everyone. He will always be remembered and he will never be forgotten.