Richard Armstrong Steiner

Steiner, Richard Armstrong
Richard Armstrong Steiner of Scottsdale, Arizona and Durango, Colorado passed quietly early Wednesday, February 18th. For those who knew him, this came as a great surprise, not that his body relinquished, but because all expected this Renaissance man would find a way to defy the laws of nature, or at the very least file for a continuance. Always looking forward, he explored life and the world. Death and failure might be inevitable, but he succeeded in nearly anything he undertook. The words, "I can't," were expunged from the records, replaced with, "Wouldn't it be interesting to…" Acting, architecture, cooking, football, history, homebuilding, the law, philosophy, set design, travel, welding and woodworking were among his eclectic pursuits. And, of course, there was landscaping with enough railroad ties to concern Union Pacific. Ask his wife of 38 years, Jan Steiner, about what living with Richard was like, and she'd reply, "It was never boring." His first wife, Penny Petersen, whom he met on the debate team at ASU, still marvels at his intellect. He touched and inspired many, not the least of which were his four sons, nine grandchildren, two brothers and all the extended family. Countless clients, Pop Warner football players, Scottsdale Theater for Children actors and patrons, prosecutors, judges and juries witnessed the difference he could make, and all were better for it. We can only imagine the last words of his closing argument, but we expect it would likely be, "I hope you understand the power that rests in your hands, and trust you'll act wisely." In his spirit, we hope you live curiously, always question the oxymoron that is conventional wisdom, and most of all, be brave enough to act wisely. He exemplified these values and was loved more than he could know. A memorial service will be held at Saint Barnabus on the Desert Episcopal Church on Friday, February 27th at 3:00 p.m. In addition, a public memorial dedication will be held on Thursday, March 12th at 3:00p.m., beginning at Saint Barnabus with a celebration party to follow. One of Richard's grandsons is currently fighting a rare disease, so any Memorial contributions should be made at: www.bit.ly/DonateForHarry. Saint Barnabus on the Desert : 6715 N Mockingbird Ln, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253