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Steven Pawlowski Obituary
61, of Tempe, Arizona passed away on June 2, 2014. A devoted husband and father, Steve earned his law degree from Arizona State University and then worked 21 years in the state of Arizona's Department of Environmental Quality; he was currently employed as the coordinator of the Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter's Water Sentinels program. An avid hiker and lover of the wilderness, Steve had hiked portions of the Appalachian and Pacific Crest trails. Additionally, he was a much-loved member of the Phoenix folk music and Irish traditional music communities, admired over the last three decades for his singing, his deft guitar and bodhran skills, and his easygoing, relaxed performances and gracious wit. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Jeanie, and their daughter, Sarah, as well as by his mother Georgene, brother Stan, and sisters Deborah and Kathy. A private service will be held by the family. A memorial service for all his friends in the environmental and music communities to celebrate Steve's life is being planned by the family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to the Sierra Club's Grand Canyon Chapter, 202 E. McDowell Rd, Suite 277, Phoenix, AZ 85004 (602) 253-8633, or online at (http://arizona.sierraclub.org/donate-give.asp).
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Memories and Condolences
for Steven Pawlowski
Mark A Coryell
May 30, 2023
Hard to believe it's been it's been nine long years since Steve died, Although I didn't know Steve outside of the Sierra Club's Water Sentinels program he became one of the best friends I've had in the now 31 years I have lived in Arizona. For those who knew him he was an inspiration and an example of what it means to be a outstanding human being. I only met Jeanne and Sarah once but always enjoyed hearing him talk about them. Especially since my mother Sarah died in 2004 long before I met Steve and was inspired to get involved with the Water Sentinels program. He also encouraged me to pick up my guitar, that lived on a dusty shelf in San Francisco, California for some 50 years and try to play it. I now have an electric bass guitar, a solid body acoustic guitar, and an electric acoustic guitar along with the original guitar I brought home with me from Japan when I particpated in the 1971 World Boy Scout Jamboree.
Mark A Coryell
January 31, 2023
There is hardly a day that goes by that I don't think about Steve Pawlowski. Although I only knew him from the Sierra Club's Water Sentinels program he was one of my best friends of my now over 30 years in Arizona. His influence got me to pick up my guitar, which sat collecting dust on a shelf for probably 30 years. Realizing that I needed to lose weight if I was going to do the things I enjoyed, like Sierra Club Service Projects, I managed to lose over 100 pounds and keep it off (mostly). I left a job in the telecommunications industry I grew to loath began to realize dreams I had given up many years ago. So, although he might not be here physically his spirit, at least with me, will live on forever.,
Christine & Tony Garibay
June 24, 2014
Jeanie & Sarah, you & the rest of your family are in our prayers. God bless you always.
John Redmond
June 16, 2014
It was my privilege to have sung with Steve at the Newman Center for many years. I will always be grateful for that experience and his friendship.
Bill Wiley
June 13, 2014
Steve was my friend, a colleague and a true gentle soul with a passion for his work. I look fondly back on our days doing "surface water standards" at ADEQ and seeing him in another role as a musician. May you have calm, clean waters my friend.
June 13, 2014
Singing with Rick and Steve at mass is one of my best memories of the Newman Center years. So sad to hear of this. Would like to know about memorial service if it is not too late. Jeannie and Sarah, peace be with you.
Cynthia Witting
Brenda Curin
June 9, 2014
Jeanie, my deepest sympathy and prayers. You and Sarah are in my heart.
Christine Ossipov
June 8, 2014
Jeanie and Sarah, This is such a shock and it must be do difficult for you. I hope the love of family, friends and admirers of Steve's work gives you strength and comfort. You will be in my prayers.
Verde River spillway at Horseshoe Dam
Chuck & Mary Graf
June 7, 2014
Our deepest sympathy to you. Steve was a valued coworker at AzDEQ and a friend for many many years. His common sense, extensive knowledge of water issues and continued advocacy for science-based decisions regarding Arizona's water future will impact the state in a positive way for many years to come. When the summer rains arrive we will salute and remember again his contributions and friendship.
Pam & Charlie Corrado
June 7, 2014
Dear Jeanie, Sarah and the family of Steve,
You don't know us and we don't know you, but Steve's memory will forever remain in our hearts and minds. Having only known him less than a year, we had developed a fondness for him and his incredible passion for the water issues Arizona faces everyday. We were so fortunate to have met him through our Sierra Club and Friends of the San Pedro efforts. He will be missed. Rest in Peace, Steve, until we meet again......
Dutch Nagle
June 7, 2014
It was a great pleasure to know and work with Steve. He will be missed.
June 6, 2014
Jeanie, my heart goes out to you for your loss. Your faith and abiding strength will see you through.
Mike Smith
June 6, 2014
Thanks, Steve, for the way you befriended me on Facebook: "Anybody who removes 20K bufflegrass plants is a friend of mine." You were gentle with those who disagreed with you, wrote constantly of the current drought, informing people of a problem many would just as soon forget. You helped the rivers of Arizona, found beauty in the sky, and were an accomplished musician. We never met. I wish we had. May others take up the causes you fought for. I will.
Grace Smith
June 6, 2014
Jeanie, Deep sympathy for your loss.
Grace
Frank Holman
June 6, 2014
Jeanie....I am so sorry for this tragedy in your life as you were planning on more time with your family during retirement.
Cathy Coughlin
June 6, 2014
Jeanie & Sarah,
May all of the memories (and your family has had many adventures) comfort you deep in your soul. Not only are we all better folks because we were Blessed to know Steve but Planet Earth is a better place because of his care and concern for it. He may have left a very light carbon footprint on Planet Earth but he left a great big authentic positive impression on those he met. As Maya Angelou said, ““I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Steve made us feel hopeful, good and worthy.
Kris Randall
June 6, 2014
Steve always had a smile on his face even when he was frustrated. He was a true advocate for Arizona's water and riparian resources. I feel it was a privilege to have known and worked with Steve. My thoughts and prayers go to his family.
S B
June 6, 2014
His heart and passion will forever fuel others to lead in the protection of our beautiful waters, fertile soil, clean air and joyful healthy beautiful lives. Inspire us from the other side! And, thank you!
Cindy Zisner
June 6, 2014
My deepest sympathies to your family. I only met Steve last year and am so sorry I didn't know him longer. He was a great person and dedicated to his cause. He will be missed greatly as he touched many people.
June 5, 2014
Jeanie, Sarah and family.... Seek comfort in the great creator... he has gone on to an Eden we can not imagine. With prayers, Tina Rogers
Janet Pinhorn
June 5, 2014
My deepest sympathy to you and your family at this difficult time. God Bless.
John Schumacher
June 5, 2014
I send this thought to the spirit of Steve: I did not know you but I know and have worked with Jeannie and it is she who knows you and loves you. That fact is all I need to recognize the great loss that has occurred. I also want Jeannie to know that I sense the depth of her loss and I will hold both Steve and you in my heart and prayers.
Marilyn Koch
June 5, 2014
Jeanie, I am so sorry to hear about your husband. My heart goes out to you and Sarah. It sounds like he was an amazingly wonderful and accomplished man.
Camille Shaffer
June 5, 2014
My deepest sympathy to Steve's immediate and extended family. I will support you through this most difficult time with a promise of prayer. May your loving memories of Steve draw you close and comfort you.
Rosetta Walker
June 5, 2014
No words can express how saddened we were to hear of your passing. Our daughters grew up playing soccer together, parents cheering on from the sidelines. Our kids went to school, grew up and became beautiful women. You will be missed. Our prayers go out to your beautiful wife Jeannie and wonderful daughter Sarah. May God bring peace and fond memories to those left behind. With love, Jim Rose and Cheyenne Walker, Tempe
Brian Myers
June 5, 2014
The Earth has lost a Champion but his legacy of service will inspire us all...
Tiffany Sprague
June 5, 2014
Steve, we miss you so much. Our world isn't the same without you, and our office seems so barren without your laugh and your presence. You truly were one of the kindest and most dedicated people I've ever met, and I'm honored to have been your friend.
Nia Maxwell
June 5, 2014
Your goodness, good work and love for our Earth will last, Steve. It was my privilege to have known you, and your music. My deepest sympathy to your family.
June 5, 2014
Steve was always professional and gracious about helping with our projects. We were all very impressed by his knowledge and dedication. This is a tragedy. Bev Full
Sandy Bahr
June 5, 2014
Steve was such a good kind person. He helped us all so much and was a wonderful advocate. Steve was knowledgeable about water and other environmental issues and so passionate about protecting Arizona's rivers. Steve was dedicated to making this a better world -- and he sure did. Our hearts go out to his entire family, to Jeanie and Sarah. He was a good friend to all of us here at the Sierra Club and to our environment. We are so very sorry for your loss.
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