Steven J. Sears

1960 - 2013

JAFFREY - Born in Syracuse, N.Y., on June 10, 1960, Steven J. Sears, died Oct. 24, 2013. He resided in Arbutus, Md., from 1969-1996. He then sought a more tranquil life for himself and his family and relocated to the quintessential New England town of Jaffrey.

Steve's career reflected the wide variety of skills he possessed. He especially loved unique construction projects, from stonework to custom woodworking. Steve continually sought new ways to challenge himself and enjoyed learning new skills. He strove for excellence in everything that he did, from caring for his family to his daily work. His final occupation with SVE Associates in Keene, which included boundary survey and construction layout, allowed Steve to surround himself with God's handiwork.

Steve was very involved in his daughters' interests, from teaching AWANA and coaching softball to taking Kosho Kempo karate with them and ultimately achieving his own black belt. He was very generous with his time and talents, eager to lend a hand, and sought to meet the needs of others.

Steve loved to build, create, and cook. He could often be found in the kitchen, ministering to others through cooking. Steve loved the outdoors and spent hours marveling at the intricacies of creation. He had a soft heart for all living things. He took in numerous stray cats, cared for wounded animals, and enjoyed feeding the variety of wildlife that frequented his own backyard.

Steve is much loved and will be deeply missed, but his family and friends rejoice in the fact that he is now home with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

He was the loving and devoted husband to his wife of 28 years, Diane Lynn (Hay) Sears, of Jaffrey. His daughters are Jessica Leigh Sears of Jaffrey, Shana Leanne Sears of Greenville, S.C, and Audra Lynae Sears of Jaffrey.

Steve was predeceased by his father, Chester James Sears, of Ellicott City, Md. He is survived by his mother, Marilyn Janet Sears, of Danvers, Mass., his Aunt Lorraine Washburne, also of Danvers, Mass., his brother, William Sears and his wife, Lisa, of Manchester, Md., and their children, Cody, Joseph, and Andrew Sears. He is also survived by his loving parents-in-law, Ruth and Mel Waskey of Baltimore, Md., sister-in-law, Roxanne Huk, of Valley Center, Calif., and her children, Leah, Daniel, and Rachel and step brother and sister-in-law, Nevin Waskey of Raleigh, N.C. and Laura Waskey of Tampa, Fla.

A celebration of his life will be held at Cathedral of the Pines, 10 Hale Hill Road, Rindge, on Saturday, Nov. 9, at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Dublin Christian Academy of Dublin or Camp Northfield of Northfield, MA.