Steven Paul Peavler

Steven Paul Peavler Dec. 1, 1945 - Feb. 22, 2007 Resident of Martinez Steven Peavler passed away peacefully Thursday, February 22, 2007 at John Muir Hospital with his family and lifelong friend at his side. He is survived by his beloved father, Ken Peavler of Sonoma; wife, Jeanette Peavler of Martinez; and daughters, Hannah and Rachael. His loving mother, Virginia Peavler, preceded him in death. Steve had many wonderful friends including co-workers at Contra Costa County Social Services where he has worked for the past 27 years. The huge outpouring of love and concern during Steve's hospitalization was a tribute to the dedicated and honorable life Steve led and to the impact he had on so many lives. During his 27 years at Contra Costa County Social Services he was a Supervisor and Division Manager for several child welfare programs throughout the County. In the very earliest part of his career he worked at Mendocino State Hospital and in the states of Utah and Washington, he always focused on providing quality services and support to those in need. Steve dedicated himself to improving the quality of life for countless children and families. He initiated innovative programs in Contra Costa County including Family to Family, which focused on keeping children in their communities, collaborating with communities on supporting families and ensuring services were fair and equitable for everyone. He never tired of insisting that families were seen as important and made certain that all those around him understood that the voice of everyone be heard. His work and dedication will continue to enhance and protect the lives of many. Steve always had a great love of nature and adventure. From an early age he enjoyed camping, backpacking, skiing, white-water rafting, and traveling. He especially enjoyed sharing his love for adventure with his family and friend Charley Stern. Steve passed along these passions to his children. His daughter Rachael is pursing a graduate degree in hydrology at the University of Nevada, Reno, and his daughter Hannah is pursuing an undergraduate degree in psychology at CSU Chico. Steve was a devoted husband and father and will always be an important presence in his family's life. He was also a loving son and he and his father spent many happy times together. In the past several years Steve and his father, who also has an adventurous spirit, traveled together to Alaska, New Zealand, Hawaii, and Iceland. Steve was a kind, loving, generous and caring person who touched and impacted the lives of many. He will be greatly missed. A memorial is being planned for the near future. A fund in Steve's memory to benefit families that he cared so deeply for in Contra Costa County is being set up and information will be available at the memorial.