Stephen J. Wilson

1942 - 2022

Stephen J. Wilson
July 11, 1942 - March 2, 2022
Fresno, California - Stephen James Wilson, beloved father and grandfather, passed away on March 2, 2022, with his children by his side.
Steve was born in Fresno, California, on July 11, 1942, to Grace Sample and Phillip Wilson and he lived in Fresno almost all of his life. He attended Fresno High School, where he played offensive guard on the football team and was a member of the track team, graduating in 1960. He went on to attend Fresno State University, graduating in 1964.
Steve began his real estate career at Houston & Sweat where he was active in leadership positions with the California Association of Realtors and other real estate organizations and boards, including the Fresno Planning Commission. He went on to become a certified financial planner with EF Hutton, Solomon Smith Barney, and Citigroup before retiring in the late 1990's.
Steve was an avid outdoorsman who felt at home in the Sierra Nevada mountains. He spent many summers camping, hiking and fishing in Yosemite with his family and friends. During winter, he often traveled with his family to China Peak, Badger Pass, and Lake Tahoe to ski. Steve also loved to travel, and explored North America, Europe, Asia, South America, and the Middle East. He enjoyed art, music, and theater and sharing these interests with his family.
Steve was a longtime member of Fig Garden Rotary and, while living in Colorado, served as the president of his Rotary Club. Steve had a passion for service and hosted exchange students, sponsored numerous Paul Harris Fellows, and engaged his community through Rotary. Steve was also a longtime member of Westminster Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder and on various committees over the years.
Steve was honest, sincere, and charismatic with a contagious laugh and a genuine spirit. He was happiest when he was with his children and grandchildren. A proud father, grandfather, and loyal friend, he treasured spending time with his family, and was their loudest supporter.
Steve is survived by his son Geoffrey and daughter-in-law Kristi and their children Madeline and Vivienne and his daughter Alison and son-in-law Aaron and their children Landon and Sloane. He was preceded in death by his parents Phillip and Grace Wilson and his brother Phillip Wilson.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on March 26th at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 50 E. Santa Ana, Fresno, CA 93704 with a reception immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Fig Garden Rotary in his honor. https://www.figgardenrotary.org/community-investment