STEVEN BRENT DEPPE

Steven Brent Deppe, born on May 22, 1958, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, July 10, 2014, at his home in Fresno at the age of 56. His parents, Harold and Clyvene Deppe, raised Steve in Fresno. While growing up, Steve, his parents, and brother Doug, enjoyed many family activities. These included car camping, sailing, snow skiing, water skiing and traveling in their travel trailer. When Steve was 15 years old, he and his brother took scuba lessons and became certified divers. They and their father Harold, dove together from their boat in places like Avila, Morro Bay, Monterey, and Fort Bragg. Steve's father took Steve and Doug on many backpacking trips into the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Steve later made numerous hiking trips into the mountains with his close friends. Steve developed many interests during his high school years, including piano (with lots of encouragement from his mother Clyvene). Steve became intrigued by the phenomenon of progressive rock in which rock bands played original compositions that emulated classical music. Steve also studied computer science and taught himself several computer languages. He took related classes in the summertime at California State University, Fresno. After graduating from Fresno High School in 1976, Steve attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo where he excelled in the study of computer science. Steve was a brilliant software engineer. After moving to L.A. in 1978, he specialized in computer systems programming and communications, working for a variety of companies during the formative years of the computer industry. Beyond his talents in computer science, Steve's passion for music was well known. Steve was an accomplished musician and an exceptional composer and songwriter. Steve spent most of his musical career writing music and playing keyboards with rock bands in the Los Angeles area. His original music ranged from classical to progressive rock. An example of his original classical music is entitled "Taedet Animam Meam", ("I Am Weary At Heart"), which was performed live by the Torrance Chamber Singers in 2000. Steve, a perfectionist, spent the last 20 years writing and rewriting a beautiful masterpiece requiem that he never completely finished to his satisfaction. Steve's classical musical influences were Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart. In addition to his great love of music and the outdoors, his friends will remember Steve for his unique sense of humor and his fun-loving personality. He made us laugh and enhanced our lives. Steve encouraged his friends to always do their best with every task or endeavor attempted. That attitude influenced us more than most of us have realized. Thank you, Steve. We will miss your wonderful friendship and never forget your beautiful musical creations. Steve is survived by his loving parents, Harold and Clyvene Deppe; brother Doug and sister-in-law Michelle; nephew Shawn; aunt, Doris Kirshner; several cousins; and many friends. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 8, 2014, at the Neptune Society of Central California, 1154 W. Shaw Avenue in Fresno.